Just us Girls...

Ash is tucked into her crib and finally sleeping after a long day of "growling" and grinning. To hear those sounds coming from such a beautiful little mouth is shocking, but the grin that follows is so sweet. She is very proud of her new vocabulary. It no longer includes the sweet sounding, "My mama", but now it contains the word, "Maaaa!" She keeps everyone well entertained across the hall at the nurses station.

This morning our friend Ginny was feeling better than she has in several days and she asked to see Ashley in one of her bows. Of course Ash can't come out of her room, but we were able to stand at our door way and Ginny could see Ashley(and hear Ashley) from across the hall. I was so happy that Ashley wanted to cooperate and she waved over and over again to Ginny. My heart smiled when I saw Ginny's fingers waving back to us from under the covers. I am so happy that both of these precious girls had a good day. God is really working in the lives of the children up here in Omaha. How thankful I am to know that He loves them, that He feels their hurts, that He listens to the prayers that are sent up on their behalfs, and that He is taking care of them.

Now that Nan has gone back home to help run my household (thank you so very much for all you do!), it is just us girls left here on our own. I love it when the family comes to visit us, but when they all leave it makes our room seem so very empty and lonely. Ashley and I are adjusting to just hanging out with each other once again. I was able to rock that precious baby girl for a very long time this afternoon. I love looking into her face. She truly is a miracle, and I am so blessed to be able to see His power in the life of my daughter. Ash seems to be uncomfortable with her feeds and I am praying that as we slowly increase them she will be able to adjust. If she doesn't then I don't know what options we will be left with. I try not to fear what may happen. I am just believing that this time it is going to work. I would love to take her out of this hospital to our little apartment and start looking towards the day of our homecoming. What a celebration that will be in our family.

Tomorrow begins another weekend and although the slower pace is sometimes appreciated around here it makes me miss being at home with Blake and Allie. How I long to be back at the ballpark with Blake or at a competition with Allie. To be able to attend church again with all of our friends would be such a blessing to me. I know that this time in our lives is here for a purpose, but I am still looking forward to taking our sweet Ashley Kate back home where she belongs. In our house, in her nursery, with our family. It all seems like a dream and sometimes I wonder if it will come true, then I remind myself that the Father is working in the lives of my family and He will take us home when His plan for us here in Omaha is complete. There was a day in my life when I only dreamed of holding this precious baby and now here I am actually doing it. He knows the desire of my heart and in His time it will happen. I just know it.

I wish Ash and I could be at tomorrow's concert in person to say thank you to everyone for all they do for us. Since we can't be there I would just like to let all of the volunteers, performers, planners, and ticket buyers know that your love and concern for our daughter has touched my heart. You are appreciated, and I am praying His blessings on all of you. Thank you for caring about our tiny "pickle". We look forward to the day that we bring her home and you all have a chance to see what a difference you made. Good night from "just us girls" and God Bless. Trish