Hoping and Praying (9/11/08)

Kensley is 9 pounds and 13 ounces today. She is sleeping about 6 hours through the night, which is nice. Her intestines appear to be absorbing all they can, they are just not long enough to get it all. We are blessed that she is so young, because her intestines have the opportunity to grow and compensate more than an older child or adult's would. The adaptation process apparrently takes up to two years, and she may have to have a lengthening surgery. I pray that we avoid surgery. It would be like starting over on feeding her again. You always hear that God will not give you more than you can handle. That saying is not so comforting to me. I have discovered that I can handle more fear and pain and anger and frustration than I ever thought possible, but still we go forward...very slowly. Patience and hope are the hardest test the Lord has ever given me. But what is the choice. I go forward, praying and hoping, and waiting patiently. I read God's word every time I feel myself begin to worry and I get down on my knees when fear overtakes me. And even though there are times when I do not think I can keep this up, God blesses me. I am never lonely. Kensley smiles and laughs and plays. We spend lots of time just playing on the floor, cooing and giggling together. Maybe all the fear and frustration has been worth it. Maybe all the hoping and praying is working. I know it is. Hugs from Heaven, Tana

Prayer requests:
Little Jake is on the transplant list. I was informed that he did not have an infection. It was a false positive on the first blood culture and the second came back negative. He is however having an issue with one side of his heart. He has received a pump on the other side which is keeping him going until a donor heart can be found, but now the other side is swelling. (Please forgive me if these details are not exactly correct. I am getting information second hand, but it is always safe to pray. Afterall the Holy Spirit knows what we should pray before we even begin) So let's pray that his heart is healed. God is the God of miracles. Let's pray for that miracle and expect it to happen. God is that big! This little baby boy needs a chance to live and love and grow. Pray with me that God heals his little heart so he can be a testimony for the Glory of God through the His son Jesus Christ. Continue to pray for Caed and his whole family as they begin their stay here in Nebraska, that they may find the answers and the healing that God has planned for Caed. Please pray for Kensley to continue to thrive and avoid all infections and illnesses during this critical first year. Pray that her intestines grow longer and adapt and absorb all she needs to grow and thrive. AND thank God. Thank him that we all get to pray together through this blog and that He has seen fit to give us smiling happy babies, blue skies, green grass, people to love, puppies to pet, etc. etc. May God bless each of you.