Lot's of praise and a little disappointment

I'll start with my most awesome news today and that is that Emily and Abby's Personal care hours were reinstated.  I couldn't be more shocked.  I have been praying constantly as the last few weeks have been very hard on me without my helpers.  We've done well because God is faithful and He provides, but it hasn't been easy.  I'll be able to catch up a bit now.  Whew!!  Thank you Lord for that awesome answer to prayer. 

We were also blessed by some new equipment for the girls.  The family that lost their sweet son 2 weeks ago generously donated a stander, bath seat, walker and other goodies to my girls.  I can't wait to post pictures of the girls standing, they are getting so tall.  It was as much a treat to talk with his mom about raising our very special children as it was to get some new stuff to do with the kids.  I love how God speaks to my heart through the lives of others.  He definitely spoke to me yesterday, so thank you Kathi!

My baby girls Sarah turned 11 on Monday.  I'm going to sit down and write the story of my miracle Sarah soon.  I was going to do it for her birthday, but I didn't have time.  Sarah is so special to me.  She is an everyday reminder of the power of God and the way He restores lives. 

This week is vacation bible school at our church.  I LOVE this week.  It's so much fun and our special needs class is, of course, the best!  I am transitioning out of leading the group because we're moving.  I'm so thankful for the others willing to step up and lead, but I will miss it.  I'm not going tonight to give the new leaders some time, but I want to go! 

Abby reminding us that God created birds!

creation kids :)

Emily and Hannah

Abby kind of needs a break. I took her to VBS Monday and Tuesday, but she's not feeling so great today. A lot of activity, no matter how much she loves it, is hard on her. She's a little pale and nauseated today. Her belly is puffy, so I think a day off would help a lot. It is very sad for me to see her struggle even through one of her favorite things to do. She's okay, but she's not okay.


We saw Abby's GI doctor today.  Friday will be exactly 5 months from when she was admitted to the hospital.  I'm disappointed that she hasn't made more progress.  I know she's much better than she was, but it's still so far from where I want to be.  We are not moving her IV fluids for another week and then we'll see how she looks.  He told me today that when she goes off of TPN, she'll probably need to stay on regular IV fluids for a while.  Her nutrition requirements are almost met, but her daily fluid requirements are at about 60%. 

It's a frustratingly slow process and I am tired of it.  I see Abby's personality changing a little.  She's tired of it too.  I continue to trust that God has a plan in this, but it's hard to understand.  I always go back to Hebrews and the "Hall of Faith".  None of those people knew what God was trying to accomplish and yet thousands of years later their faith speaks to my life.  Hooking up an IV bag to my poor Abby for 5 months isn't that big of a deal.  But learning to trust a plan that makes no sense to me, I'm sure holds some eternal value for all of us. 

I continue to hold tightly to the belief that God loves Abby more than I could ever imagine loving her.  She is safe in His arms, especially on the days when I''m disappointed that she doesn't feel as safe in my arms. 

"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." Psalm 119:76