More miracles

Yesterday our friend Katie gave birth to her first child, a boy, named Foley Michael. He was 8 lbs, 5 oz and 21 inches long. A beautiful thing, for sure...

This morning at 3:00, a nurse came to their room and told them that Foley had been moved to the NICU. He has been having trouble with his breathing, and is now on oxygen and medications for a possible lung infection.

This makes me think how very fragile a baby's life is. How we have to care for them and protect them. I know the feeling of joy that comes from welcoming your new child, and the heartache of post partum depression, but I have been so fortunate to have avoided the helpless feeling of knowing that your child is ill and you can't make her better.

I also know that, in God's infinite wisdom, there is a plan for each of us. Perhaps this illness in the beginning of his life will make him stronger later. Katie lost her father as a teenager, and has named her son for him. I know that he is with Foley every step of the way. We pray for so many things, but is anything more important than praying for the health and safety of our children? There can't be, in this mother's heart, a more important prayer to say every day.

So now I pray, not only for my child, but for the children of all of my friends and family, and for the children in this world who do not have the luxuries that we are afforded. Even while I pray for all of these children, tonight I will be saying a special prayer for a precious new boy who hasn't even had a chance to meet all of us who love him, sight unseen.

AH, Growing UP

Well, it's been 5 months since our Abby was born, and I know that's a long time to wait on a post, but there's been lots and lots going on!

Abby has completed the following tasks:

July 1, 2005 - Rolled over, back to front AND front to back
July 14, 2005 - Ate her first meal with a spoon - mmmmm, oatmeal!
July 14, 2005 - Blew her first, second, and 100th raspberry - she likes em!
July 15, 2005 - Rolled over going the other way

And so many more things. Abby is growing day by day. She is currently 15 lbs., and 24 1/4 inches long. She has attended her first birthday party, for her friend Alex's first birthday, and has another next weekend for her friend Liam's first. She is such a party girl!

Abby's Uncle Jon Mark came to visit her over the July 4th holiday. She really enjoyed hanging out with him. She had her first visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art - and she LOVED looking at those paintings (I guess the colors caught her attention). Uncle Jon carried her through some of the museum, because her coach just wasn't where she wanted to be. Of course, she pooped while we were there, but that's ok!

Abby especially loved it when Uncle Jon made duck noises with his mouth, and he agrees with us that our dog, Mick, is Abby's favorite "person" in the whole world. I bet her first word is Mick!

Abby also had her first trip to the New Jersey Shore, and to Wildwood's boardwalk while her Uncle Jon was here. She really enjoyed it, except for the ride home. Sometimes she gets tired of just sitting around - she's ready to get up and go!

Sadly, Uncle Jon had to return home to Oklahoma, and Abby sure does miss him. She also misses her Nana and Grandpa, but I know they'll be here to visit soon! Abby's going to be spending her first Thanksgiving with her family in Oklahoma. I know she'll love Great-Grandma's mashed potatoes. Should be an interesting sight.

Well, that is my latest update. Hope you enjoyed learning about Abby's recent goings-on.