A Baby Changes Everything

That statement has never been truer than in these last eight months!

As I listened to this song at the Christmas concert at church, I couldn’t help but think about how our baby Will changed so many things for me. I’ve learned more about dependence, the NICU, how many cc’s are in an oz., the helplessness a parent can experience, what pediatric therapy looks like, what a neonatologist can and can’t tell us, what it means to be surrounded by love, how it feels to know that people are hoping and praying for us when have trouble doing those things for ourselves. Our baby changed so many things for us and the people who are closest to us.But, of course, the baby who changed everything for everyone is Jesus. As I listened to the songs about Him, one in particular was more meaningful this year than any other. “Mary Did You Know” talks about all of the things that Jesus will do in His life that she couldn’t know of when He was just a baby. She was already pondering in her heart all of the things that were happening at His birth, but the song speaks of events even further down the road:
Mary did you know?

The blind will see

The deaf will hear

And the dead will live again

The lame will leap

The dumb will speak

The praises of the lamb.

Of course, the promise her baby boy brings for my baby boy is that, whatever Will’s future may be on this earth, in heaven he will walk and sing praises to Jesus. And it also reminds me that as I treasure these moments with both of my children, as most mothers do, I cannot know what they will do in their lives. I have no idea what the Lord has in store for my children.

For now, we are seeing Will gain strength every week. His little neck and trunk are stronger and more stable. His hands are more opened than closed. He’s “eating” cereal and fruit—he loves it but I think he also loves the mess he makes! His therapists are starting new exercises because he’s mastering the ones he’s been working on for the last couple of months. Libby is becoming such a big girl. Her independent spirit is really showing itself in mostly good ways. The other day she asked for popcorn. After I made it, poured it in a bowl and set it on the counter to cool, I turned my back to her and the popcorn to finish unloading the dishwasher. The next thing I know, I hear her babbling as she was walking up the stairs. I looked over at the counter and the popcorn bowl was gone. She’d taken it, headed up the stairs and, as I followed the trail of popcorn, I found her waiting for me in the TV room on the couch. I guess I was taking too long! In addition to eating popcorn, she loves to "cook" and eat peanut butters (as she calls it!).

She loves to sing, especially “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”, the ABC’s, “Away in a Manger”, "Jesus Loves Me" and “Patty Cake”. When Will sneezes, she says, “Bless you, Baby! Bless you!” She also likes to announce when he has a stinky diaper. Such a good sister! She’s working on obeying the first time she’s asked to do something (not something I’ve even mastered) and having a happy heart when Mommy can’t do everything she wants exactly when she wants it done (again, patience is not my strength either).

They both had pink eye and ear infections. What fun it wasn't. Other than those little viruses, our Christmas was filled with family, food and the joy only a child can express while opening gifts! Libby thought she’d hit the jackpot because she opened all of Will’s presents along with her own. She’s enjoyed playing with her toys and showing Will how to play with his.

Right before Christmas, I attempted to take some cute pictures of the kids and ended up with this...

Oh well!

We've been able to see friends and family over the last couple of months: Andrew's mom came the week before Thanksgiving and Libby was so happy to see her "Grammy". Andrew's newest nephew Dylan and his parents were here for Thanksgiving. We went to the Christmas concert with Andrew's godparents and it was so nice to be with them for the evening. My friend Courtney stopped by after Christmas to see us and practiced holding Will since she'll be having her own baby in June!

We’re looking forward to a new year. This one has been a full one— we really can’t believe all that’s happened when we stop and talk about it. I know things could have been very different and that made me so thankful that we were able to be together as a family of four for our Christmas celebrations. I was reminded so often this year of God's love expressed through His people as my little family was cared for by our friends and family and at Christmas I was reminded of God's love expressed through the gift of Jesus who gives us hope in this life.

We are meeting with the neurologist in March (9th) so she can schedule his MRI. Clearly it's not something we're looking forward to. Please continue to pray for Will's strength to increase, for his fine and gross motor skills to improve, for his indwelling thumbs to "outdwell" and for his ATNR reflex to integrate. Today I am also scheduling his follow eye appointment to check for low tone in his eyes. All of these things are part of my daily life and Will's and I pray about them often. For some reason though, it is encouraging to know that there are others praying about it to. Again I will say that my greatest strength apart from the Lord and His mercy is the prayers of His people for my family.

I know so many people who read this blog are also facing their own trials. I am praying that we will be mutually encouraged and learn from each other's experiences. One thing that I've learned through all of this is that life is hard, but God is good. He provides comfort, strength, encouragement and hope at times and from places I don't anticipate. He is so kind.

Happy New Year!