We've experienced a lot of "firsts" over the past 18 days, but they aren't as typical as life with a newborn usually is expected to be. I wish we were busy juggling life with a 23 month old and newborn at home. Trying to ease the transition so as not to rock the boat for Mr. Patrick. Revisiting our swaddling techniques and practicing "shushing" to help soothe our newest family member. Instead we are trying to stay afloat amidst the sea of information we get every hour in hopes that a tiny piece of it will sink in and we know even how to "feel." It's been a constant challenge to balance our emotions, our time with Patrick and with Charlotte and just existing. Some days it has honestly hurt to breathe while others have been filled with dim lights and soft music. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions - taken in hypersensitive mode.
While we continue on our path, we affirm our belief in God's plan. We know it's good and true...but it doesn't mean that our walk can't be scary. As we wait for Charlotte's surgery, please take a moment to pray for yet another first - a complete chest closure and, of course, supernatural healing. We hear it all the time from the medical team - our wonder baby's course has been full of twists and turns and yet she's still here, against all odds. God's hand is truly miraculous, isn't it? Keep on doing your thing SWEET CHARLOTTE. You have an older brother at home who is waiting to meet you.
We will keep you posted as soon as we know what time Charlotte's surgery is. Stay tuned...
Thanks for the pictures and update. Charlotte Rose is so graceful and full of personality. Our family has walked parts of your path many years ago. Leslie is our miracle. She (and then two babies from different families) became sick a few days to a few weeks after birth. When we took her to the hospital they put in an IV, put me in a rocker, handed me Leslie and told me I could rock her until she died. We sang to her for 6 hours. Then the doctors decided they needed to do something and called specialists in Little Rock, New Orleans, and Dallas who thought up some ideas...things they had never done before. When it was time to take her home, Dr. Burns said he gave God the credit for her survival. It is such a hard path to go on because it is hour by hour without knowing the future. I was never the same, but there is the gift of a heightened appreciation of the small, beautiful things that come in each day. As we pray we know that even when we do not know the plan, God walks beside us offering strength and comfort. Love, Aunt Meredith
ReplyDeleteyou guys are not alone, sarah. please remember that. thousands are still thinking about you all and praying for your family constantly. we're so hopeful for a complete chest closure and that the procedure goes even better than expected. what a big step that would be in this journey! we pray that you all will be filled with peace and that God will continue to cradle sweet Charlotte in His arms and that He will continue to do His work through the hands of the doctors and caregivers. I've been telling everyone that I've witnessed a miracle! her journey so far has the handprints of God all over it and he isn't going anywhere.
ReplyDeleteBe strong and courageous. do not be afraid or terrified. For the Lord, your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
sarah, patrick & family,
ReplyDeletei find your strength and grace completely awe inspiring. i have been quietly 'stalking' your blog since nicki posted on fb that there was a family in need of prayer - and thought i would briefly step out of the shadows to say that there are A TON of people thinking of you, pulling for you, praying for you.
your little cutie - she looks like a fighter, just remember that when she's 16 and blows curfew. ;)
praying for a complete closure!
sarah in wisconsin
Ahhh I just love her bright, beautiful, ALERT eyes!! You can tell at just a few days old what a strong and optimistic fighter she is.
ReplyDeleteSarah & Family - thanks so much for sharing your priceless pictures of Miss Charlotte. My 21 month old daughter, Ellie, signed "baby" when I showed her the pictures and then leaned down and kissed the monitor. She LOVES babies so much. I share that because I was touched by it, and you must be so anxious for Patrick to meet her. I'm sure he will just adore her as much as you do. Continuing to pray for continued healing and progression in the hours, days, and weeks ahead. I'm so thankful to be able to read the updates, so thank you for taking the time during the ups and downs to post. You guys are amazing!
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