Isaac Update

Isaac Samuel Triumph King is a little fighter! He is 6 days old today! The Lord has been so gracious to allow us such precious time with him. We have confirmed he has Trisomy 18, though we don't know the extent of it, and we don't care about labeling him like the medical community does. Isaac is so sweet; I love cuddling with him and holding his little clenched hands and kissing his darling face.

We finally named him! Isaac had been on my heart ever since we found out he had some health conditions. Isaac, because Abraham laid his Isaac down knowing God would provide, no matter what. The name also means "he laughs". Isaac is a gift, and we know any tears we cry now will be exchanged for joy someday. In the Word, Hannah dedicated her Samuel back to the Lord, and that is how we feel with Isaac. "Triumph" because Christ has already triumphed over every fear we have, over sin and death, and He will bring us triumph through this!

The older four of us have stayed at the hospital in family rooms with Mom and Dad for the last two nights. They haven't been home since Isaac was born, or had the sleep they need so much. We crave a little bit of normal during this time, but it's hard to come by. If Isaac could eat on his own, things might change.

JD, Cody, Hannah and I needed showers and a clean change of clothing, so we came home after two days at the hospital. It feels good. We're heading back to the hospital in a little bit for another plunge. Our grandparents on Dad's side are here and have been helping with Will Jed and Wyatt at home. Grandparents on Mom's side got here yesterday and will stay for a week to help out where they can. We're so thankful grandparents can be here and meet Isaac!

Isaac is still having bouts of apnea. It could partly be triggered by a heart medication he is on, but it's such a low dose we don't know if it is contributing to his apnea, or if it's even helping his little heart. He seems very peaceful and content, thank the Lord. God is merciful and good. During the past few days we thought he was totally gone from apnea 3 different times, but he came back. It's an exhausting emotional roller-coaster. His breathing is shallow sometimes; he's on oxygen and IV for nutrients. For the last 48+ hours we've taken turns holding him in a recliner. He hasn't even used that crib of his.

We're so humbled and thankful for the faithful prayers of so many dear friends, and want you to know we love you.

We continue to trust the Lord and seek Him. Isaac has already touched our lives so much, and the lives of others around us. We just need His strength, mercy and grace desperately. The Lord will provide...

A Post for Will

I missed posting on Will's birthday on March 25th due to the flow of life lately. But I'm still going to "celebrate" my sweet little brother with a post and some pics.

William Jon is 7 years old now, and he is finally starting to grow into the teeth he got last year. He is a very gentle-hearted little fellow with a sunshiny personality. We are so thankful for him and his big smile! He has a big mind too. He has memorized several chapters of Scripture. He can tell you exactly where Kazakhstan is on the globe. And he can beat people several times his age in matching game, respectively. He is reading and writing well already. He also enjoys playing golf (on the Wii, on the putting green with his big brothers, and the card game), and is an up-and-coming Settlers of Catan whiz. He's such a blessing to our family, and we're so thankful for him!

Will and his chocolate cake.
I like putting organic cacao nibs on the top for a sophisticated look and mature crunchy taste. :)

Best buddies Jed and Will - I adore these guys. They are my favorite ever.

An Update on my Unborn Sibling

I'm not sure if life is ever safe or easy, but it's always good, because our God is always good.

For over the last 8 months, we have been eagerly awaiting a new blessing straight from God's hands - Mom's expecting again! It's been 5 years since a baby has been in our home, and we found ourselves so stoked about another member of the family. :)

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
~Psalm 127:3

In December, almost all of us went to the sonogram and saw the little one moving around; the tiny arms and legs wouldn't stand still, like he's so excited about just being! "See guys, look what God did! Look how fast I can move these feet!" It was so beautiful to peek into the hidden place where God knits together his masterpieces.

Last month, during Mom's routine appointment, the doctor discovered a heart arrhythmia. We didn't know what it meant, but we wanted to give it over to the Lord. A week of uncertainty passed. Then a day before Will's birthday the doctor confirmed a DRV (double right ventricle) and hole in the heart, as well as a missing or underdeveloped corpus collosum (in the brain), and the little feet appear clubbed. These seem to point to something like Trisomy 13 or 18. Just the shock and pain at finding out that we may have to say goodbye to this beloved child as soon as we say hello is so heart-breakingly hard, but being so close to Mom's due date, Dad and Mom have had hardly any time to figure out details and logistics. There are so many unknown factors that are making this difficult.

Our heart's desire is to savor the time Mom has to carry this precious little soul, rest in God's sovereign goodness, and wrap ourselves in His promises to carry us and work all things to His glory and our good. We are confident that through our Lord Jesus Christ we will triumph, come what may, because He has already won. It doesn't take away the pain, but it gives so much hope, comfort, and purpose, to know Jesus wept, yet for the joy set before Him he endured, and gained the victory!

We feel so blessed to be given this gift, so grateful that we can treasure this baby that doctors deem "unfit for life". We cherish each day, knowing that each day our country "disposes" of 4,000 of the least of these through the abomination of abortion. Just maybe these little ones are here to advance the Kingdom, leave a legacy and testimony to the sacredness of life, to sanctify us and touch others, and glorify God Who ordained His praise from the mouths of babies, even if it only lasts one breath.

The due date is approaching so fast. Last night I put my hand on Mom's tummy and felt the little one moving. Life. A little hand or foot bumping my hand. Little One, do you know how much you are loved by your family?

Right now, we are wanting to rest in the Lord, and get well from some colds, hopefully before the baby gets here. He (we're all pretty sure "it" is a "he") is due on the 20th of this month, but could get here any time. We are waiting, looking forward to meeting and loving on this beautiful little boy, and seeking brave hearts for the unknown, knowing that He has gone before us...He will provide.

Thanks so much for your prayers, good friends. We cherish you!

In our great God and Savior,

~Audrey