Blessings upon Blessing; Grace upon Grace

The Lord continues to be faithful. Even in the seemingly darkest moments when there appears to be no relief he shows up in small (and big ways) to show Sam and I that he is still here, working for our good (and Graces). Prayers that we didn't even have the words or energy to ask for have been answered, and miracles we hadn't even considered have become clear.

God is providing for Sam and I in ways we couldn't have imagined. Our lives have changed in a very drastic way, in a very short time, and while we continue to show up and step out in faith, we also have some very real needs that needed to be met. Things like a place to stay near the hospital, as sleeping besides Graces incubator night after night was not a long term solution. To be so mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted was not healthy for any of us, as it started to cloud our minds and leave room for the devil to replace hope with fear. Suddenly out of nowhere, before Sam and I had even started to really consider what to do, the neighbor of my brother's friend offered up her empty rental apartment, that is 5 minutes away from the hospital, to us for as long as we needed it, free of charge! I don't even know if she is a believer, but she had a son in the NICU 30 years ago and felt called to help us! Talk about God moving mountains! So now Sam and I have a place to go back to each night, where we can rest and refuel, in order to go back each day to Sunnybrook.

God has also shown up through family, friends, and the communion of saints. They have helped meet our needs in so many different ways. Emotionally; so many people have messaged and visited us to congratulate and encourage us in this journey. Spiritually; people continue to pray for and with us, and petition on our behalf for Grace. Physically; meals have been brought, and donations have been made to take care of our immediate needs. We are so blown away by people's generosity, so much so that I cry just thinking about it!

All these blessings that we didn't even have the energy to ask for have shown us God's faithfulness. He is allowing Sam and I to remain rested and provided for, in order for us to love and support our daughter, and become a beacon of hope and encouragement in the NICU (where a lot of hearts are breaking).

Sam has also been able to connect with some men in the NICU who have been able to encourage him, even when doctors reports have been bleak. One man in particular has been very helpful, as he himself was the original head doctor of Sunnybrook NICU and now runs a support group.

Grace has also made progress is small ways, which is important to remember as it's encouraging in the face of the many hurdles she will need to overcome. Her heart is strong, she is now doing full feeds, and her oxygen levels are decent. Grace has also gotten an infection, but by some miracle a nurse caught it early and she is getting the necessary antibiotics now. Her hemoglobin was low again, but a nurse who has come to know Grace well noticed her color change and she got the blood transfusion she needed quickly. Small victories that encourage us to press on and trust in God's promises!

Please pray that God continues to preform miracles in our daughters life and in other babies here in the NICU. And that Sam and I can be a light where he has placed us.

Please also pray that Graces head ultrasound tomorrow would be positive, but ultimately that God's will would be done!