We took Rachel home again! This time we stayed for lunch and the kids and I had naps. Dave had even thought of cutting the grass except that winter has returned to Calgary....it feels good to do some "normal" things again. After all the wondering about when she would die, it is wonderful to be able to do life with Rachel. I'm glad that I can experience being a mother to three! Rachel is still stable, content. She eats, then sleeps. When she shows that she's hungry, she cries. Sometimes she tires herself out asking for milk and once it's ready, she's asleep again. She often likes to sleep with both fists curled up under her chin. She loves her special soother. I still can't get over how tiny she is....
Abigail has really begun to show signs of jealousy. This is another of the many things that I didn't think about while pregnant. I was preparing for Rachel's death, not her life. We even bought another package of preemie diapers today!!! When I bought the first package, I wondered how many we would use. Thank-you God for this gift of time with her!
THANK-YOU to all of you that have sent me emails or commented on the blog lately. I'm sorry that I have not been able to respond. I hope you are reading this because I want you to know that I read them all and they are a huge encouragement to me!!
I added some more pics to the slide show - and yes, Val I added the picture of the white dress the nurse hand stitched for her!
I have been so very deeply moved and inspired by the example of your faith that is rooted in your confidence with God. We are praying with you in your journey. May you know God's presence in the joy and the struggle. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteEd Peters
Steinbach, MB
Dave & Kendra, We think of you often and want you to know that our prayers are with you. You are an encouragement to us in your attitude.
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ReplyDeletewhen i read this blog - i feel like i'm holding my breath... what beauty - what a gift. i feel like i'm watching a beautiful work of art come to life... thank you for sharing your darling's life with the world. such a courageous, generous act. May each one of her days point to her Creator - who loves us all so...
ReplyDeleteawesome! keep posting every day. i love the dress - wow! now i need a photo of her in the outfit i bought her :)
ReplyDeleteWe've spent some time again reading your update and starting from the beginning - wishing we could do more yet knowing we are doing what we need to and that's praying to the One who holds your past, present and future. We are in awe of how God has guided you so far in your journey. Little Rachel is beautiful and we are so glad that you are able to experience so many memorable memories with her. Lots of love, hugs and prayers...from Larry and Brenda and family and Grandma K who's visiting us.
ReplyDeleteGod bless your whole family. What a magnificent gift He has given each of you. Rachel is beautiful and the time you have with her is so very precious. I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers every day.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear Abigail is reacting in a completely normal way to a new sibling (just kidding)! It's pretty hard for a two year old (or four year old) to comprehend Rachel's special needs. I remember when my third son was born - as soon as I sat down to feed him, the other two would start fighting or get up to mischief! I'm so thankful for each good day you have with Rachel - blessings upon you all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the extra pictures on the blog. She is such a beautiful baby, and the picture of Abigail holding her is precious. So glad that you have been able to experience normal life.
ReplyDeletekendra, i wanted to tell you that i think the blanket you knit for rachel is absolutely stunning!! you have created such a beautiful piece of art for your little angel. and . . . steve and i read each and every blog entry with baited breath. we love to hear how you are doing and we continue to pray for you all. i am so blessed to hear about how much life God has given you when you were anticipating only death. our God loves life! and the image of God in us craves life as well. i am thankful that God is daily blessing you with the joy life gives! kendra, i remember well your words to me when i was in the midst of pregnancy turmoil . . . God has compassion on all He has made.
ReplyDeletekendra...i'm so delighted that God is giving you time with Rachel. i can't tell you how it thrills my heart. this was our prayer for i know that the memories you build now will someday be a treasure worth more than you could imagine. i know that the longer she lives the more God will use her to paint beauty into your lives...and so i rejoice that she is doing well.
ReplyDeleteit's funny cause i said to ben one day...i wonder if kendra's thought about life if rachel lives longer than expected. and we prayed that your hearts would be ready for that too.
kendra, your steadfastness in believing the Father's heart for you encourages me so much. you don't have to. you could choose to do as many would and harden yourself to His love. thank you for being an example to so many people. i'm glad. keep on beliving His heart toward you.
always praying....
love you guys!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeletelove, melodie & zac
Wonderful pictures! Wonderful to see you enjoying life with Rachel. Praying everyday that God bless and keep you in His care.
ReplyDeleteKendra,
ReplyDeleteAs I read the comments on your blog,it also blesses me.I can see that you are being encouraged by them.I see you not only drawing close to Jesus,but I also see you setting a wonderful example of trusting Him.Jesus said that He will give you rest.Rest in Him.He is a God of comfort..I am looking forward to the next update.
Love & prayers
Janet
Praise God for a "normal" day - naps for you and the kids, little domestic duties and dirty diapers. Everyday holds conversation about you all and baby Rachel at our house. Bella named a baby "Baby Rachel" and walks into my room and says to me, "Mommy, I need to pray for Rachel and Dave and Kendra - hold my hand." ... and SHE prays for you. We all are loving you and praying for you everyday. Praising God for the surprising joys you are experiencing.
ReplyDeleteAw, I love that picture of Abigail and Rachel! Thanks so much for the updates. I'm so thankful that you are able to spend these precious moments as a family and enjoying Rachel each day!
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