By Popular Demand...

We have been humbled, overwhelmed, and are very grateful for all of the kind respones we rec'd after sending out Andrew's update last week. It has made us feel very loved and not so alone as we embark on this new journey and chapter in our lives. So many have asked for family updates, the nitty gritty story, and pictures, so we decided a blog would be the best and quickest way to deliver! (what did we do without the internet?) I will post the nitty gritty story of how we found out the Downs' diagnosis, the first days, etc. at a later date, but did want to share the recent news and some pictures of the boys.

As you can see from the pictures, our days are probably more typical than you would imagine. Picture your own family's day and throw in some really strange phone calls with people you did not know exist, extra doctor's appointments, and some extra joy and love! We are learning to be more flexible and more organized than we have ever been before which can be a odd combo on most days. :) God's grace and mercy have been new every morning and totally sufficient for the day. We are truly learning to walk and enjoy one day at a time.

As for Andrew, he is feeling better. We had him back at the doctor on Monday because he was very very congested. All babies, but especially ones with Downs have small nasal and ear passages which make congestion a tough thing to treat. We had to go to the hospital for an RSV (a respiratory virus) test, but thankfully the early results were negative. He also had developed some bumps that the doctor thought might be a staff infection, but those early results have been negative as well. So, that was all great news! He is still eating and growing like a champ and is sleeping pretty well at night. We spoil him rotton, and all his brothers get very concerned if he cries!

As you can see from the pictures, Blake, Brantley and Jeffrey are busy boys as well. We have to keep the B's busy so they don't tear the house apart, and you can find us at the park on most mornings if the weather is nice. This insures good afternoon naps for everyone - including mom. All the boys love to take and pick up Jeffrey from school, and Blake and Brantley love to say the word, GO!

Here is our updated prayer request list :) - thank you all for your continued love and support.

• for Andrew to keep eating and growing and that his muscle tone continues to improve
• for my meeting with the Early Intervention program counselor this week - that we get along well and can develop a good plan for Andrew
• for Andrew's ENT doctor appointment on Thurs - that his ear canals are clear of fluid and infection
• for my doctor appointment on Friday. I continue to have post-partum high blood pressure and the medicine makes me feel icky. Please pray that it goes down so I can wean off the medicine.
• for Jeff as he leads and guides our home
• for all the boys to continue to be healthy
• for Jeff and I to have time together and for us to have wisdom in parenting each of our kids individually.