there are three guarantees with Brooke...

She will throw a fit when you change her diaper. 

She will go to her big big sis when Mama doesn't satisfy. 

She will eat every last bit of her ice cream cone, no matter the mess.

praising Him

On this day two years ago... I was five months pregnant, sitting alone in an ultrasound room at the hospital having just listened to "Sovereign" by Chris Tomlin over and over and over. John was home with our very sick oldest. I knew what I was about to hear from the doc wasn't going to be good, but I had complete peace. Only God can do that. The ped-on-call came in and gave me ultrasound results...and Brooke's diagnosis of HLHS. My journey as a heart mom started in that moment. Still takes my breath to think about it.

Two years. So much heartache. So many tears. So much joy. So much laughter. So much overcoming. So much prayer. She's thriving. I'm different, stronger. Our marriage is stronger. Our family is stronger. I'm more in love with Jesus than ever before. I know Him more deeply than ever before.

I can't quite lift my hands high enough in praise today for all He has done. He was good through every single moment of those two years. Every. One. Even in the darkest of the dark. He was good. He IS good.

We celebrated God's provision, goodness and faithfulness this morning with a bowl of whipped cream. Pretty sure our little lefty thought that was the best "ice cream" she's ever had.

bear and paci

Bear and paci. 

She's had both since she was born. 

She goes nowhere without them. 

She loves to have Bear right up next to her face. 

Soooo sweet. :)

buds

It's not always fun and games, but I just 
love, love, love the way these three 
love and adore each other. 
Such fun to watch their relationships grow.

adorable

I mean, seriously. So stinkin' adorable. And a hilarious personality on top of it. 

Makes it a tad difficult to get frustrated with the tantrums.

will you pray?

As John and I have celebrated the one-year anniversary of Brooke being NG-free, celebrated these sweet 18 months we've enjoyed with her and marveled, like many of you, at how well she's doing, my heart has been heavy for another heart hero's family all week long. Her name is Maddie. "Mighty Maddie" as she's known. 

Little Maddie was diagnosed in utero with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, just like our Brooke. Cared for by many wonderful folks at St. Louis Children's Hospital​, just like our Brooke. Loved so well and prayed for so much by her family and friends and even those who didn't know her, just like our Brooke. This past Sunday she celebrated nine months. Nine months of sweetness...and fighting for her life daily. On Monday morning, while held in her mommy's arms and holding her daddy's hand, Mighty Maddie went to be with Jesus. I don't know Maddie's family personally, but in the CHD world, there's something unique that connects all of us as parents of heart heroes. 

Probably much like you, I don't understand why some of these sweet babies, like our Brooklyn, survive and thrive and beat the odds every day...and some of them don't. The mystery is not mine to solve. I have zero doubt that God knows what He's doing and He truly does "work ALL things together for the good of those who love Him." (Romans 8:28) The joys, the tears, the smiles, the heartache. ALL things. Nonetheless, the passing of another precious heart baby and the unimaginable heartache her family and friends must feel absolutely breaks my heart. The reality is, it could have been us at any point in these last 18 months. And the reality is, we're never guaranteed another day with any of our babies, our kiddos, our loved ones, no matter their age or health.  

Will you join me in praying for Mighty Maddie's family? I know they would appreciate it, friends. And, if you're interested, you can read more about this precious girl on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MightyMaddiesHeart?fref=ts.

18-months!

And today we celebrated 18 months of sweetness! Our little Boo loves dancing, watching and imitating her big sisters, swinging at the park and bouncing on the trampoline at the gym. She loves sleeping and eating--namely almond butter, hummus and strawberries. She loves books, Daniel Tiger, Boz the Bear and bubbles. She loves watching birds out the kitchen window with Mommy and "running" from Daddy when he plays chase. She keeps us laughing and keeps us on our toes. What a joy she is! Happy Half-Birthday, Boo!