Shutterfly Book III

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Prayer Request

A little over a month ago, shortly after we were able to bring Katie home, I received an email from a couple who are expecting a little girl who has been diagnosed in utero with chylothorax. This is slightly different than Katie's chylothorax, because it is congenital and due to a lymphatic disorder, instead of post-operative (caused by damage done during surgery). The consequences are still very severe. I am not sure of all of the details regarding her lymphatic disorder, but I do know from Katie's experience with chylothorax that it will be very difficult to get this little girl the proper nutrition she needs in order to thrive because of her inability to process the types of fats that are present in breast milk and most formulas. I do know that this family is working very hard and researching using skimmed breast milk to help their baby get every benefit possible. For some reason, this family has really been on my mind this week. I keep thinking about their little girl and I feel led to ask you guys to help me pray for her. There are some very specific health issues that will arise due to her condition. One of them is getting her the proper nutrients, as mentioned previously. Another is that she will be very prone to developing pleural effusions (fluid) around her lungs that will need to be drained. The chylothorax can heal, as long as they are able to control her diet enough so that her body will stop producing this fluid long enough. She may be in the hospital a long time. In addition to praying for this little one's health, I also ask you to pray for strength for these parents. There is no way... no way to describe what it is like to have a baby with such severe health problems. It is not possible. Noone who has not been through it is capable of understanding. Even among parents who have been through this type of experience, each family's experience is completely unique. Even with the same diagnosis, one baby might overcome with flying colors, while another baby struggles. It is a walk that no other parent on earth can understand, it is unique and individual and there is only One who is capable of walking that path along with you. Please pray that God's presence in this family's life is just so strong.

Shutterfly Book II

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The poem in this shutterfly book is a slightly altered version of: 1/2 OF AN ANGEL'S HEART It's a beautiful day up in heaven. Jesus is rounding up his tiniest angels, to go live on earth, and be born. One of the sweetest angels says to Jesus "I don't want to leave, I like it here, and I will miss you." He reassures the scared little angel that everything will be okay, and that the angel is just going for a visit. The little angel is still not swayed on this idea. So Jesus kneels down, and says, "How about if you leave half of your heart here with me and take the other half with you, will that be okay?" The angel smiles and says, "I guess that will work." But the little angel is still a little scared. He asks, "Will I be okay with only half of my heart?" Jesus replies, "Of course you will, I have other angels there that will help you out, and you will be fine." Then Jesus gives the angel more details about His plan. He says, "When you are born, your mommy will be scared, so you have to be strong, and when you feel weak just remember that I have the other half of your heart." "Enjoy your time with your family, play and laugh everyday." "And when its time to come back to heaven, I will make your heart whole again. Always remember that you are not broken, just torn between two loves." Author Unknown

Videos of Katie Part I

Katie's Life In Pictures - Home Part III

These last four pics are of the day Katie went to heaven. The first three are that morning before I took her back to the ped's office. The last one is at the ped's office right before we left for the hospital. She looked and acted totally content! The only way we knew anything was wrong was because she had had so many poopie diapers and I was taking her temperature about every 2-3 hours.

Katie's Life In Pictures - Home Part II

This pic was kind of an "accident". I was trying to snap a photo and she did her gaggy face that she would make sometimes. I reached really quick to turn her on her side just in case she threw up but the pic still snapped, lol.

Katie's Life In Pictures - Home Part I

Katie's Life In Pictures - On the Way Home Part II

Katie's Life In Pictures - On the Way Home Part I