Last week, when Brooks and I joined Diane for her birthday lunch at Culver's (their favorite), she brought gifts for Elliott--books! And not just any books. These books were special to Diane, so we are so blessed to have her share some of her childhood with our kids. :)
Her favorite was "The Pokey Little Puppy", which she tried reading to Elliott that day, but he was ready for a nap and thus could not be satisfied with anything but being held up (which is impossible when trying to hold a book to read to him!) However, I got to read it to him today while he was nursing, a challenge at times, but at least he had better audience etiquette. Jillian came in and saw me finish that adorable story, so she picked out another new book from Diane, "Scuffy the Tugboat". It was very sweet, as it always is when Jillian interacts (or at least attempts) with her little brother.
You can tell he is happier with her holding him than when he is in the crib. I can't say that they look like brother and sister by their facial features, but you can tell they love each other by looking at them. :) I'm also really impressed with this picture of Jillian because I think she looks a lot like me when I smile. :) And that's a real smile! Her teeth are growing in fairly well, although I wouldn't be surprised if braces are in her future based on genetics (but not from me!)
I feel so blessed to have two great children and such a loving husband. God is so good!
Update on friends: I spoke to our friends from church who are grieving the loss of their baby's life in utero this evening. Stephanie was giving oral medicine to induce labor, which her body accepted, especially after her body seemed to be starting the process a bit naturally. She said it was intense pain, but she was able to receive pain medication that is less invasive than an epidural due to the circumstances. She had originally been scheduled for a c-section in early September because of the risks from a surgery 5 years ago. Anyway, Gabriel sounded so sad and exhausted, and Stephanie said that she feels like she is emotionally and physically better than she was in the last 36-48 hours. They told me they were planning a small service this evening at the hospital, as well as a memorial service in the near future. I was surprised that the hospital kept the stillborn baby in the room with them after the delivery. I can't imagine the grief they must be experiencing, and I hope being able to "be" with their baby for a little while helped. Everytime I've looked at Elliott tonight, I have thought of them and how overwhelmingly grief-stricken they must be. When I look back at all of the complications that I have had since Elliott was born, it pales in comparison to this. I am so thankful that they trust in Jesus, because I don't know how else they could handle this. Baby Weckesser is with Jesus now, safe in His loving arms, and someday, Gabriel and Stephanie will get to meet this sweet little life in heaven.
As I finally give in the tears and I grieve for my friends, please continue to pray for them. I want to reach out to them, but I'm afraid I won't make it easier on the emotionally...I will burst into tears, I will want to know more about this baby (I don't know if it's a boy or a girl even!) and what they are thinking and feeling about this experience. Please pray that God would use me for good and that I would be sensitive to His leading.
Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment