A cheery “great to see you girls out today” ended a brief two or three sentence interaction with a lady jogger as Mom and I walked this morning. Her spark of joy and comment brightened my morning. Later at home, it was announced that Yellow Freight had arrived. Ah—the sticky tac for the Scheduling Kits was here. I went to the door and exchanged a few words with the driver as I signed the paper. He pleasantly asked me how my morning had gone, which surprised me as most of us are used to the simple, “Hello.”

As I thought about these two situations, I was struck by the impact of something more than a simple “hello.” May each of us reflect Christ’s love to those we see daily.

Joyfully His,
Sarah

What would you think if you saw a “rope” going across the sidewalk? Well, at first glance it looks like an odd sort of “rope”, but upon closer inspection, you see thousands of little “insects” sliding across the cement.

Christopher was finishing out his exercise with some stretches, when he discovered these terrible looking insects. He came home, called the widow who lived at that house, and then came to her rescue with insect “killer” spray. From what I heard described, I thought this could possibly be a Moody adventure, so I hurried out with my camera. The lady contacted our local extension office, and they assured her that she didn’t need to be concerned. Farmers will even use these little guys for something beneficial. So although they were pretty disgusting (just be glad you weren’t the cat that stepped in them!), it was nice to know we don’t have neighborhood invaders!

John helped get this “close up” photo.

Joyfully His,
Sarah

We are still working on the tiling. The family has discovered that tiling is tiresome, uncomfortable, and difficult work that seems to never end, especially when the whole main floor is tile. We are almost finished laying tile, and it looks great, but it still has to be grouted and sealed. Everyone will be glad when this step of the house is completed.

Trusting in Jesus,
Teri

Countless buckets of “mud” have been mixed up.

Extra “mud” has to be cleaned off the tiles and in between each tile. Anna, Jesse, and Mary have done a wonderful job!

Dear Friends,
I know I don’t often post, but I want to let you know that I do so appreciate all of you who have supported us with prayers and encouraging blog comments over the past many months. We are so very blessed to have you all as friends – even though many of you we have never met face to face.

It seems so amazing to look back at the past year. Just a little over nine months ago we learned that God had answered our prayers for a second child. Little did we know what a journey lay ahead. Now I am writing  with Abigail beside me. What a joy it is that God has given us 7 weeks with her!

I never could have guessed what an adjustment there is to being a mother. The first few weeks were so very hard; exhaustion, physical pain, and then the added challenge of postpartum depression. I’ve never felt so low in my life.

One of the verses I had memorized while on bed rest was: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). It was hard for me to accept that this was the path God had allowed. All the heartache, trials, and pain of the last 2 years seemed rolled into one big package weighing on my heart.

• “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God” – accept what He had allowed in my life.

• “…Casting all your care upon him …” – I sure had plenty of that, for there were moments when I found myself nearly paralyzed with fears and anxiety; from concern for Abigail to worrying about the economic stability of  nation (and everything in between).

• “…for he careth for you.” – Here was the truth I needed to cling to: God cares for me. He would see me through and give me strength and hope for each new day.

It was so weird to feel so low, when I was experiencing a dream come true…
Thankfully, by God’s grace, I am feeling so much better. Now I can look down at our baby girl and with a peaceful heart, rejoice in the gift from God that she is!

I am so grateful for the faithful, loving support that Nathan is for me. He has been so patient, and so faithful to speak truth to me. So many times while I was on bed rest I would tell him, “I think the baby will come soon.” He would simply remind me that the baby needed more time, and, “No, the baby is not coming for a while yet.”  That is the kind of support I need - he is so good to keep me on track.

We are so grateful to the Lord for His mercy to us. What a blessing it is that Abigail made it to 34 weeks gestation. She had such a smoother road than if she had been born at 26 weeks (when I first was diagnosed with pre-term labor). He has sustained us and provided for us through all the bumps and turns. Now He has given us a little girl to raise and love. Praise the Lord!

I love being a mommy! What a joy it is to get to walk into the nursery in the morning and greet Abigail…to sit feeding her and get to gaze at her little face and hold her hand…to watch Nathan holding her and talking to her…to watch her Grandparents, Great-Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousin, hold her…and yes, even to be up in the middle of the night pacing the floor singing to her. What a joy it is to have a daughter!

I know that there are many people with challenges of their own right now. Some may be experiencing what we have gone through – infertility, the loss of a child, complicated pregnancy, hospital time…or many other challenges that are part of life on this earth. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be your comfort and your strength, and that you will be able to humble yourself under His hand, throwing down your fears and worries at His feet, gaining a peaceful heart, knowing that God cares for you and lead see you safely through!
Resting in Christ,
Melanie
 

For our 4th of July barbecue, we had the joy of having our family together after what seemed to me to be a very long time of not being able to all get together. Our last family gathering with Nathan and Melanie and Grandad and Grandma had been our Resurrection Sunday meal. That may not seem like very long ago for those who don’t live near family, but for us living on the same block, it is a terribly long time.

Just after that last extended-family meal, we headed out for a speaking trip, and Melanie was put on bedrest. Since Abigail has been born, Nathan and Melanie have kept her at home for six weeks. Those circumstances kept us from all being together at one time and place although we have seen each other and been together in various groups during that time.

We rejoiced yesterday to have a new addition to our family at her first Maxwell-family gathering, plus a recovering Grandad who could be there too. I was so excited that I asked someone to take a picture of Nathan and Melanie as they came in the door, and Sarah wanted a whole family photo after we ate.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4). That is the joy I feel when our family is together.

Trusting in Jesus,
Teri

“And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12:43-44).

One could hardly imagine walking into a place where the residents are mostly eighty years of age or older, in very poor health, without a home or finances to see this awaiting you.

The beloved members of our nursing-home church wanted to have a baby shower for our new, little granddaughter Abigail. This picture is what greeted us, along with the residents and many of the staff, of the nursing home when we walked in Sunday morning. We were overwhelmed with emotion. After church, everyone gathered around the table as Melanie opened gifts, and Nathan held Abigail. Melanie walked around among the residents showing Abigail to them and, of course, they all thought she was so precious. The members of our church have loved and prayed with Nathan and Melanie through Susannah’s death and now Abigail’s birth. Nathan and Melanie take over church the weeks we are traveling.

The Shower Committee

With joy, Nathan and Melanie showed everyone their new little girl.

Abigail was very alert and content.

Joy lit up their faces as Melanie went around to each one to show them Abigail.

Pure joy!

Mary and I with a sweet couple that comes to our service.

The shower in progress!

Nathan showing Abigail to another sweet lady, with Anna looking on.

Trusting in Jesus,
Teri

Yesterday, June 25th, was Abigail’s due date ! She is now a healthy 8 pounds 9 ounces and 5 ½ weeks old. The other night, I heard some excitement, and I thought maybe Grandad, who had just come home from the hospital that day, was at the window on the side of our house. No, actually, it was Nathan, Melanie, and Abigail, making their first, brief neighborhood outing. Because of Abigail being a preemie, Nathan and Melanie have been keeping her in the house except for her doctor’s appointments. We all happily hurried outside and greeted them.

Praising the Lord for Abigail,
Sarah

Abigail loves to have her arms up next to her head .

We were excited to set off for another evening at the little church in Gypsum, Kansas. This trip was different from the last time we were there in December for a few reasons: the weather was fifty degrees warmer, Nathan and Melanie weren’t with us because of Abigail, and neither were Grandad and Grandma because Grandad was in the hospital. Before we left town, the children played/sang several songs for our nursing-home church Sunday morning. Our dear friends were thrilled!

The children played/sang for our dear friends Sunday morning. 

The Gypsum church provided a wonderful BBQ for everyone before the service. Several men barbecued, and some of the ladies and children worked on the rest of the preparations inside. We were blessed by the kind provisions.

The pastor and his sons helped us carry all of the equipment inside.

The Girls

A Sweet Helper

We began the service with about an hour of music, interspersed with testimonies from each of us. Our desire is not to entertain but to edify and lift up the Lord Jesus. Dad shared from God’s Word during the next portion, and he gave a very challenging message. After that, the children closed with a new “medley” on which they’ve been working.

Joseph, Dad, and Anna

Mary

We were on the road a little before ten, and we had a good family time chatting about the evening for a while. Then most of the family decided to sleep, but Mom kept Dad awake talking since they had both had naps in the bus while the rest of us did the set up. We pulled into the driveway around 1:00 a.m.

Great news: Grandad was released from the hospital last night !

Joyfully His,
Sarah

It’s been a few days since we’ve updated you all on Grandad. He is doing very well physically, which is a blessing. The amazing part is that he has no pain from his surgery! The plan is that he’ll move into a regular room today and out of the ICU. Another praise is that his lungs look good .

A few prayer requests. He is struggling with some confusion, and the prayer is that whatever is causing that (maybe the previous pain medication and sedation he was on?) would go away. Second, he was diagnosed with a very slow growing form of lymphoma. Nothing even needs to be done for the lymphoma right now.

Thank you for your prayers. We have been very blessed by them! Oh, and Grandad’s great-granddaughter, Abigail, is doing extremely well .

Our family will be going to Gypsum, Kansas (outside of Salina) Sunday afternoon. We are doing the Sunday evening service with music and preaching; this is the same church we did a Christmas service for December 23rd (and it was also Uriah’s maiden voyage!). We’ll come home late Sunday night.

Joyfully His,
Sarah for all the rest

Just a quick update to let you all know that Grandad is off the respirator (as of this morning). We are praising the Lord for this next step in Grandad’s recovery .

Joyfully His,
Sarah

Please continue to pray for Grandad. During the surgery, Grandad was put on a respirator, and he is slowly being “weaned” off of it, so they’re keeping him sedated. Plus, there’s the complication that he has pneumonia from all the “stuff” in his lungs, so they’re working on clearing that out before they “unsedate” him.

I saw Grandad briefly yesterday, and it was sobering seeing him so still, with a tube in his mouth, and monitors all around. But, it is encouraging to know that soon he will be awake and aware of what is going on. I guess he and Melanie will be able to sympathize on the aftermath of stomach surgery , although Grandad definitely gets the “prize” for the worst surgery of the two. 

Yesterday I heard that Grandad quoted, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24), and Revelation 3:20 before being taken into surgery. Truly, he and Grandma have been leaning on the Lord, and will continue to be as they journey through this. Thank you for your prayers. They are an encouragement to our family, and to my Grandma, who checks the blog .

Resting in Jesus,
Sarah
PS - Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there! I know this year will be an extremely happy one for my brother who is a new dad . Dad and John arrived home today, so we’re very grateful to have them back safe and sound (they’ll post an update on that later).

We received word that Grandad came through surgery just fine. There was a high grade obstruction of the small intestine which was a band looped around it. Part of the intestine was taken out, but he will be fine. Grandad will be in the hospital for a bit of time while he recovers and gets back to normal.

We know the Lord Jesus doesn’t always choose to heal in the way we would wish. Yet, in this situation, He is giving our Grandad more time here on this earth. Truly, our Great Physician is amazing. All praise to Him!

Rejoicing in Jesus,
Sarah for the rest

Grandad.

One of his favorite verses:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20).”

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil” (Hebrews 6:19).

We read the above verse last night in our family Bible time, and it’s been on my mind as we go through this trial with Grandad. Truly, our hope is in Jesus.

The x-ray showed that things have become worse since the CT-scan, so the doctor decided he needs to do exploratory surgery this afternoon.

We are grateful for your prayers.

Only for Jesus,
Sarah

Abigail Hope celebrated her three week birthday on Sunday. Two weeks from today is her due date. Time is passing already.

Melanie and I are enjoying being parents. We recently received a note from someone who said, “Enjoy this time, the days are long and the years short.” Melanie can relate to the long days part. We’re not quite into the smooth sailing when it comes to feedings, sleep, and “mom’s” energy level. Melanie is also dealing with some post-partum issues, both physical and emotional, that have proven to be challenging. However, we’re working through things. It’s been a learning process for me as I seek to support and encourage her, and our families have continued to be a great blessing. I should probably add, this is not designed to be a “negative” paragraph, but rather honest. Neither Melanie nor I want our posts to be the “glamor shots” kind, but rather real and from the heart. This is just where we’re at.

All things considered, we feel very blessed to have Abigail at home. God lead us through quite a few years of waiting. We thought we’d be in this parenting phase with Susannah, but God had other plans. I frequently look at Abigail in wonder at God’s blessing. She’s such a sweet, precious little bundle. Even when she cries she’s cute, fragile, and innocent. It’s a privilege to walk up to her when she’s fussing, pick her up, and feel her relax and quiet down - wow! To those waiting and longing to experience the same thing, I know how that feels. I can’t tell you to “Just hang on, I know God will bless…” But I can tell you that what you wait for you treasure that much more.

Nathan

Grandad and Grandma, who live next door, are Mom’s parents. Grandad went into the hospital with severe stomach pain Tuesday. Since then, his condition has deteriorated, and he is now in ICU. Please lift him up in prayer. Mom is up with Grandma at the hospital.

In addition to Grandad being our dear, wonderful grandfather, he has been a wonderful asset to our ministry. He has helped when we’re away traveling, is always a great supporter of the ministry, even helping in small things such as when we compile Chore books.

Resting in our Savior,
Sarah for all the rest

Grandad helping with Chore books.

We are down to seven at home this week. Why? Dad and John left after church on Sunday and drove Uriah to Wisconsin. A homeschool father there felt the Lord’s leading to offer the use of his shop, tools, and mechanical expertise to help us. One project Dad has felt needed to be done was a complete overhaul on each axle to get them in new condition. It would cost a fair amount to pay someone else to do it, so this was such a blessing! They are also tackling many other repair projects on Uriah. We are extremely grateful to this sweet family who are “housing” Dad and John, taking care of them, and spending much time helping on Uriah.

(The sendoff Sunday!)

Because of Nathan’s cold, he asked Mom to spend the nights at their house to help Melanie with middle-of-the-night Abigail feedings. Mom was home in the daytime – but not coming home quite as early as she is usually up and around – and spending nights with Melanie and Abigail. As of Wednesday, Mom is now back home.

(A picture from when Abigail was in the hospital.)

In the meantime, the house work continues. Heat and humidity have settled into Kansas (and many other places!), but the boys are such great workers. We had a storm last night which cooled off everything, and we’re enjoying a break from the heat. We’re making steady progress. The tiling preparation has been done, and the first tile laid.

(Joseph cutting tile.)

(Jesse and Joseph taking the forms off the driveway.)

May Jesus fill each of you with joy in Him!

Only for Jesus,
Sarah

Joseph holding Abigail .

Anna holding Abigail.

Abigail and I . Abigail is so precious–truly, an incredible gift from our Lord. Thank You, Jesus!

Sarah updated you’all on the fact that we’re home! We are thrilled. To backtrack a bit, Thursday morning I got a call at the hotel room. I was there because I had come down with a slight cold and was keeping my distance from Abigail. I still am, as well as wearing a mask when I do need to be close to her, but I digress. My Mom, who was with Melanie, called and gave me the good news. Melanie had wanted to call but she couldn’t get out to the phone soon enough and wanted me to have as much time as possible to pack out of our room.

Since it was already a given that Abigail would be discharged with a monitor, upon review the only reason she was still there was their desire to see her gain weight. Wednesday evening when she was weighed she had gained 10 grams (30 grams to an ounce). When the nurse practitioner reviewed her chart Thursday morning the 10 gram gain must have satisfied their “weight gain” requirement and so once again, Melanie was shocked with a “Want to go home?” question. (Her previous “want to go home?” was by the doctor that released her from the hospital during the pre-term labor challenges.)

So, I packed out of our room and loaded up the car. It took awhile to get the paperwork signed and get Abigail loaded up. But, within a few hours we were happily on our way home.

We are settling into a routine at home. It is wonderful being at our very own house - a place we haven’t called home for so long. Abigail is doing well. She continues to be a good nurser, something we are extremely grateful for. Her billirubin numbers are still somewhat elevated, and she’s technically still a preemie. But, all in all she’s doing great.

Melanie is well as well. She is spending her time feeding Abigail, resting, and eating - that’s about all she’s allowed to, or feels up to, do(ing). She has a great attitude and is loving caring for little Abigail. Melanie had dreamed of having her own children for years. Susannah Joy was God’s first answer to the prayer of her (and our) heart(s), and Abigail Hope is His second answer. With Abigail, we’re getting to be active parents and each loving our role.

I’m hoping to be over this cold quickly so I can get rid of the mask and begin holding/caring for Abigail again. I’m afraid I’m going to lose my status as “professional diaper changer” which I’d earned in the hospital. Then again, I suspect there will be plenty of time to work back into that in the coming months.

Thank you for praying for and loving Abigail. Many of you have walked through these difficult seasons with us - thank you! There were so many times in this pregnancy that we were tempted to despair, wondering what the outcome would be. We sought to trust God and not give into our fears. We prayed that God would guide us, that He would make His way so clear we couldn’t miss it. And He has. I sit here marveling that as I type this, I’m sitting in my own house, while Abigail and Melanie are on the floor upstairs. Abigail is getting some tummy time and Melanie is laying next to her watching her. The trauma of pre-term labor is over, the c-section past, the NICU behind us, living 40 miles from home done! Amazing! Are we beyond troubles and fear - no. But, we are excited to be in this phase of caring for Abigail. God has proven Himself more than faithful, and we can rest in that.

Nathan

Miss Abigail is coming home early this afternoon! We’re thrilled. Off to do a few last minute things …

Rejoicing in Jesus,
Sarah for all the rest

I think I’m a little overdue on an update. We are grateful that Abigail is doing well. She continues to have some brady’s (you can google on “bradycardia preemie” for more details). The number has fallen to 6-8 but she needs 2-3 to go home. We are adjusting to this new dymanic of life. Melanie is at the hospital from 7:45 am until 12:30 am - not an easy schedule for someone trying to recover. However, she is resting between feedings and doing pretty well. I’m proud of her.

Days here can get long, especially when I start to think, that in my opinion, there’s little reason for this level of care. Again, that is my impatient opinion and contrary to God’s leading so far. He is in control and directing our steps. I’ve prayed that He would make His way very clear, and so far He has. Our path here at the NICU, this time, has been very easy compared to many parents with children here. We were reminded of that multiple times over the past few days, whether it was the emergency transports (babies needing even more specialized help than they can provide here), seeing a parent and nurse crying earlier today, visiting with a mom whose baby had relapsed and was back under more significant care…  Our time with Abigail here has been blessedly easy and without trauma and complication. I know things can change.

It is amazing being part of the hospital. It’s a melting pot for society. I was coming back from a run one morning a couple weeks ago and a homeless guy was asking the parking lot attendant where the emergency room was. I’ve seen the sweetest looking children calling men who looked like gang members “Daddy.” The staff has spoken of treating the Hall family here - they founded, among other things, Hallmark Cards. I look around the cafeteria and every person there, who are not staff, have a story to tell. And most probably have a hurting or sad heart. Melanie and I desire to be a light here, to connect with people, to encourage and speak of our Lord Jesus. It’s an overwhelming opportunity, for some “folks” (my dad has another term he prefers…) from the hills of Kansas.

Specific prayer requests:
-That Melanie and I will be a light
-That Abigail will grow past the bradycardia issues
-The Melanie will recover
-That our confidence will remain in our Lord.

Nathan

Our sweet Abigail!

Abigail has a special “glow” about her (Joseph and John’s name for the special lights: Mr. Rubin). Praise the Lord that Abigail no longer needs the bilirubin lights!

Melanie with Abigail.

A Happy Family

It’s about 10:40 pm, Melanie and Abigail are sleeping. Abigail eats in about 20 minutes so she is acting a bit restless even though she’s not awake. She is still having some of the heart-rate dips. I haven’t asked how many as I haven’t really wanted to know. But, they are still there. We’re continuing to pray that her weight gain begins and that the heart-rate dips (brady cardiac) will cease. She continues to self-correct, in other words, her heart rate picks up on it’s own, usually after only a few seconds.

Melanie is very, very drained. But, she is being a trooper and is committed to doing all she can for Abigail. At this point, that involves pretty much just feeding her. My Mom is helping us so between her and I, we are handling things like getting Abigail in and out of her crib, diaper changes, taking the temperature, and other things. Melanie’s recovery is challenged by the muscle atrophy she experienced due to 7+ weeks of bedrest.

Thank you for the comments you’ve left. Through the guidance of the lactation consultants here and regular processes here at the NICU, we are doing alot of what has been suggested. Abigail receives her feedings overnight when we’re gone via her feeding tube. It drops the food straight into her stomach. Ideal? No, but better than a bottle, so we’re grateful for that option. We’d love to have the “tube” off her sweet face, but it’s serving a purpose right now.

Even though we’d wanted to have Abigail home by now, we are grateful for how well she’s doing. Things could be much worse. We continue to look forward to when I get to strap the car-seat into the car and she’s sitting in it. It’s hard for me to see Melanie under such strain, but that can’t be helped right now. God is the one directing our steps and we have confidence that His way is best.

Again, thank you for the prayer support. This child’s life has been bathed in prayer!

Nathan

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it,
do not cease to pray for you…”

Hard to leave at night…
 
“For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit…”

I wanted to give everyone an update on Melanie and Abigail. First, Abigail is doing very well. She continues to be good at nursing for which we are very grateful. We’d started to look forward to taking her home, but she’s had a number of episodes where her heart rate drops below a certain threshold. It comes back up within seconds, so the staff has told us it’s nothing to be concerned about. But, it will keep us from taking her home. They want to see five or less on a daily basis, and she’s been averaging 10 or so the past two days. This is common in preemies and something she will outgrow we’re told – might take a day, might take a week. We’re grateful that she “self-corrects” because a child that needs stimulation (ie a touch of the cheek, pat…) has to stay in the NICU for one week without an episode like that. It was very hard at first for me to accept this, but getting a few hours sleep last night makes it more bearable. In fact, I’d written a blog update late last night when I was pretty down but elected to “try again” now that my attitude has improved. I guess even adults can struggle with having a “bad attitude.”

Melanie is good, hurting and recovering, but good. She’s gotten a little bit of sleep over the past 8 hours, and that has perked her up. We did our infant CPR training last night so that is out of the way. Those videos are a bit scary . . .

We’re discharged from the hospital today. Part of my challenge yesterday was figuring out how Melanie could continue the feedings when we’re in a nearby hotel. Short story is, at least at night, she can’t. This was very hard for me after seeing my wife pull herself out of bed way too soon after a c-section in order to feed and work with her baby. Now, she won’t have the privilege of doing that overnight, and Abigail won’t have the benefit of that mommy/baby time. However, it can’t be helped. God is in control, and we’ve seen Him direct in definitive, tangible ways. We’re trusting that He is continuing to do this. Melanie’s spirits are good. She will work with the lactation consultant today to determine the best way to handle living offsite. We’re praying through all the details we can think of.

If Abigail can outgrow this brady cardiac issue then that, at least at this point, is the remaining item keeping us from taking her home. She does have a “car-seat” test, but that shouldn’t be an issue. I have to keep reminding myself that she is still a preemie, and came 5+ weeks before she should have. She’s a strong, sweet child, and we are grateful that what little health issues she has are minor and not of concern to the NICU staff.

We continue to be grateful for your prayer support. I’ll summarize them below:

• Melanie’s strength/recovery
• Melanie’s heart as we move to a hotel
• Abigail’s growing out of the brady cardiac issues
• Abigail’s health in general, that nothing new would pop up

Lastly, I saw a blog comment where someone noted praying for the family with the “sick preemie” I had mentioned in a previous post. How kind - I have been as well. They transferred that child to another hospital that was better able to handle the congenital birth defect he/she had. So, I haven’t seen them since that afternoon.

Also, I would request prayer for a sweet missionary family we know. We have grown to love the Lockwoods over the past few years, and they are going through a challenging time right now. They would benefit from your prayer support as Daniel is facing some possibly serious health issues.

Nathan, Melanie and Abigail

Sweet sleep.

Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

A short update for everyone. Two prayer requests, first for Melanie. As many of you know (and I’m learning), newborn feedings take a long time. (I’m also learning about newborn messy diapers, wow! , but I digress.) When you do this every three hours, you get very little sleep in between. Melanie is already “over-doing,” but I’m concerned she’ll really, really, overdo. So, please pray for her.

Second, naturally is Abigail. She is doing well. She’s a sweet baby girl. She didn’t nurse quite as well today; I think because her formula supplements, to guard against dehydration, are a little high. Please pray that her nursing will stay good and that Melanie’s body cooperates and works well. No major health issues/crisis from last night or today - PTL!

As I left the NICU a few moments ago, they were working on a sick newborn. The dad, in his mid-20s, was standing there watching his baby being worked on . . .  it was pretty overwhelming. I’ve been there, done that. It brought back so many memories but also such gratefulness that we are not retracing those steps with Abigail. Guarding against fear is a challenge, but God is giving grace day by day.

Melanie’s mom is with us and doing a great job of helping out. We are grateful for her time investment in us and little Abigail.

Nathan

Abigail and Daddy: Abigail is now in her crib!

Let me start by thanking each of you who have prayed, loved, and left comments for us. We have not gotten all the comments read yet, but we’re working on it. I’ve told this baby that she has many, many people around that world that love her.

Second, she has a name - Abigail Hope Maxwell. Abigail, meaning “father’s joy, women of beauty and discretion” - it brings tears to my eyes as I type this. She has brought and will bring joy to my heart. The “beauty and discretion” part comes from the description of Abigail in 1 Samuel. We chose “Hope” for her middle name as her time in the womb was a time of hope for us, at the beginning as we looked forward to meeting her, and towards the end as we sought to maintain hope for how things would turn out. This child did bring us hope!

We’ve had a girl’s name picked out for some time. I liked it, but when Abigail was born, I didn’t sense a peace about our original name. So, we waited and prayed. I told God that I would use whatever name He directed in. Names are important to God, and I wanted His will in this. At one point a day or two ago, the name “Abigail” came to mind. I thought it was nice, but didn’t think much of it. But, it kept coming back and coming back. I shared with Melanie last night that I wondered if God was directing in this and asked her to think/pray about it. This morning, when I woke up the name was still on my mind and it was like I was thinking of her as Abigail. However, being rather dense, I wanted to be sure it was God’s leading. Scripture says that the heart is evil and wicked, I know mine is from experience. I desired total confidence in knowing that this was God’s leading and not my invention. After reading George Muller’s biography, one thing he would do when he sensed God’s leading was ask for and wait for a definitive sign. A sign that he would see and his heart would confirm was of God. I walked down the hall this morning around 9:00 and prayed that God would confirm His direction in a clear way - a way that even I wouldn’t miss. As I walked over to the NICU I wondered how God would show me, I couldn’t think of a way for Him to do it.

I sat down in Abigail’s room, and opened to where my “Read through the Bible in a Year” plan (minus the 18 or so days I’m behind…) told me to read. I was a chapter or two past the David and Goliath story in 1 Samuel when I started. Within a chapter or two I was reading about David and Abigail, and sitting there looking at Scripture with tears in my eyes. I knew as soon as I started that section it was God’s clear, definitive direction. Melanie confirmed that her heart liked the name and thought we should go with it.

So, all that to say - Abigail Hope.

I share the above paragraphs because it is so encouraging for me to see God leading. He has directed each step of the way, even the c/section birth. It’s not been an easy path, but He has lead, and we are grateful for that.

Abigail decided to stick her foot outside the womb Saturday night which prompted the c/section. Due to the rushed nature of the c/section, and Melanie’s desire to be awake, Melanie had a very, very hard time with it. It was one of the worst experiences of her life. However, she was a trooper, survived and is recovering well.

Abigail is proving to be a very good nurser. We are grateful! I didn’t even know you needed to pray about things like that. However, she is doing a great job with it. The NICU has Melanie feeding her every three hours, so Melanie isn’t getting a huge amount of recovery rest, but that can’t be helped. Again, Melanie is being a trooper and working hard to take care of her baby. We’re pleased that Abigail will have the structure and benefits of the schedule when she gets home.

Abigail needs to show that she can gain weight and not trip any of the alarms for awhile to go home. So far, she has done great. The weight gain should start before too much longer and her health appears to be solid - no alarms so far. No ventilator, no IVs, she’s in a regular crib and out of the incubator! Just a cute little baby girl with a small NG tube (for nutrients if needed) and sweet little face. We’re getting to “parent” her by doing diaper changes and taking temperature.

I think that brings you pretty well up to date. Again, thank you for praying and loving Abigail. We’re thrilled to have her as a part of the family.

Nathan

Big yawn. “I’m sleepy .”

It is late Sunday evening, roughly 24 hours after our little girl was born. We haven’t had much sleep, but we’ve had quite the day! First things first, Baby is doing great. I’ll keep referring to her as Baby as we haven’t settled on a name. I’m frequently impressed in Scripture with the significance God puts on names. I haven’t sensed his definitive leading on this child’s name so it’s still a matter of prayer.

Baby arrived at 34 and half weeks - shocking us by showing up as a girl (and weighing 6 pounds 4 ounces). We had wanted to be surprised but felt it was a little boy; we were very wrong. While not our desire, she was delivered by a semi-urgent c/section. Both Melanie and Baby came through it great. Due to her gestational age when she arrived, she will be in care of the NICU for a little while longer. We don’t know whether that means one week, two, or maybe more. However, even though she’s in the NICU, she’s strong, healthy, and alert! She has no IV’s connected, just a small feeding tube to help her with some nutrients while she’s learning to nurse.

I’ll try and post a more lengthy update in a day or two - Lord willing with a name!

Thank you for your prayer support. There were some challenging times during her birth, but God carried us through. We had desired God’s clear leading, and it was clear. Why He chose this route I don’t know, but there was no mistaking it!

Nathan

Little Miss Maxwell soon after birth with her daddy.

Sweet Miss Maxwell

Mommy and baby.