Update 2 - January 16, 2008

First of all, thank you so much for your prayers on behalf of our family. It has been a great encouragement during this last week, Amanda, myself and soon to be born Ava are grateful for your love and support. The messages both from calling and emailing have been a great source of strength, it is amazing how God shows His faithfulness ands grace through His children. Here is an update since our last email. Last Tuesday they did a test to look at Ava's chromosomes (Amniocentesis) and today we received the results. The test showed that her chromosomes looked normal, which was the best possible news we could receive from those tests. The doctor still believes that something is wrong with her brain, but today's results show that there is nothing genetically wrong with her.
Something else could be causing what the doctor sees, but todays results were the best possible answer we could receive from the tests.
Please continue to pray for Amanda and the baby in the coming weeks. The pregnancy has been tough on Amanda, and we are still concerned about Ava as she grows. They moved Amanda's due date to April 16 and also moved her to Duke Medical Center for her delivery. It is about 30 minutes away from our home, but it is one of the best. As of now we don't know anything more than this, so you can imagine how the next two months are going to feel. Ava and Amanda are in God's hands as He teaches us to completely put our trust in Him.

Thank you again for your concern and prayer. Nothing surprises God, He continues to show that His timing and plan is best.

Because of HIS Grace

Craig

Update 1 - January 9, 2008

For those who perhaps do not know, let me give you an update on what has been happening. Amanda went into the doctor on Monday and found out there are some complications with the baby. The doctor is concerned about her (the baby) heart and the development of her brain. On Tuesday they did tests to look at the baby's brain, on today (Wed) we went to a heart specialist. The doctor believes that there is something wrong with the baby's brain, we however do not get results from those test until next week. The heart specialist today did tests and said that the heart looked perfectly normal which was a wonderful praise! He said that there did not appear to be anything life threatening in reference to the heart and that it looked like it was doing great. We have scheduled a appointment for a month to check up. As far as the other test are concerned, we just have to wait for the results. We know that whatever happens, God has been faithful and will continue to be. His perfect plan is in progress! We are praying for a miracle though and asking the Lord to touch Ava's little body as it develops.

For those who have sent email or called, we are very thankful for your prayers on our behalf. You will never know how much they have meant to Amanda and I, your faithful friendship is something we cherish deeply. Please continue to lift Amanda and Ava up in prayer as we wait the results of these other test. Today's result were a miracle, but the other test are still of serious concern. Please pray that God will give Amanda grace and strength through the next few months and that He will touch the baby's little body as she develops. We do know that God's timing has always been perfect, and He is in control and knows what is best. Thank you again for your prayers on our behalf.

Because of HIS Grace,

Craig