Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Taylor Update - Going on 3 Weeks

"For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD."

So, yesterday we went to see the Cardiologist. Everything is going well . Since she was born, she has gained 4 ounces and has grown 3 inches! The Doctor said that we can expect to see her heart weaken over the next 4 to 6 months, anticipating the surgery around 5 months. In the meantime, they need her to continue to gain more weight before then. In order to do that we will be adding more high calorie formula to the breast milk bottles. Erin is a little disappointed to not be able to nurse her directly but knows this is the best thing for her. If for any reason Taylor is not gaining the weight she should, she would then need the mini surgery to help her get to the 5 month mark. We are hoping that won't be necessary.

I can tell you that God has continued to provide Erin and I strength through this. He has truly taken away our sadness. It is an unexplainable peace and joy we have for little Taylor! We know that He is in control and will use her life for His glory. Everyday our love grows for her. We just want to take it one step at a time, not looking too far ahead, knowing God will provide.

Hayden and Ava thinks she's the greatest. Ava thinks that she is her baby. Now if we could just keep her from squeezing her too hard! We are on constant "Ava Watch". Taylor acts and seems like any other newborn baby, though we hardly ever hear her cry. We all think she has the cutest little wail. She definitely sleeps a lot due to being a newborn and her busy heart. When she's awake, she is really alert and wide eyed... so cute.

Erin and I are still amazed when we think back and reflect on our decision to even have another baby. We had been praying about another baby before hand ..."Should we have another? Should we not?" ... 5 months...nothing. I then lost my job. Then one week after being hired on with a new job, we then found out Erin was pregnant. We were so excited, certain this was God's blessing (another child and a job to provide).

Never did we imagine anything less than our standards of "healthy" when it came to another baby. We are still amazed that this is real and it's all okay. Just knowing that God knew of Taylor all along and she is here, made it so clear to us His love and plans for her. How quickly we forget that we are not guaranteed anything. We live in a fallen world, filled with imperfections. Thinking about this reminded me of a scripture in Proverbs 16:9- "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps". Thanks God for the reminder! I am so quick to forget that I am not in control...God is. We want nothing less than to be in His will. I will continue to praise Him for all He has done for us! We are learning to be content in all of our circumstances, knowing that whatever may come, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.

"Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! ... ...He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. "

Aaron


11 comments:

Mom said...

I can honestly say standing back and watching the hand of God move in the lives of both of you Aaron, has been a sneak peek into His power, mercy and grace. As a "nana", being at a distance is sometimes hard, I want to be whatever I can to help, heal and comfort But what I really see is You and Erin can do ALL things through Christ who is strengthening each of you every day. The blessing of Taylor has become the brightest light in my life. To hold her, watch her and feel the sense of her presence brings love and joy beyond discription. Watching my own daughter allow God to stretch her, develop her and carry her through each step of this journey, is the greatest witness a mother could ask for. You are a Man, Husband and "Daddy" of God and I am blessed to have you in my life. I too will continue to praise God for all He has done, is doing and WILL do through Taylor in your lives and the lives of our family!

Anonymous said...

I have never been more proud of you, Aaron, then I am now after reading this last blog. I'm also so thankful for you as my son-in-law, and father of my grandchildren. You and Erin are truly special parents for this special child. God , as always, really knew who He needed to take care of Taylor. Our family is going to be blessed so much to have Taylor. I love you all. Dad

Miller Family said...

So glad you started a blog! How great it will be to have a written record of Gods faithfulness in this journey. We will be praying for you each step of the way! What an amazing God we serve!

Lana Brouwer said...

Erin and Aaron - do you remember more than a year ago, around Aunt Kim's kitchen counter, (well, Erin remembers this, I think Aaron was out by the pool!) that you, Erin, were wondering out loud the possiblity of having baby #3? Who knew what God already knew, that you would have this beautiful little girl added to your family a little over a year later! You guys just never cease to amaze me, with your unwavering faith and love, I can't tell you how excited I am to see Taylor. It made me cry today at work, to ready this blog update, Aaron, you are such a rock and what a witness for Christ! I can also see in all the pictures the love and excitement from the other two girls, in having their new little sister. I know they will all have such a special bond with each other. Praise God for Taylor's "baby steps" in development, hey, every ounce counts, right? You guys are doing terrific, keep up the good work. Love to all of you, I am so proud of you! Love, Aunt Lana

Lana Brouwer said...

I mean, when I "read your update in the blog"...

Anonymous said...

Wow! I am touched reading this. You two are amazing people and I know that baby Taylor has been placed in the perfect family. She is just precious!

Your faith and strenth through all of this is so contagious to others and it is so awesome to read what God is doing in you both and through you both. I am blessed to know you both and I still can't wait to meet that precious baby girl, myself.
-Kelli Hoffman :)

Sandy B. said...

You guys are an inspiration to us all! Still can't wait to hold that precious angel! =) Sandy

erinlitteral said...

THANK YOU guys... we just want to give it all back over to God. It is Him that enables anything good from us...it's so not me ;). I love you all and it's so awesome to know and see how much Taylor is already loved.

I totally remember that Aunt Lana. And were laughing with Shelly about trying to have a girl or a boy.. yep, God already knew.. probably really getting a kick out of watching His children think they really have control in any of it ;)

Lana Brouwer said...

This is one of my FAVORITE songs, Erin and Aaron! The words are amazing!

Carri Roman said...

Yes God definitely has a plan. Oh to know the wonderful peace that surpasses all understanding. Our God is so good. I am so encouraged

Kel said...

So proud of you girl...love you all!