Glory Story!

I'd like to present a wonderful story to you. This beautiful little baby is Emily Grace Assink. The deVries' are great friends with Sharon (Emily's mom) and I have gotten to know her, and now her husband Paul, as well.

Emily was due to be born sometime in July. Sharon had a small complication in her pregnancy, in the fact that Emily didn't appear to be growing as would be expected. A few weeks ago, Sharon was put on bed rest and sent to the hospital, a few hours away from Paul. We were all praying really hard that the baby would grow and that Sharon would feel peace through this difficult time of not knowing how her baby was doing. At 35 weeks along (this number may be a little off), Emily was only said to be around three pounds (having, I think, doubled in size since Sharon was put on bed rest). It was a little scary for all of us, I remember how I felt being pregant and trying hard to trust that God's plan is perfect and that I and the baby were doing looked after. It was one of the hardest times to let go of my need to control everything around me, and really give it over to God.

Well, June 15th (Justin's birthday, too, hurrah), our prayers were answered and a healthy little Emily Grace was born by caesarian. She weighed 3 lbs 5 oz and was/is strong enough to breathe on her own, only requiring IV to supplement her nutrition and lights to counter jaundice. We are all sooo thrilled!!! Henry, Fran, Kristin and Ian were lucky enough to get to travel to go see her this past weekend. I hear (and have seen through pictures) that she is just beautiful. I think that she looks like Paul (mouth), and I can see a little bit of Sharon, too.

Emily, welcome to the world, little one.
Sharon and Paul, we are so glad for you and are continuing to pray that Emily will grow and that your family will be happy, healthy and strong together.

**All you other pregnant ladies out there... I am continually praying for your "bean", "kicky boots", "little turkey", "Baby D," "Baby H", etc... Kim D, Carrie, Amanda B, Angella, Christy, Amanda F, Kelly, Tianna, April, Kim H, Carm, Stephanie, Denise U, Denise P, other Denise U, Katie, Crystal, Deb, as well as unknown but read bloggers Bekah, Nancy, and Vicki,... I told you I had a long list, this isn't even everyone! I'm sending you my prayers, love and strength!!**