Nora is still doing very well. She’s had trouble latching on and eating from the breast and the bottle, so we are opting to have an NG tube put in to help her out. I’m sad that I’m not able to breast feed her like I did Gavin & Greta.
What an amazing experience it was yesterday to hear her crying when she was first born. She survived the birth with only one scary interlude where her heart rate dropped. I thought we were losing her right then and there.
Melanie was in the room with us during the delivery — another amazing photographer. She managed to capture each moment of Nora’s delivery in absolute perfection. Here are a few photos on Melanie’s blog.
That second photo is the moment we heard Nora CRYING again after her heart rate had dropped. She was stable, PRAISE GOD!!!!!! What a beautiful, beautiful moment that was!!
It’s been a tough day for us emotionally. Yesterday it was so reassuring to see how well she was doing… easy to imagine that she was just another perfectly healthy infant with a normal life expectancy. Our meeting with the hospital’s pediatrician this morning quickly brought us back down to reality. It shatters my soul to imagine EVER having to say goodbye to such a sweet little being; my tiniest little daughter.
I have a bazillion emails, messages, voice mails, comments, phone is ringing off the hook. I’m so very, very touched by the love and support and I wish I could answer each and every one, but I am completely, completely drained right now physically and emotionally. I want to spend every possible moment with my little Nora. Please keep us in your prayers. We need prayers for strength and peace more than ever right now.
iwillcarryyou 
Lesley Webster told me your story. I have been and will continue to pray for strength for your family. She is so beautiful. The photo’s are a perfect photo diary.
You have our prayers, and take care of yourselves during this time. Please know we are all thinking of and praying for you. God Bless!
What a precious gift, she is truly beautiful. Treasure her.
You remain in our prayers.
You’ve got it. She is amazing and so are you. Love you!
She is a beautiful baby. Enjoy each and every minute with her. Prayers for you today and always. Holly
She and you and your entire family are always in our prayers. She is a gorgeous miracle. And know that literally thousands of us are still with you, every step of Nora’s journey.
what an awesome update, consider me one of the seemingly thousand families praying for your whole family. I am glad to consider myself part of her journey and can’t wait to hear more. Joyfully,
Emily Chesnut
She is a tiny little treasure and I’ve been praying non-stop, praying that God lets you keep her forever.
God bless you and Nora. I’m glad you will have the memory of holding your daughter and hearing her voice. I pray that God will keep her with you as long as possible.
I do not know you – but heard of your story through a friend of mine. I have read every blog post and am in complete awe of your devotion to God’s will. I pray for peace for all of you and hope you enjoy every second you have with your beautiful and precious gift. You are a true inspiration and a reminder to me that nothing is impossible when you turn you worries over to the Lord. God bless!
Thank you for the update and look forward to more as you walk along this journey. Know, that even though I am 2200 miles away, I hold you, Nora, and your family close to my heart and think of you, and pray for you often.
My 2 year old daughter just came to sit in my lap and saw the picture of Nora and said “What a princess! Mama, that’s a princess!”
She is so beautiful! God’s grace and goodness in such a tiny package! So thankful for her safe arrival. Prayers for you and your family, Aleisa.
Kim and I continue to pray for you and Nora, we know how precious each of these moments will be. God Bless, Douglas
Your story brings back memories for me. God is all powerful and we must never give up hope. I have a phrase I use and tell others, “Let Go and Let God”. My prayer for you is that God heal your daughter and if He choses to take her to be with Him, that He give you and your family peace that passes understanding. There are times when God shows even the worse doubters whether they be doctors or others. Sometimes He uses us as testimony whether it be a situation we are in or how we handle the situation. You and little Nora have already been an inspiration to so many. I pray God will continue to use you both and in doing so allow Nora to live a long, healthy life.
You and your family continue to be in our daily prayers, Aleisa. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your story!
She is absolutely beautiful! From a fellow chromosome 18 family, you are in our hearts and prayers.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers…..Little Nora came into this world for a reason no matter how long she is on this Earth she will remain in the hearts and thoughts of everyone who has been captured by her story…and she will Always be with you no matter what ❤
I wait to read any and every update with the anticipation of a child on Christmas Eve. Your grace and unfaltering faith through your pregnancy leave me in awe and an inspiration. You are a beautiful soul and your family is incredibly lucky to know the power of faith. Nora’s story has captured my heart and I pray each day that God’s continued mercy and love will shine on your baby girl.
Your family is in my prayers…. Thank you for sharing your faith and miracle with so many… Nora has accomplished more in her life than others can only strive to achieve…. Thanks to you. Many blessings on your precious family.
I haven’t met you but feel that I know you with the e-mails I have received from Paula Miller. You and your family are in my prayers. Praise God for this birth and ask His love to be throughout your home and touch each one of you. You have been an example to me and I have been humbled when I think of the small simple things I worry about. Jackie Berkey
I am in awe of the miracle that has taken place. Your beautiful baby girl has touched so many lives already in the short time she has been here. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your journey and the honesty that was in every post. Your words have touched us in ways that you may never know. God bless you, your family and your absolutely beautiful and precious Nora Rose.
Aleisa: my neighbor’s have a T18 young woman. She is now 18 and a high school graduate – completely mainstreamed. . Miracles happen. Nora’s young life is a complete miracle – and the fact that you and Wm. have made the choices you have is another miracle. God chose you carefully for this beautiful little girl. I couldn’t be more proud of you if I were your mother. ❤ Brenda
You don’t know me Aleisa, I heard your and Nora’s story through my friend Jenn. I just wanted to say she’s the most beautiful amazing little girl and your story has truly touched my heart. May you and your family be surrounded with grace and love now and in the future.
Praying and praying for rest and strength and miracles! Thank you for the update. Gosh I just love her to pieces and you and I’ve never even met you! Lol God is good and He will continue to be with you every step of the way.
To the Yusko’s – we will be praying for you and your family and we have a large prayer network praying for you and your little Nora as well. Jeff & Vicki
I’ve been reading your blog thanks to our mutual friends, Michelle Arnold and Tonya Borgatti. I couldn’t help but think how fitting her birthday was. When I think of “tax day” I also think of the verse “give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and give unto God that which is God’s”. I know from reading your wonderful testimony that you rendered Nora to our Lord and Savior months ago. What a witness you have been, to remind all of us, that children are gifts to us from the Lord. They are His and we are blessed to share every moment with them. I pray for many, many days with your sweet little girl. Your family will remain in our prayers!
WELCOME BEAUTIFUL NORA! What a blessing you are to us all. No matter how much time you have here on earth (and we’re praying that’s a long time), know that you are loved beyond measure, even by complete strangers, like me. God has you all in his hands. Much love from the Mommy of an extra-ordinary son (T21) and a beautiful little girl, too.
Lesley Webster told me your story.. I have been praying for you and your sweet, precious, beautiful little treasure. She is adorable. God be with you and give you strength to get you through the days ahead. – Kim
I’ve read some of the blogs you have posted! I didn’t get very far but they all are wonderful and a tear jerker. I hope you just get the time to read this, but yesterday…April 17th, my aunt also had a baby at the very Hospital you were delievering. My family and your family were in the same waiting room together. As tiring as the whole day was for both families, I noticed the change in emotion everyone had. At one point everyone was very happy and seemed excited for the precious gift you and your family were soon to recieve, I had left the waiting room to go back to see my aunt and came back and everyone was crying. I felt bad, even though I had no idea what was happening…I asked either your mother or mother in-law if everything was alright. So she explained to me and my family what was going on. I started tearing up. She gave me a card that had your blog on it so I could read more about it. So I prayed for Nora Rose, you, daddy, and the kids. (Which were very cute) I continue to pray for Nora and that you will enjoy the time you have with her and that your family stays strong. Nora was put in your life because you are “Strong enough” for her! God knows your heart!! I thank you for sharing every step of the way to millions. God is so amazing and we have to cherish every moment we have! I have a research paper I am starting on this week in school and I am going to be researching all of the different forms of Down Syndrome and how it is possible for a child to get this. I don’t know much about it but I am interested in spending the next month or so learning more and more about it. Thank you so much for sharing the love of our Father!
This verse keeps coming to mind:
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:21 NIV84)
Thank you for taking time to update us on Nora.
Prayers for strength and peace for you and your family. I am sure you will feel God’s loving arms around you offering you the peace that passes all understanding. I am so thankful you experienced that joyous cry of reassurance. I will be praying for Nora Rose. Right now she has your loving arms around her!!!!
Congrats on the birth of your baby! Nora is super adorable! Thanks for helping her understand the love of God. 🙂
Alesia You. ARE. AMAZING. and i hope and pray that you have a smuch time as possible with your little Nora…no parent should ever have to endure such pain but you have taken it all in with so much strengh and faith! My prayers are with you in the days ahead and little Nora is precious!
Aleisa, you and your little one are precious. Thinking and praying for you. . .
You will never need to say goodbye to her – she is with you today, tomorrow and always, come what may. Love to you all!
She is so beautiful!!!! She looks like she is singing in this picture. Keeping you all close in heart and prayers.
You just rest up and enjoy your beautiful baby. We’ll keep praying for you and your family. There should be no feeling of having to respond to others. This is your special sacred time. Enjoy every minute with your little angel. She is so precious.
Reading your blog and seeing photos of your precious little Nora, I truly believe she was sent by God. What an amazing,beautiful little miracle Nora is. Your unconditional love is an example of God’s love brought to life. May your faith continue to carry you through this journey. I will pray for you and your family especially sweet baby Nora. God Bless All of You!!
Bless you as you treasure each moment together. Praying that Nora will continue to do well!
Aleisa DONT WORRY abt responding to anyone! You are blessed to have so many people who would do anything for you guys. Spend every second you have with that little angel and know that we are all here to help whenever you need it. love, Amber
Hi Aleisa, this is Kim (Burnside) Bill. I was friends with Sarah growing up and we lived a few houses down from you on Cleander. I don’t know if you remember. I got connected to your blog through someone’s post on Facebook, and I wanted to let you know how moved I was by your story and by the great love you have for your sweet little girl. The pictures from her day of birth were amazing – what a miracle! I will keep you and your family in my prayers and I wish all the best for your little sweetie and her siblings.
Alesia,
I want to say thank you for sharing your emotions and your family. Nora is a beautiful soul who is touching so many hearts. I am pregnant with my first and we found out at 19 weeks she has a serious heart defect called HLHS. I can empathize with the emotional roller-coaster you have been riding, and I like you, have been CLINGING to Christ to get through this and learn to trust more greatly in His most perfect will.
I am blessed to know that there is another sister in Christ choosing the life of her child regardless of the proposed outcome. We are among few who are honored to bring such special souls to this earth.
My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
I found your story via a Facebook share. Thank you for sharing this. What an amazing story. Congratulations on the birth of you beautiful daughter. I will pray that God continues to see you and your family through this journey.
Beth
so stinkin cute!
I don’t know you and you don’t know me……….but we ‘know’ each other………..April 18 is my sons 21st birthday……….He has been perfected… since shortly after his birth….”He who began a good work in you is ALWAYS faithfult to complete it” Our Marcus was completed on April 18 1991….God taught me to listen for His voice and not to the voices around me….He fine tuned my hearing as I believe He has for you….God fearfully and wondefully creates each and everyone of us,in His exact image and prepared before hand for His purposes. Nora is beautiful! What a treasure!…she is a miracle today….tomorrow…and forever…………………
You are certainly your Father’s daughter … i am proud of you Al! Your family is in our prayers!
NORA IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. SHE IS REALLY A GIFT FROM GOD. YOUR FAMILY IS THE STRONGEST FAMILY I HAVE EVER SEEN. LOVE AND PRAYERS TO ALL.