I wish I had the time and energy to write down everything I want to say — but it is late and I am past the point of exhaustion.
Nora was Fussy Cakes today, but she’s still the dearest, sweetest little thing in town.
Nora enjoying cuddles with Nana today
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
(Hebrews 10:23 NIV)
More tomorrow. Good night!
iwillcarryyou 
Many times I grab a cup of coffee and, in the quiet early morning stillness of my home, sit down and check in on Nora and your family. What a glorious way to start my day… a constant reminder of God’s love. However, tonight, as my husband and I are up late doing “party things” and preparing to celebrate our first precious son’s 7th birthday on Saturday, I had the pleasure taking a break and sitting down and seeing your baby before I head to bed. Our youngest son, Ian, turned 3 in April and was diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome. I so remember those early, scary, painful days. He had open heart surgery to repair an AV canal heart defect when he was just 15 weeks old. I think back that if I had known then what I know now, I would have never shed one tear. Becoming Ian’s mom has been the most life-affirming journey I have ever been on. Because of all of his surprises, I am a better mom because I am more present and grateful, I love my husband with a deeper love, I relish in the ordinary things that make life extraordinary, and I am grateful for the gift of each day. It is amazing how through our darkest days where life is not as we had planned that the true meaning of life reveals itself. I have found that my deepest periods of growth in my life are during times of fear and uncertainty; I’d rather not had the fear and uncertainty but I am so thankful for the growth. Your precious Nora is touching more people in her life than I could in my lifetime. She is a constant reminder of the gift of life and I thank you for sharing the gift of her with the rest of us. I pray for peace and guidance for your family. If you should wish to talk about surgery, heart stuff, or anything, I would be honored. In the meantime, know that this mom hugs my kids even tighter and gives them an extra kiss all because of your Nora Rose.
Hugs and prayers,
Laura
I LOVE THE PICTURE OF NORA AND NANA. YOU LOOK SO MUCH LIKE YOUR MOMMY. LITTLE NORA LOOKS SO COMPHY IN THE ARMS OF A GRANDMA THAT LOVES HER DEARLY. I HOPE YOU GET THE REST TONIGHT THAT YOU SO BADLY NEED. I ONLY MISSED ONE DAY READING YOUR BLOG, BUT I WAS IN BED BY 9:30 ON THE 4TH. HAD A REALLY GOOD DAY, BUT IT WORE ME OUT. GOT TO SEE MY 3 GRANDCHILDREN WHOM I LOVE SOOOOOOOOO MUCH. THEY WERE IN THEIR OTHER GRANDMA’S POOL MOST OF THE DAY TRYING TO STAY A LITTLE BIT COOLER. IT WAS FUN WATCHING THEM SWIM AND HAVE A GOOD TIME. IT SEEMED LIKE I HAD MISSED SEVERAL DAYS OF READING ABOUT NORA AND YOUR FAMILY. I NEED MY NORA AND ALEISA FIX DAILY, OR I FEEL LIKE I AM MISSING SOMETHING IN MY LIFE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING DAILY NORA AND ALL THE REST OF HER FAMILY. IT IS ALMOST 3 A.M. HERE, SO I GUESS I BETTER BE GETTING TO BED. YOU ALL WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS, AS USUAL. THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO IS PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU DAILY, AND PROBABLY SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. YOU ARE ALL SO LOVED. I HOPE SOME DAY I WILL GET TO MEET YOU AND LITTLE NORA ROSE, PLUS THE REST OF THE FAMILY. GOD IS GOOD! GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS.
I am undressing her tomorrow night and holding her JUST LIKE THAT! Soooo cute!
Such a sweet picture! I’m jealous of your mamma…Nora is so YUM!
Such a sweet picture. Marian is so pretty and Nora is well….you know…YUM!
As a labor and delivery nurse, it saddens me to see T18 babies “prematurely induced” frequently. Your blog is such an inspiration, and testimony to God’s faithfullness!
With four (grown) daughters, I have never heard the term ” fussy-cakes!” That will be my “Mantra” with the Grandbabies! God Bless you and your family. I am following/praying…everyday!
Thanks for the update and picture. I am sorry that you are faced with such fatigue. However this is understanding as she had a rough and unsettling day herself and that makes the fatigue worse. I found that when I was unsettled with my first baby – he felt this and was also less settled. It is amazing how we can feel their feelings and they can feel ours. You have and are an amazing mother and child of God. His very presence is with you always and comes through to those of us who read your blog. Prayers are with you today especially that you will have an opportunity to rest up and allow others to carry some of the load. I am so glad that you have your mother and friends that are able to step forward and help with your burden. Peace to you and yours. Jackie