Born Alive Truth

There has been much debate over many issues weighing heavy on the hearts of the American people during this political season.  One such issue involves the termination of unborn human lives.   

I saw these videos this morning.  There's nothing quite like a personal testimony to destroy all the political jargon and squabbling, and lay the true issues out on the table.

The "Born Alive Infant Protection Act defines the "born-alive  infant"  to  include  every  infant  member of the species homo sapiens who is born alive at any stage of development." 

 It "Defines "born alive" to mean the complete expulsion or extraction from the mother of an infant, at any stage of development, who after that expulsion or extraction breathes or has a beating heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, regardless  of whether the umbilical cord has been cut and regardless of whether the expulsion  or extraction occurs as a result of natural or induced labor, cesarean section, or induced abortion."

 SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1. "Provides that a live child born as a result of an abortion shall  be fully recognized as a human person and accorded immediate  protection under the law."

Illinois General Assembly -http://www.ilga.gov

These videos speak for themselves and are worth looking at.  Although I do not want to use our family blog as a political platform, I do firmly believe in the right to life for ALL babies.  

For those who aren't familiar with Gianna Jessen and her amazing testimony, check our her site.

Born Alive Truth

My Boys

I love to watch my boys.  They both love the water!  Patrick is a wonderful swimmer and seeing him in the water is like watching a graceful dolphin.  

This summer we tried to focus on getting the kids in the water as much as possible.  At first Josiah didn't like getting his face wet, but by the end of our Florida vacation at the beach he was doing this...

This past weekend Patrick finished his 2nd Triathlon, The Frantic Frog!  He started out swimming 400 meters in open water, biked 15 miles and finished the race after a 3 mile run.  The kids and I had a great spot by the water where we could watch him swim and cross the finish line!  

He came in 10th for the swim out of 400+ people participating!!  I think he will only get faster on his bike and run.  He hopes to do more Triathlons next summer... especially collecting the fun T-shirts!  

We are very proud! 

A quick visit before the race

All the swimmers lining up on the dock

Almost finished!

Happy Birthday Abby!

Today is the day!  Five years ago this morning at 9:53 am our tiny baby entered the world.  So much has happened in these past 5 years!  It's hard to believe Abby is such a big girl after starting out so small.

Abby is now 29 lbs and about 37 inches long.  She looks like a little girl now and no longer like a toddler.  She is very aware of her crazy family around her and seems to enjoy listening to our interactions... especially Josiah!  She teaches us more every day about pure love and about trust.  We long to trust our heavenly Father the way she so willingly trusts us as her parents.

This year has been a full one!  Full of illness, changes and some progress.  It has also been full of a spirit of thankfulness in our family.  We feel the Lord's mercy and blessing on us every day.  He is Good!

Because it has been a big year for Abby, this B-day movie is a little Long!  We tried to include pieces of the major events at least.  

We love you Precious Abby!

Matthew 6:33-34

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Sick Again

After planning a day of fun for our family including swimming, a picnic lunch and visits with some horses, this morning proved to create something different.

I found Abby in her bed this morning seizing.  Not her typical weekly/daily seizures but the kind that only come with illness.  We had no clear warning signs that she wasn't feeling well.  Because the seizure was already involving her whole body, and not knowing how long she had been like this, we quickly gave her rescue medicine (Diastat).

Not going into the details we ended up in the ER an hour and a half later with Abby in worse shape than she started.  Fortunately the nurse got IV access on her first try and then loaded her with several meds to stop the seizure.

Not long after her seizure had stopped her temperature spiked to 104.  Blood work came back clear which means she has another virus.

Tonight we are home feeling drained and exhausted.  Abby has been unusually agitated all day, including moaning and wakefulness not typical of her post-"prolonged seizure + incredibly powerful drugs" episodes.

We are heading to bed to try to get some rest, but wanted to leave you with some pictures of today.

Josiah, his usual cheerful self, making us smile during a discouraging day.

New Baby Younger

Isn't he beautiful!?

This is a "preview" meeting of my new nephew due to arrive around November 4th!  I got to feel him kicking last weekend and felt bonded to him even more.

He is 30 weeks gestation and growing nicely.  His mommy is my very special friend and sister.  As of today his name is still a mystery, but I'm sure it will be adorable... just like his sisters'.

Anna and Norah anxiously await his arrival as well.  I've caught them practicing their mothering skills, and there is no doubt they will be Wonderful Big Sisters!  Eager to teach him how to laugh, love and enjoy dessert!

The Triathlon was so much fun!  Patrick and his team finished strong and I managed to complete the 400 meter swim without too much drama.

There was a large group of participants and supporters who showed up to give their support for Team Adriana.  We all look forward to meeting the little girl who inspired this joint effort!

Pray for the Clark's adoption of Adriana.  They have run into several delays and possible complications this week with their paper processing.  Check out their blog for more accurate details.  I'm sure they would appreciate any notes of encouragement!

These pictures give you a taste of the day.  A slide show of the event is coming SOON!

Dave, Patrick and Daniel

Dave and Gracie

Race numbers

The Race Begins...

TOMORROW!!

Bright and early Saturday morning we will run, bike and swim to raise money for our friend's adoption.  Little Adriana is waiting in Guatemala to come home to her family!

It should be fun!

Check back in a few days to hear about this adventure.

Abby is doing better.  She is still not feeling back to normal, but has not had fever today!  Thanks to those who prayed for her this week!!