Hello everyone! Today I finally have a chance to sit and write my own blog to update you on Laurie. I would like to say “thank you” to all the friends and family who worked on getting this set up and adding the pictures, so that you can be informed and see our little angel! I have really depended on friends to get this page going—as you can imagine that last few days have been a whirlwind for us!. Todd and I will never be able to say “thank you” enough for the all the gestures of love, both big and small, that you all have shown over the past few weeks!

First I would like to update you on Laurie’s current health:

Laurie had a great day yesterday (6/30/08) and last night the doctors told us that the results of her ultrasound were normal—no bleeding on the brain! Praise God!!! We also witnessed several other blessing yesterday as she began her sucking reflex and even “practiced” on the tiniest pacifier that I have ever seen! She is also able to handle all (1/5^th tsp.) of breastmilk given to her every 3 hours and has now had several feedings. Consequently, she has had several full diapers! We realize that everyday will not be as rewarding, but we are so very thankful that she is doing well!

I can’t forget to mention, her big brother, Cole, lost his first tooth on Sunday also!!! Possibly more exciting to him than Laurie’s arrival!

Next I would like to give you a little background information on what her anticipated arrival has been like for the past few years:

Today is my birthday and as always family members began several days ago asking, “What do you want for your birthday?” The last three years the answer in my heart, but not spoken out loud, has been the same—a baby.

I was reminded of this again last week as I sat in the hospital trying to prevent Laurie from coming too soon. I was reading scripture for a daily devotional and saw a note in my Bible dated July 1, 2007. This quickly brought back memories of where I was in my life one year ago today. On that day Rev. Matt Smith, the Minister to Students, at our church gave his personal testimony on the power of prayer (1 Peter 2:1-3) and at the end of the service there was a special baby dedication held. As many of you who know me well can assume, I cried through the whole service! Yet, on that day I was reassured that through prayer and God’s grace, I too would one day have my birthday wish. You see only two weeks before, we had experienced our third miscarriage and my heart was broken.

In July we began working with an infertility specialist and over the following months I thought of that Sunday message often and continued to trust that our prayers would be answered in God’s time! On February 1, 2008 we found out that I was expecting and were thrilled! We tried to keep our secret through the first trimester, but I’m not very good at keeping surprises a secret!

So, today as I turn 33 years old today and my daughter, Laurie, celebrates her third day of life, my birthday wish for the last three years has finally come true! Todd and I have also seen proof of the power of prayer and we look forward to Laurie’s special baby dedication, giving God all the praise for this tiny miracle!

"For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath granted my request.”

1 Samuel 1:27

Leah