Another Birthday - Another Miracle

It's hard to believe, our 7th child, Jessica Joy, turned 9 years old today. She's a daily reminder that miracles still happen. She was are one and only homebirth, and a wonderful experience. Shortly after she was born, a doctor friend of ours came over and checked her and heard a heart murmur. Little did we know we'd be sent through a whirlwind of major heart problems, two surgeries at a little over a year of age, and 10 weeks in ICU. From first hearing she may not live a week - then a month - then, "if" we can get her to a year and so many pounds, then maybe we can try surgery. We got to 13 months (her oxygen levels at that time were around 68%). A long stay in ICU, and finally home. We were told after her surgeries, she'd need surgery every 3-5 years to "replace parts." At the end of October we will be at 8 years since her last surgery! God is good, and so thankful that HE is the Great Physician.

So, we celebrate nine years with her today.
What a blessing!

Yes, there were a few tears today. We always decorate with signs in the house after the child has gone to bed the night before. In the morning the kids all signed one of them, but there was an unintentional "space" and Jessica asked one of her siblings about it. Jessica and her decided to write Matthew's initials on that. She also later had tears, missing Matthew, and wants to save this sign in her scrapbook. But there were lots of smiles, and special time spent with her.