The News it Out

We are still in VA helping to care for Christy. She is making progress each day. I really enjoy being here with her and helping her with her day-to-day tasks.

We are very excited because she was able to find a GREAT OB doctor this week. They scheduled her c-section for August 11 at 10am. We are all very excited about Addison's soon arrival. Today she had an ultrasound and they estimate Addison's weight to be 5lbs 6oz at 35 weeks. Please keep Christy and Addison in your prayers. This will not be the birth that Christy hoped for at the beginning of her pregnancy, but as her hubby keeps reminding her, "the hard part is over!!!" Addison and Christy are both alive!! Everything else is going to be a piece of cake. I am so proud of Christy as she takes on the challenge on mommy-hood! I know it is difficult without the setback of a brain injury. Christy is not letting these circumstances get her down. She is moving forward as planned.

We are planning a baby shower in the next few weeks. It will be simple with only the family, but we know that Christy will enjoy filling Addison's room with baby stuff!!

Our family has decided to stay here with Brian, Christy, and Addison for the next 6 months or so to continue to help out. We have seen God move in a mighty way as we have made the decision to serve our family in this way. The details can only be chalked up to "The Lord and His PERFECT will!!!" I am excited to see where Christy will be in 6 months. I believe that she will make a full recovery eventually. I can't wait to share the stories with Addison (when she is a little older) about how her mommy fought through the odds for her. Our family will never be the same!!!

Thank you Lord, for unfortunate circumstances. They always seem to make us into better people. You can take something that was meant to destroy us and use it to help us change the world! You are amazing!! I love you, Lord!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Caring for Christy

Today I completed my first day of caring for Christy while Brian went to work! What a job!! She is completely dependent and has to have someone with her 24/7. There are a lot of little things that I keep forgetting and she has to remind me . . . putting the breaks on the wheel chair for example, adjusting her trach collar just right, or a wet wipe after a meal. She is being so patient with me though!! I am probably more frustrating to her than she is to me. She can communicate, but not with words . . . so we are trying a few one handed signs and lots of guessing!! She gets frustrated at me and she doesn't mind telling me so in her own way . . .

We laugh a lot!! This is what warms my heart more than anything. Here she is, is such a state and she is laughing and enjoying the life she is blessed with. She always has me feel Addison moving around in her belly!! What a little blessing she is already! It's the little things that amaze me!!

Christy is determined . . . did I mention that?? When she wants to do something, she wants to do it!! That is going to be so beneficial to her on this journey . . . She has come so far already, but she still has a long way to go.

Tonight before she went to sleep Shannon and I prayed for her. We are believing that He will do mighty things in her life including heal her body completely! I feel so privileged to be able to be here to serve Christy and Brian in their time of need. I am thanking Him already for her healing. Thank YOU for joining me in prayer. I know something is going to happen soon!

Praying for Christy

*I wrote this when Christy had just begun this journey. I can't believe that she is coming HOME tomorrow!!

THanks to all who have been taking Christy's needs to the throne of God. She has made amazing progress in one week and we are all hopeful for a full recovery. Today I went into her room and the nurses had propped her up in a chair. She looked good and she opened her eye to look at me. When I reached down to grab her hand, she squeezed my hand tight! That brought tears to my eyes. She likes to have her feet and legs rubbed with her favorite lotion. When Shannon and I left the room we said, "Goodbye Christy." As we walked out she waved goodbye with her left hand. How cool was that!?!?!

THE SHORT VERSION:
On Monday, April 13, Christy had a migraine and vomiting. She was at her parents house and her mom called 911. When she went to the ER she was diagnosed with a brain aneurism and they were going to transfer her by air to UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA. The weather was too bad to for an air transfer, so se went by ambulance.

Christy is a 28 year old young woman who is 21 weeks pregnant with her first baby and last week she found out she was having a girl!! Christy and Brian were so excited and had already named her Addison Jean. They were so excited to be parents!

After arriving at UVA, Christy had 2 brain surgeries. They weren't sure how she would respond at first. She had a few set backs and then she had 2 more brian surgeries. The last one was to remove portion of her skull in order to make room for some swelling of her brain. (Doesn't the sound serious??? IT IS!!) After those few set backs, she has had several good days. The doctors say that set backs are normal. The baby is miraculously alive and kickin' like crazy!!

Christy is looking forward to motherhood! We are so sure that she is going to pull out of this and be the mom that Addison needs! There are so many folks praying for Christy and Addison