His Grace Alone

Before I launch into some great news, here are a few cute pics and vids as of late...

Lyla and her cousin Ethan playing with the toys at Grandma & Grandpa's house :)

Pearlie-girlie being smiley

Walking at Riverside (Lyla loves the fountain, and Pearl was intrigued by it too)

Pearl in the morning :)

Well, Lyla had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. Her doctors were stunned that she is walking independently, and amazed that she is talking and imitating so many words. Dr. Jedele told us that it just doesn't happen--Trisomy 18 kids rarely survive, much less walk, and talk! She said it's usually a big deal for them to be able to sit in a wheelchair. The part that brought tears for this mama was that Lyla's doctor, for the first time, told us that she has no reason to doubt that Lyla will have a long, healthy life. God is so good to us. I am humbled by God's grace, and give Him all the credit for the miracle of Lyla Jane. We were also pretty excited to hear that Lyla is most likely one of the healthiest Trisomy 18 kids in the entire country. God is so good to us. It is by His grace alone that Lyla is with us today and doing so, so well. Thank you for your prayers.

We sang this song in church on Sunday and it touched my heart. God's grace has been given so freely and undeservedly. It is by His grace alone that we have been given the privilege to be the parents of two amazing girls. It is by His grace alone that we have been given the privilege of being called His children. We are forever grateful.

Grace Alone (by Scott Wesley Brown, Jeff Nelson)

Every promise we can make,

Every prayer and step of faith,

Every difference we can make,

Is only by His grace.

Every mountain we will climb,

Every ray of hope we shine,

Every blessing left behind,

Is only by His grace.

Grace alone Which God supplies.

Strength unknown He will provide.

Christ in us, our cornerstone,

We will go forth in grace alone.

Every soul we long to reach,

Every heart we hope to teach,

Everywhere we share His peace,

Is only by His grace.

Every loving word we say,

Every tear we wipe away,

Every sorrow turned to praise,

Is only by His grace.

Spring time fun

first time in a swing :)

May 3, 2012 LYLA WALKS!!!

An answer to prayer on the National Day of Prayer! We give God the glory!!!

Sea World! (Florida trip part 3)

So here's the story about Sea World...

My friend Tracie who lives in Orlando has season passes to Sea World and goes there pretty frequently with her two little ones. She heard that Sea World is really good about providing special experiences for kids with disabilities, so she contacted Sea World's HR person and told her Lyla's story. Because of Lyla's Trisomy 18 we got 5 free passes into Sea World for our family and my parents (at $75 a pop, that was a very nice gift!) and Lyla got to have a special "behind the scenes" animal encounter with a penguin! It was such a great experience, and we are so thankful that Tracie paved the way for such a special day! She and her kids were with us all day and she helped guide us around the park too. :) Lyla really did love all the animals there. She's kind of an animal nut!

Penguin encounter--his name is Jules :)

His feathers were so neat

Lyla was trying to get down so she could pet the penguin more :)

Tracie, Ava, and Isaac with Jules

Lyla also got to pet some baby sharks--she didn't mind at all when they splashed her with salt water!

Shamu--the Shamu show is a little less entertaining than it used to be because the trainers cannot get in the water with the killer whales ever since the bad incident a few years ago.

whale

We all loved the dolphin show, especially Lyla. It was so entertaining!

Lyla loved petting the stingrays--she cried pretty hard when we had to leave them!

Ava, Tracie, Isaac, Pearl, Jenny, Lyla--sure had fun with these guys!

And a special thank you to my parents for helping this special trip become a reality. If it weren't for the great deal we got on the timeshare we never could have afforded it. Also, they helped so much with the girls. We love you Mom & Dad (Grandma & Papa)! xoxo

Also, thought I'd add a video that Joel took when he visited Silver Glenn Springs--so beautiful!

Pool Fun (Florida trip part 2)

We stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista resort in Orlando. It was so awesome! There were five pools and three hot tubs! Lyla loved the kiddie pool best. I think Pearl liked the hot tub best. :)