update

This is going to be short because I just don't have the energy or the words to really express the deep sadness that Branden and I are feeling right now. We are so blessed to have so many friends and family that have been waiting for an update today. I'm sorry that I just wasn't able to respond.

Yesterday and today (Sunday and Monday) have been extremely exhausting days. It seems that we just keep running into more bumps in the road. Our poor little daughter is poked and prodded at daily (around the clock) and my heart just aches for her. She is so sweet and beautiful and we are so overwhelmed by the challenges facing her. We would give ANYTHING to make her future easier for her. For those of you that don't know already, Annabelle is paralyzed. She has essentially no movement in her legs from the hips down. This was quite unexpected. We anticipated some paralysis but were lead to believe that it would be lower in the ankles and feet. We certainly know that not walking isn't the worst thing in the world, but it's hard to not be sad about this.

Our newest challenge is her hearing. Annabelle has failed her hearing screen. They attempted it twice on Sunday and it was inconclusive. Today's test was considered a fail. We just can't even get our heads around the possibilty that our little girl won't be able to hear. We are mad, sad, and every other emotion you can think of right now. I know that life isn't fair but this just seems so wrong that she won't be able to walk and now might not be able to hear. I am so sad and I just don't know how much more news like this I can take.

We just hit 2 straight weeks that our boys have had to be with someone else besides their father and I. This has been very hard on them. They have been so good and have been having fun with their Grammy, Aunts and Uncle but they are clearly ready for their sister to come and to bring their parents with her. As a stay at home mom who is always with her children I too am missing them as much as I believe they are missing me.

We truly believe in the healing power of prayer - even now when I am feeling so beat down and sad I know that God is watching over Annabelle and keeping her safe. We are asking that anyone who reads this to PLEASE pray for Annabelle's hearing. Please pray that he will help her hearing work as it should so that she may hear all the beautiful and not so beautiful sounds of this world we live in. We ask that you please slip in a prayer for Branden and I to have strength as we face each day trying to be an advocate for our daughter at the hospital and trying to ensure that our boys feel loved and secure each day.