Hydrops?

Baby Zoe looking around for a few seconds!

Baby Zoe continues to make some minor improvements, but there are many questions still to be answered. The doctors have determined that Zoe suffers from Hydrops (the non-immune cause). There are many causes for the condition, and that is where they are having some difficulty. The very-cabable doctors have run several tests, and fortunately they have all come back negative. So, the good news is, they are ruling out several causes for the Hydrops, but they have yet to narrow in on THE cause for Zoe's case.

Jim and Carmen are meeting with the doctors on Monday to go over some more test results. They will have to ask some very difficult questions, and quite possibly make some very difficult decisions. They are asking that anyone who has ANY information concerning this condition, its causes, or treatments, please forward any information or research to them so they can be prepared.

You can find the latest of Zoe's updates, and leave comments for Jim and Carmen at Zoe's web site (click here), or encourage other's to visit it at http://www.prayforzoe.com/.

We Continue to Pray for Baby Zoe

Baby Zoe this morning

To follow Baby Zoe's story, visit the web site here.

Precious Life

Last night we got a call that my youngest sister had gone into labor at only 34 weeks. There was obvious worry and concern, coupled with much prayer for my sister and the baby. Because Sis and her family live in a small, rural town her doctor had to travel an hour to arrive at the hospital. When the doctor finally arrived, they decided to take deliver the baby via C-section.

The baby weighed 3 lb, 3 oz and had complications with many of his vital organs. He was on 100% oxygen and was rushed to another hospital with an excellent Neonatal ICU. Sis encouraged her Hubby to go with the baby while she stayed behind to recover from surgery. When Baby and Sis' Hubby arrived at the second hospital, the baby's heart, stomach, and lungs were all doing well. As of this morning, his oxygen support had been reduced to only 33% and his blood pressure was stable.

They have named the baby Zoe, which means "abundant life," and this precious, tiny one is fighting for his. Things have greatly improved since last night. My sister hopes to be released tomorrow to join her family with its newest addition. My parents are there now to offer their love and support. I hate that I live too far to just pick up and go at a moment's notice. But I offer my prayers and send my love across the miles.

We are all believing that Zoe will grow into a strong, vibrant young man. We serve an Amazing God who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. I can't wait to see the story Zoe tells through his amazing life!

Welcome Little Zoe...hang in there, we're praying for you!

Menu Plan Monday

Short and sweet, here it is...

Monday: Italian baked chicken (chicken breast marinated in Italian dressing, then baked), pasta salad, green beans & carrots

Tuesday: Baked mostacolli, salad, garlic bread,

Wednesday: Farmer's Casserole (see recipe at My Blessed Life here), fruit salad

Thursday: Tex Mex Tilapia (see recipe here), Spanish rice, salad

Friday: Family Night Out

Saturday: Grilled brats w/buns, veggies & dip

Sunday: Whatever you can find in the fridge!

Hurtful Words

Words are a powerful thing. Whether spoken or written, they communicate a message. They have the power to hurt or heal, to encourage or discourage, to build up or tear down. You've heard it said, "The pen is mightier than the sword." We sometimes forget that spoken words carry the same weight. And hurtful words are the worst kind. They always result in one thing...pain.

As the receiver of hurtful words, the result of pain is obvious. You are wounded and cut deep by the words (either spoken or implied) of another. As the user of hurtful words, one may feel a moment of relief, even vindication. But once that moment is gone, the result is the same...pain. The words unleashed on another can do nothing to heal the pain that originally caused the outburst. Even if the words were justified, the potential hurt to another person (or relationship) is pain enough.

Maybe that's why the authors (and ultimately The Author) throughout the Bible spent so much time and effort reminding us to bridle our tongues, think before we speak, and consider how our words will be received by the intended hearer.

"The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." James 3:5

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Know and Tell Friday

More Friday fun from the girls at Kickin' It In Crazyville. Have fun!

1. My favorite bedtime attire is pajama pants and a T-shirt--comfy and cozy all the way!

2. The perfect meal would include any Mexican dish with a hearty side of tortilla chips and a big glass of Diet Pepsi (don't forget the fried ice cream for dessert!)

3. The most memorable girl's night out I've ever had was when my two best friends and I drove to a tourist town about 30 min away and had dinner at an upscale Mexican restaurant . That was in 2008 (March). I was 35-years-old. It was so memorable because all 3 of us mommies were out, away from our kids, all dressed up and did something totally spontaneous (hadn't planned on going so far for dinner).

4. My earliest memory is playing in our front yard and being afraid of the big bell tower at the church down the road b/c it looked like a big monster with eyes. (I was probably 2 or 3 at the time.)

5. The family is gone for the evening and I will spend my time sitting on the couch watching chick flics and eating ice cream.

6. Right now I am watching Dora with my Little Miss and realizing that my Little Man is waking up from his nap.

7. When I am done blogging, I am going to get Little Man up and take the kids outside to enjoy the unexpected break from the blistering heat!

Head on over to Kickin' It In Crazyville to join in the fun!

Quote and Pic of the Week

photo by Omerad

“Remember always that you not only have
the right to be an individual, you have an
obligation to be one.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt