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Friday, January 11, 2008

8:40 Update

I'm back home after another good day at the hospital.

Tricia is the same. Our family and some good friends all spent time talking and praying with her today, and she continues to respond, especially to my voice. They have her on an incredibly small amount of sedatives...she'd literally wake up in less than 10 minutes if the shut it off. But, they are still worried that she would have serious issues with the vent if they did so, and they will continue to try to wean her off the vent as her body and lungs regain it's strength.

I'll be honest, even with the progress of the past few days, it is becoming harder to wait for Tricia to wake up. Although we've told her a hundred times about Gwyneth, I really don't know if she is truly conscious of her baby. I have so much to tell her, and every day brings more.

A couple of things she has going for her now without Gwyneth:
> No more 1 lb 6 oz baby (plus other stuff) taking up space that her lungs need.
> Some of her CF meds that were dangerous for the baby have been restarted.
> The tracheotomy allows the nurses to vacuum a ton of mucus out of her lungs...mucus that had built up over the past several weeks and months due to her weakening lung function/strength and the drying effect of the 24/7 oxygen tanks/BiPAP.
> Lots of much needed sleep.

Gwyneth continues to be the most healthy 25 week preemie in the history of the world! Everyone tells us that there will be some complications at some point, and while we are bracing for something, we also believe that she could continue to be the miracle to prove them all wrong (read Janet's Latest Post).

She now has 3 tiny roommates and two nurses sharing the care load. Each of her grandparents and great grandparents were able to touch her like I did last night.

She received a PIC Line in her right arm this afternoon, which went well. They also sent blood to the lab to Test for any CF mutations. I was tested before we were married, and I am not a carrier of the most common CF gene mutations, but there is still a risk. Please, pray that the tests come back negative.

Thank you so much for responding to my last post about Joe and Kendra. I walked down to the NICU several times simply to look for them late today so I could encourage them with your prayers. I hope to see them tomorrow.

Late this evening, about 140 ECards were delivered to Tricia's room with a message that it was a record number. Keep 'em coming! Every single one will be placed in a binder (lucky I'm a Scrapbooker!) for Tricia to read soon, and for us to read over Gwyneth as she grows. And, every single one shares the message of God to those at Duke who print and deliver them to us. The buzz about Tricia and Gwyneth (and their God) around the Duke facilities is unbelievable.

A HUGE shout out to the FFHS and FFMS FCA's for being the first to get baby cards to us at the hotel!!! I warned the front desk that I may be receiving lots of mail in the next week.

And, here are a few more pictures from last night.

Some Perspective

Pride

First Time On Her Belly

Nurse's Hands

Silent Cries

Eyes
My Wedding Band


Perspective
Tricia got me the camera that is taking these amazing shots for Christmas...best Christmas gift ever!

Nate

63 comments:

  1. Awww she's to tiny and wrinkly! What a beautiful baby!
    We are continuing our prayers for your family. Thank you for the updates!

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  2. What wonderful news! Gwyneth is adorable! :) :)
    I will continue to pray for all of you as you continue on this journey. I know Tricia will pull through and do fantastic. :)

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  3. I am again brought to tears of joy and awe at this amazing gift of life. Gwyneth Rose is so beautiful. And those eyes. Incredibly precious. And your wedding band on her wrist. Wow! Thanks again for sharing so much of this awesome journey with us all. I want to come see you guys so bad! Hopefully soon. Love you all so much! -Your cousin Amy

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  4. I will tell you as many will, she is small now but they grow up in the blink of an eye. Cherish every moment!

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  5. Nate-
    I am praying for your family. May God bless you always. Peace be with you.
    praying in indiana!!

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  6. that is amazing!!! we are, as always, praying for you guys. God is obviously working in and through y'all in incredible ways!

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  7. Wonderful pictures. I love the one of her with her eyes open!

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  8. Thank you for sharing this update! I'm so grateful that your family is doing well. I think I'll STILL be praying for your family when you and Tricia walk Gwyneth down the aisle someday! Maybe then you can offer her your wedding band to wear with love and remembrance of this miraculous time while Tricia places a new one on your hand simultaneous to Gwyn's vows (as my mom did with my dad during my own vows). What an amazing journey you've travelled thus far with a journal you will someday revisit with THANKS BE TO GOD!
    Refreshing in Ohio

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  9. Brings back memories of pics of me at the 30 week premie. Hope you 3 have a great weekend and Tricia wakes up soon so you can share these moments with her.

    Jessica

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  10. I don't know how anyone could look at the pictures of your sweet little Gwyneth and doubt that God exists. She is amazing!

    I'm so glad to hear more good news.

    Still praying....

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  11. I have been reading your blog for a few days now and find myself running to my computer ever chance i get waiting for an update, and am sending out positive thoughts for your wife and daughter (along with a few prayers!) Your pictures are amazing, there is just no other word to describe them. But then again the subject is pretty amazing too. :)

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  12. Thank you so much for the updates. My children (4 and 6) check all the time for new updates and pictures. My 6 year old told his sister that we needed to pray for the baby and his mommy. Your faith and relationship with God has really opened my eyes! We continue to pray for you all.
    The McLamb's
    Clayton, NC (C3 members)

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  13. She is beautiful! I can't tell if she has blond hair or if that's baby fuzz. :) Thanks for the updates!

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  14. God sure does love to show us miracles, doesn't He? I have been following your blog for about 2 weeks now. I have shared your story with many, and have many friends/family praying hard for your girls. Your whole family seems so close to God, and I love reading your posts, along with your dad and uncles. Hang in there, and know that God loves you and so do I and the whole world!!!

    Rebecca in KS

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  15. Your precious baby girl is beautiful. Like I said on my blog, I've been captured by your story, and find it a privilage to be apart of your extended family in Christ. We are praying for you, Tricia and baby Gwyneth. I can't wait to see how the Lord works, and how His glory will be revealed through your lives. Thank you for being so real and honest...and for keeping the rest of the world updated so much!!

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  16. I have to say...one of the most BEAUTIFUL babies I've ever seen! You all are in our prayers and hearts! Your family is definitely proof that our GOD is GOD of miracles!!! AWESOME!
    the Wright family, NC

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  17. What a miracle Gwen is! I can't wait, either, for you to be able to show her to Tricia and for the day Tricia get's to hold her.
    It's neat to hear how your testimony is affecting people around the world and the staff at the hospital. You are so humble about it, but it is just so wonderful!
    Oh, I pray for Tricia that she will be weaned off of her vent soon! I'm so glad she has all of those positive things going for her now. That is really wonderful!
    Aspiemom/GA

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  18. Those pictures make everything even more amazing. Thanks for the picture with the hand and the ring - truly gives perspective!! My prayers are with you as another day ends and your girls continue to fight hard!! I hope tomorrow is your lucky day to get to tell Tricia all of your exciting stories!!

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  19. Each little detail on Gwyneth is perfect! She is a beautiful little person. God is so real, the proof is in your baby girl. I hope your getting enough rest because your gonna need it:) Those eyes tell a story. You are going to be a very busy daddy!(not that you aren't busy now)
    We continue to pray!

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  20. She is adorable! Thanks for all the updates. We have never met and might not ever meet, but I am praying for you and your family. Prayer is prayer, no matter from what state, right?

    Best wishes and stay rested up! Your strength is felt throughout your family even when you feel so weak!

    Praying,
    Alie in TN

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  21. what a perfect christmas present! what a perfect little girl!

    thanks for taking time to keep us updated. you guys remain in our hearts and prayers.

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  22. Your little princess loves you. I hope she gets better soon. We have been praying for her and her mommy and you. When they get better, you guys will have lots of fun.

    My name is Adorah. I am 8 years old and I hope to come and visit you and play with baby Gwenyth. I think baby Gwenyth is adorable.

    Love Adorah from British Columbia, Canada (Don and Mary's grandaughter)

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  23. She is the most precious thing on the planet. You and your family have filled me today with such belief in all things good in this world. I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that you do not think me stalking you after stumbling upon your site.

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  24. I am nearly speechless...all I can say is that God is awesome...your family is cool, and I will continue to pray for your family!

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  25. Thanks for the update Nate. My wife and I walked earlier tonight and prayed for you, Tricia, Gwyneth, Joe & Kendra and boys. I hope contributions are coming in as fast as emails! We were able to get a check in the mail today. I wish it could have been sooner and more. I want to challenge everyone reading this to pray about a contribution to help!
    Scott

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  26. I cannot fathom what you are going through or how you must be feeling. It must feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders. I pray that God takes on that weight and refreshes and strengthens you. You, Tricia, Gwyneth, and your entire family show how real and powerful God is. I am in awe.
    A note of encouragement: I have a friend who also has CF. She has had two daughters, who have both grown to be healthy adults with children of their own. My friend is now in her 70's! Her doctors say it is a miracle she is still with us. God is that miracle, proving anything is possible if only through Him.
    With love and constant prayer,
    Leslie - Oriental, NC

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  27. We continue to be amazed at the work that God is doing in the ICU wards of Duke as well as around the world. We are so excited to read the good news today. We are praying that when Tricia is ready to be off the medicine, her body will be well rested and restored. Her blog entries show what a wonderful person she is and how she completely trusts God with her health.

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  28. Wow, I just found your page about twenty minutes ago and after reading all of your family's pages as well, it is obvious that you and all your family are truly blessed to have such a strong woman in your life as Tricia. I cannot stop crying! I've cried since the moment I read the link to your page until now! I'm 14 weeks pregnant and unwed. I was so ashamed of myself and how everyone would know that I'd sinned, because of it's "obviousness." But, until I saw your page, and your baby, can I truly say that these tiny creations that have been entrusted to our care are a perfect gift from God. I have to say that I believe that God has given Gwyneth such an early birth for the same reason he gave your wife cf.. to make her a strong and compassionate woman. Wow... what a gift! We truly are made with purpose in mind. She will have some purpose later, if not right now, that will bring great glory to God, just as Tricia's story is right now... I hope and pray that you and your family are open to God's will and everything that happens to Tricia and your sweet precious angel from here on. I hate to mention death at this point, but it is not death for us, but the start of eternal life, and happiness for being with our Creator, Father, and Best Friend... whatever happens I can't wait to meet you all in heaven when He decides to call us home to Him. Your faith and strength has increased mine! Thank you so much and God bless you all... :)

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  29. Nate--I giggled a little imagining you scrapbooking. I continue to be moved and encouraged by your faith and the faith of your family. It sure puts things in perspective. I'll continue to bring you, Tricia, and Gwyneth to Jesus. --Vicki from WT

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  30. She's beautiful!!! God really is showing himself to the hospital staff in amazing ways!!! I'm praying for the other couple with dealing with their loss & taking care of their sweet boys!! - Joni in Ohio

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  31. ABSOULTY BEAUTIFUL PICS...
    GOD BLESSS YOU ALL NATHAN...
    SHOWERING YOU ALL WITH
    PRAYERS & LOVE
    LONG ISLAND NEW YORK

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  32. These pics are just unbelievable! She is so beautiful....I am sure that just everyone is telling you that, but I still had to say it.

    I am praying almost constantly for you, Tricia, and Gwyneth, and have now linked you all on my blog for others to pray for you as well...thank you for the constant updates, as I (as well as many others, I am sure) are checking like, every hour to see if there is anything new!

    Can't wait to see what great things God has in store for you all tomorrow!

    Devin in Illinois

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  33. What a miracle your two girls are!! I love the open eyes picture of Gwyneth and that wedding band pic...you can't beat that. She's just so amazingly tiny. God is so amazing. I'm still praying.

    Angela, central Ohio

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  34. your pictures brought tears to my eyes. i find myself checking for updates quite often, and thinking of your wife and daughter many times through out the day. continuing to pray

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  35. Thank you for keeping us updated. How cool how little Gwyneth has touched the life of Shaston who is newly pregnant. Shaston, thank you for your bravery in keeping your sweet baby. All babies are such perfect miracles. You and your baby will be a testimony to many as well. God bless.

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  36. I know you know this, but Gwyneth is just precious! It is amazing to see just how tiny she really is. You don't really realize her size until you see your wedding ring on her wrist or your hand up next to her. What a tiny, perfect little miracle. I am SO happy to hear the continued good news about her. I'm sure you can't wait for her to get older so you can share this whole story with her.

    I'm glad Tricia is still hanging in there, getting the rest she needs, and has started back on CF meds that she needs but wasn't able to have while pregnant. I'm still praying over her and Gwyneth, their doctors, nurses, and everyone who has anything to do with their care.

    Who would have ever guessed that so many lives would be touched by this story!?! God is beyond amazing!

    Thank you again for sharing this. You'll never truly know just how much it means to be able to share in this with you.

    Still sending strength, love, and prayers your way!

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  37. I have been following your incredible adventure since Monday and like many others have mentioned I check your site often to see updates and hope for more good news. Your Gwyneth is absolutely gorgeous!!! I bet she's going to be one strong willed little girl - just look at the strength she is showing right now! What an amazing blessing and proof of how great our God is! Lots of prayers and happy thoughts are being sent your way from Colorado!

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  38. I can't say I know the road you have walked when it comes to CF but when it comes to a preemie I have been there again and again. I lost our first son who was born at 20 weeks and only live a very short time, then a year later our son Aiden was born at 24 weeks and he is now 19 months old. He was also 1 lb 6 1/2 oz and if a preemie could test the waters of every thing that could happen he sure did. He is an amazing little boy now and reading your story just brought me to tears and all those feeling fludding back of watching him in the NICU for 5 months and watching him fight and grow. This year I just had 34 week twins too so I'm an official preemie mom all around.

    Nate your daughter is beautiful and a fighter. She is loved by more people then she will ever know. My prayers are with you and your family. They grow so fast and change so much, cherish every second.. Before long she will be pulling on your pant leg and making messes for you all to clean up. It's amazing and beautiful and I am so happy she is doing well.

    God Bless the three of you..

    Hugs and Prayers
    Jessica in boston

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  39. Nate,
    I have to say that I find myself checking your blog so frequently. I am praying for you and your family as well as the other family.
    May God continue to bless everyone in this. My wife is consumed with your story and we pray for you as a family. Our two little boys are such blessing to us.
    Blessings from Oregon
    Bill

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  40. Hi Nathan,You have so many people following you and your two girls everyday.I love the pictures of Gwyneth with her eyes open and the nurses hand touching her.I am praying for Tricia to be weaned off of the vent and getting to see and hold her miracle baby...A big thanks to you for sharing your family with us...Our caring thoughts are with you all of the time.Hugs, from Savannah,Ga.
    A retired baby nurse...

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  41. I'm so glad to hear that Gwyneth and Tricia are still doing so great. They are both such fighters!
    Although our little girl got down to 1lb 6oz, it still amazes me to see babies that tiny. She will pull through, I just know it. ^_^

    You're still in our prayers!

    Kristi
    krististrio.blogspot.com

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  42. Nathan,
    We were just talking about your camera and blogging & photography skills this evening. How could you have known years ago when you were learning to stream video, etc. that your skills would now be touching the world for Christ ? God wastes nothing. ALL of us are enjoying the pics. Thank you so much for showing our kids modern day heroes of the faith! You are teaching our family volumes about what it means to follow Christ. We love you,
    Andersons in TN

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  43. Nate:

    Just wanted to let you know that you have the most beautiful baby...ever :-)

    Be blessed.

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  44. She is tiny but oh so mighty!!! Absolutely gorgeous!!

    Thank you for sharing your pictures and your lives with us.
    Our continual prayers are with you.

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  45. Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog!

    It's a priveledge to be part of your family's miracle story that is deepening faith across the world.

    Gwyneth is such a tiny little peanut! I don't know how you see such a tiny perfect baby and not believe that an awesome loving God created her. What a beauty!

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  46. Our thoughts are with your family...We have a micropreemie daughter (a 23 weeker and surviving twin who is amazingly now 19 months old) and we know something of what you must be going through with Gwyneth....We are pulling for your lovely wife and hoping for a speedy recovery for her so that the double transplant can happen and for your beautiful daughter.

    Abby, Sharon and Hallie in Philadelphia

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  47. Absolutely amazing. I love the wedding band shot. That picture will give you perspective for years to come.

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  48. what a precious, tiny gift from God...Wow!

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  49. We welcome Gwyneth to the outside world and watch Trician's story with hope. The Uptons from Ontario (linked from tracheostomy.com)

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  50. Tummy time! You're little girl is growing up! :)

    She's a doll.

    Thanks for continuing to share her and Tricia with us.

    Hugs and kisses to all three of you.

    Rebecca

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  51. What an amazing God we have! We are praying with you and rejoicing with you. I love the pictures...keep them coming! What a precious little miracle! I have to admit...your scrapbooking comment made me laugh...then, I read the link and it made much more sense! :) Just wanted you to know that it has been amazing to watch your journey through this time, and I appreciate that you have chosen to share it with the world. It has been a wonderful testimony of the faith that you and Tricia have in God...and in turn, it has been such a witness to others. Praying for your girls and that you will feel the love of our Father surround you.

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  52. Wow!! That pic with the wedding band is amazing! i am a photographer and love the pics you are taking! AMAZING! Still praying and thinking of you guys. I couldn't sleep much last night (which is rare for me!) and everytime I was awake I would send up a prayer for you all.

    Blessings for another beautiful day!

    Be encouraged and God Bless!

    Jolene and Family!

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  53. Gwyneth is such a beautiful little girl. I am so happy that all is going well for your two girls. I will continue to keep you three in my thoughts and prayers.

    Tami Foytik

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  54. I can only imagine how small she is now seeing that picture with the wedding ring. I had a 33 weeker who weighed in at 3 lbs. 7oz. and I thought he was small. Thank you for sharing your story with us. God is using your daily miracles to bless many people. We pray for continued health and strenghth for all 3 of you guys.

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  55. What a miracle baby! I have been and will continue to pray for You and your family. The pictures of Gwyneth are amazing and bring tears to my eyes.

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  56. I was wondering about Gwyneth having CF - I didn't even think of you not being a carrier! (I'm so silly.) I am praying HARD that she does not have any of the uncommon mutations.

    Your girl is beautiful!

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  57. Seeing Gwyneth's eyes makes me cry. Please please treasure EVERY tiny miracle that takes place with her. That is something I would have given my life for. To see my daughter's eyes

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  58. So precious! How amazing for the hospital to be impacted by your story. You are such an inspiring family.

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  59. God bless you all! Gwyneth is beautiful. I found out about your story through a friend and have been deeply moved and touched. Thank you for sharing with all of us.

    Beth Ray

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  60. I came across your blog a few days ago and have been praying for you ever since. She is so beautiful!

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  61. Nate...those are absolutely incredible pictures. Thank you for sharing images that really show and tell the miracle you have and are witnessing. Our family continues to pray for your family.
    "Our God is so Great, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God can not do"

    Mike and Erin Day

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  62. That is truly amazing! You will always now think of Gwenyth when you glance at your wedding band! That is one to be framed and hung on the wall...WOW!

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  63. Thank you so much for sharing pictures of your amazing baby girl. I keep looking at the picture of your hand next to her, and the size of her little foot. So tiny, but so full of life and God's love.

    You are already a wonderful daddy to your little girl. I'll bet it's wonderful to be able to touch her and talk to her. I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers, and am planning on sharing your story with my church group.

    God bless you!

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