And then, it dawned on me...that also meant that I could, for the first time, touch Gwyneth skin to skin.
I quickly ripped off the gloves, opened her incubator with trembling hands, and cried beautiful tears of joy and relief...
(Be sure to click on this last picture and see the incredible details of her fingers on mine)
I am still crying right now as I offer these pictures for the world to see. This was one of the most humbling moments of my entire life.
She is doing so well that they're moving her early tomorrow morning (actually today) from isolation to a common room with another baby or two! I serve a God of miracles.
After spending time with Gwyneth, I grabbed my guitar and went to Tricia's room and spent about 35 minutes playing and singing to/for her and God. During that time, I watched as her heart rate slowly decreased from 112 to 106. She is still on sedatives, and it may be a few more days before she can be fully awake to learn of all that has happened.
Here are the lyrics to one of the songs I sang tonight.
Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek Your face
Lord, all I am is Yours
My whole life
I place in Your hands
God of mercy
Humbled I bow down
In Your presence at Your throne
I called
You answered
And You came to my rescue
And I, I wanna be where You are
In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high
Nate
132 comments:
Simply amazing! What an awesome God we serve! Thank you for sharing these precious pictures of this beautiful miracle or yours! Praying for both of your girls tonight! And you as well!
Michelle
Praying for you right now in GA. What a beautiful testimony to God's miracles.
Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com
That's awesome! So happy for you! Won't stop praying!!
WOW!!! Praise God! That's all I can really say right now - speechless. Thank you.
Love you guys,
Your cousin Amy
What awesome news!
Great pictures!
Debbi (aka Aspiemom)
We are praying for you and your family here in Oregon. Your story has really touched our lives. What an amazing God we serve! Thank you for the updates.
Praise the Lord! I'm over here in Idaho praying for you. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It has truly touched my life.
Sonia
I am going to sleep tonight rejoicing with you! What a wonderful day. There is nothing like the tangible picture God gives us, of how much he loves us, when we really "get it" for the first time, loving our baby. With both of my babies I have experienced God's love wash over me when I touched them and savored it for the first time...that moment of "OH. This is what He means when He says He loves me..."
Thanks for sharing from your heart every day. Praying without ceasing for the 3 of you.
Wow. What an answer to so many prayers. Cute little detailed finger nails!
just up for a moment and had to check on you guys...!
Your faith is astounding! I long for faith such as yours....mine is not as great and I am humbled...humbled and I do believe....Jesus is speaking to me through you, your wife and your beautiful, precious rose....I'm really trying to listen.
You are all in my prayers!
Dude! That is great you can finally touch her. God is a good God. We are praying for you all still and think of you often throughout the day!
This is breath taking, amazing & so inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing the pictures. I love Gwyneth's finger on yours, so sweet.
Bobbi
Nate...
So happy for the moments of encouragement that our God is providing just for you during this great time of difficulty...
A 24 week pregnant, NICU nurse who lost an adopted child at the age of 1... and your sister in Christ,
Meghan
http://www.littlemanricky.com)
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. And before you were born I consecrated you.
Dear Father
Thank you for knowing Baby Gwyneth. As if the fingerprint on her daddy's hand is not testimony enough of your great power, you have brought Baby Gwyneth into this life, for a purpose that you have already determined. Father you have known her and loved her from before her conception, just as you have her mommy and daddy.
I pray for continued healing for Tricia. Wisdom for her doctors and strength for Nate and the rest of the family. Tonight I stand in awe of the continuous miracles that are happening and the glory being brought to you name through the life of baby Gwyneth and her parents. You are Powerful and you are Mighty Father and we know that your hands are wrapped around those of Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth.
In your precious Name. AMen
WOW . . . .
What incredible detail on tiny, precious Gwyneth! So much development for one who ideally wouldn't have come into the world for quite some time yet.
I've been led by the Spirit to pray quite fervently for all of you in the last days. It is humbling and an honor.
That song will never be the same in my worship with the depth of your story poured into it.
Redman's "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" has been prominent with me this week.
"So fearfully and wonderfully made, how could they say there is no God? Reminded by every breath that I take, it's by your hand I have been formed. So what am I going to do with this life you gave me? What could I do but live for your praise?
You gave me this breath, and you gave me this strength, and everyday I'll live to obey you with all of my heart, with all of my soul, let every breath I'm breathing display you, God.
There's elegance in all you create, you grand designs leave us amazed. The wonders of the way we've been made speak of your power, tell of your grace. So what am I going to do with this life you gave me? What could I do but live for your praise? ... What am I going to do with these days you've ordained? What am I going to do with this life?
You gave me this breath...."
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
I'm becoming more breathlessly in awe of the Lord our God.
Will keep checking the blog in case of urgent prayer requests,...and still praying.
I pray for you guys every morning on my way to work! It is so exciting to hear how well your daughter is doing. Praises to our God!!
Danielle Davis
Dearest Nathan, Tricia, and Gwyneth Rose,
Before now I couldn't see it. "I just don't see how they do it. I just can't see it," was my usual response when the subject of your circumstances came up in the past. I couldn't see how you could have such faith, hope, and joy when facing so much. I couldn't see how you could have so much unconditional love for Him and for each other. I couldn't see. Well, my loved ones, that has drastically changed. He has opened my eyes so incredibly wide, through the three of you. Thanks to your witness of His love, I can see Him. I can see Him in it all. Forever changed, I can see. Thank you. I am forever indebted to you for helping me see our Savior's love. Will keep praying for you all and for more miracles to bless your lives.
God's love and peace to you,
Cousin Amy
Wow, how cool is that little hand and fingers holding onto daddy! Praise the Lord, Nate, what a humbling, blessed story this is unfolding to be. Our prayers are with you all especially for Tricia now.
Scott
I found your blog through someone else and I want to tell you that your faith in God is speaking to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your wife and your tiny little baby girl.
Thank you for blessing me with such an incredible story this morning. We continue to pray for your incredible family.
this is amazing! praise God! still praying!
much love
Carly L
Those pictures are beautiful and so precious. Thanks for sharing :)
Praying for your family.
Your faith is both inspiring and humbling. Your miracle is also our miracle because it has helped make us believe even more. To God be the glory!
We continue to pray for you guys here in Korea. So glad you could touch your baby girl...
That last picture is priceless! And just wait until you are able to hold that sweet baby girl. It gets even better! :) I'm so glad she is making such great strides. I hope you are able to tape pics around her incubator of mom and dad even though her eyes remained covered due to the light.
A God of miracles, indeed. What an amazing day. And that tiny baby hand is beautiful. Right now, I am singing Our God is and Awesome God.
Wow, how amazing is our God!! Thank you so much for posting this blog and sharing your life and God's glory with the world!
As a mother of 4 I've never had to wait to hold my children. But I certainly rejoiced and cried tears of happiness with you as I saw the pictures of your first real touches with Gwyneth. Congratulations Nathan!!
I'd like to share some words that touched me yesterday:
Joy comes from the Lord who lives in us, not from what's happening around us. - I read that in Our Daily Bread.
Many prayers,
Marla in North Carolina
It is so encouraging and exiting to look at your blog throughout the day. Megan and Janet will be back in NJ today and I look forward to the first hand reports from them. Much love and prayers, Joanna
LORD Jesus, God Almighty, and sweet Holy Spirit, we praise you, we exalt you, we magnify and adore you. You alone have caused these wonders. You spun this child into being, you created the lungs we want whole again. We bow down before you, in thanks, and in awe. Thank you for the lessons you are teaching us, thank you for the love of the body, and thank you LORD, most of all for your faithfulness. We need you, we love you, and we beg you to do what only you can do Oh LORD, heal.
All I can say is Wow!! Your daughter is beautiful and there is no other word to describe her then "miracle", God is showing himself so vividly through your family!!My prayers are still with you. I showed the video of pictures to my 6 & 3 year old daughters last night and they loved her and wanted to watch it over and over. They both are praying for your sweet baby and her mommy to be okay..
Speechless here in PA!
Praising God with you and for you.
This little girl is just like her Mum a fighter!!
Praying you up today........
The Weigners
Ephesians 3:20-21
What a beautiful, beautiful sight this morning!.....I woke up grabbed my coffee and logged onto the computer to check on you all. Even though we have never met I feel this connection with you guys and I think about you all so much. Your post was just breath taking, the pictures were breath taking and I have HUGE chill bumps covering my body from the words you have spoken.
Love In Christ,
Melody in Florida
Nathan,
I found your blog through another one that I was reading and praying for that child. THe one thing that keeps coming to my mind and heart is how often we take things forgranted. I have 2 beautiful daughters and a beautiful precious granddaughter. Because of your story, NOW everytime I hold my 9 month granddaughter I can't help
but thank the Lord that our family never had to go through something like this, but I am humbled. I am praying for you and your girls. God is so good!
Ellen in Memphis, TN
Ok, let's all whip out the boxes of kleenex.
I couldn't have started my day out any better way!
Thanks Nate for the pictures, keep 'em comin'.
Gwyneth's Great Uncle Andy
I've been hooked on your site since I found it in a link from a friends site. I believe God placed it there to help me in my journey to become closer to him. Been praying every day, several times a day for your family. Thanks for the updates in your time of great concern for your wife and child. These pictues are awesome and your faith is uplifting. My family lives in a small town near Wintergreen where I see from Tricia's blog you have vacationed. We also pass your church every year on our OBX vacation. I think we will stop by to worship this summer. It would be an honor to meet meet you, your wife and your beautiful Gwenyth.
Take care and may God continue to give you his incredible strength in supporting your family.
Praise Jesus! He is showing His grace each passing day. You are a perfect example of what God wants from us and that is to glorify Him no matter what is going on in your life. Gwenyth is so precious. MIRACLES, thank you God!
Shannon
TO FEED A HUMMINGBIRD
I have always heard that you shouldn't put out a hummingbird feeder if you don't intend to maintain it, because they will keep coming back to it and starve if there's nothing there.
Now I know the feeling.... Yesterday I kept flittering back to see if there was any news, from Nathan to Rick to Andy.... finally at midnight I went to bed. Now, waking up to the sweet nectar of your latest post, I know your readers all join me in thanking you for spending part of your energy to keep us informed.
Of course I know that it's not about me, but I sure felt fed by this morning's news! The pictures are precious and hearing how contently Tricia is still sleeping, I believe it is a healing sleep that is sparing her the struggles she has dealt with for the past months. She is going to be so thrilled when she hears all about Gwyneth! Your readers are all waiting to rejoice with you! It's like we all have a secret, and can't wait for you to tell her!
Love you and your girls!
Thank you Jesus, I have no words.
So amazing! Your daughter is just simply gorgeous! :)
The first of many touches! And you will 'touch' her in many ways as you have so many around the world. Thank you for sharing your story and your amazing gift of photography. Every wrinkle in her skin is beautiful! Can't wait to hear how Tricia reacts to having such a beautiful, healthy baby girl (although, I know she can hear you talking to her and singing to her!) You are always in my thoughts...
CONSTANTLY Refreshing in Ohio
I agree with Andy! Blubbering here!
What a wonderful and mighty God we serve. I have been praying that Gwyn's health and condition would be such that the only explanation is that God himself has reached down and touched her.
What a great way to start the day. Praying for continued blessing and mercy and that Tricia will be aware in her spirit of the wonderful miracle that she has been a part of.
Thanks for taking the time to keep the praying world up to date. Your story is changing lives around the globe as people are falling on their faces before the Lord more than ever to ask our Maker to heal your girls. You are being blessed by chosing life for your baby girl. The pictures are so moving as are your updates and your Uncles as well. Praise the Lord for his Will in all of this. I feel sure your girls will both be home with you before you know it! we will keep the prayers going up and look forward to more updates of them being answered. What a Mighty God we serve, I dont know how people doubt there is a God...
A friend of mine "stumbled" upon your blogspot the morning of Tricia's c-section. She sent out a mass email to all her friends (most of us our LU alumni in Lynchburg) with the link and a request for prayer.
Since then I have been praying throughout the days for you guys and have been so touched by all that God is doing and has done through your family. I do not know you, but we attended LU at the same time and we are members of God's family. May the Lord continue to work in both your girls lives!
Praise HIM!
Heather <><
Wow. Just when I thought my body could not produce another tear...
Scott L
Nate - There went my makeup! Praising and thanking God for your precious moments with little Gwyneth. Having a very delayed but emotional moment with you, Nate. How completely precious of that little hand. Already a daddy's girl, I see. Prayers continue for all of you.
I truly is an awesome feeling to touch your baby for the first time. I remember how overwhelmed I was when I was able to touch Logan and Cooper for the first time. There aren't enough words to describe.
I am so glad you were able to celebrate this huge moment with Gwyneth. It looks like she already has you wrapped around her little finger!
God is good.
~Sheryl
Oh wow - I remember having Lincoln's tiny fingers wrap onto mine and the feeling of complete peace I had. I knew that we were both resting in the arms of the Father as we held each other tight.
Let the nurses know that you want to start kangaroo (skin to skin) care as soon as possible. They let me start it with Lincoln while he was still on the ventilator...It took several nurses to help get him in and out of the isolette, but it was soooo worth it! What an amazing feeling. I can't wait for Tricia to wake and learn of how strong her husband and daughter have been for her while she's slept.
I agree with obx rox....we all keep coming back....I checked before bed and first thing this morning. What wonderful news and how awesome for you to be able to touch your baby. My whole family continues to pray for you throughout the day. Praying that these days with Tricia on the vent will bring her much needed rest and she will wake up restored.
The song that keeps going through my mind while reading your blog... "When you can't understand, when you can't trace His hand, trust His heart."
Praying in PA for you, Tricia and Baby Gwnyth.
Julia
Praise you,Father!
I found myself awake throughout the night praying for your girls, you, and your family. I was so thankful to wake up to your post this morning. I cried tears of joy with you and praised our wonderful Father with you! Thank you, Jesus, for your love!
My son (9) has been touched by your story and is also praying for you. He knows that Gwyneth is a MIRACLE and is praising God for her life! Thank you for helping me "show" my son Jesus.
I'm sure that many like myself have used your blog to share the love of Jesus with family and friends that don't know Him! Thank you for being worldwide missionaries!
Thank you so much for sharing with the world during this time. I sit at my computer and refresh throughout the day awaiting the next update. We are praying without ceasing here!
Praying...
That's awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Amy(in TN)
What a mighty God we serve! I am crying tears of absolute appreciation and gratitude that our gracious and most loving Lord has blessed your girls in such a way. Holy is His name!!!
Beautiful Photos, and Wonderful News...Praying Daily for You!!!
I am praying for you and your girls. I know God has big plans in store for all of you...look at the miraculous things He's done already!
The pictures of Gwyneth are priceless! The last picture caught my attention, the most. Is that a hint of a smile, on her face? What an awesome bond the two of you already share!
Praising God for each miracle He's performing you your lives (and the loves of others). I love the photo of you holding Gwyneth's hand. There's nothing like a little girl holding her daddy's hand!!!!
We're all beginning to see the big picture now, a miracle from our Creator. I suspected months ago that God must certainly have a good reason for this pregnancy. And now we're seeing Tricia and Gwyneth reaching the world over for the love of our God. Nate, I thank you and Tricia for your amazing faith which led us on this beautiful journey. May today and every day bring you more joy than the day before. Our God is an awesome God.........
that is amazing! We are still praying!
A friend and I were talking yesterday about how awesome it is going to be to see the ways God works through you guys. He is already showing Himself over and over again!
Thank you again for sharing your story!
Fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Simply amazing. She is just beautiful!!Prayers continue for her and for Tricia as you wait for Gods perfect time for her to wake up to this miracle. Strong prayers continue for your fragile girls. God is so wonderful.
Laurie in Ca.
Absolutely precious. We are so honored to be on this journey with you. Still praying. I also wanted to share with you a good friend of mine had her baby at 28 weeks (although she was the size of a 24 weeker) and she weighed 1lb 9oz. Today she is a happy, very healthy 1 and a half year old. Her docs gave her a 30% chance. She is beautiful and a complete miracle. This is what your testimony will be also. Blessings from Florida.
Wow! What beautiful pictures. Our God is an awesome God. Praying for you in Alabama.
Lori
That amazing how good u guys r doing.Im praying for you and your family.This is a miracle that your doing good and hope to see up and active.Hope you feel good soon.Soon hope that you get to go see your adoreble baby girl.
you friend
Skye Robertson
So incredible and quite beautiful! Still praying in central Ohio.
Angela
qRemember that patience is a virtue and you will be rewarded by Him for it! Praying for you and your girls from Atlanta!
Kelly
How awesome to wake to your good news. I pray for all of you as you come to mind throughout the day. I'm one of the ones killing your blog counter...I check in multiple times per day.
What a work God is doing in your lives.
with love and prayers,
"friends" in SC
that is so great!!! we will continue praying! we are so glad for the great news! We can't wait to see that precious baby!
We do serve a God of miracles...what incredible pictures. We rejoice when our brother in Christ rejoices!
Just wanted to say that I've been praying for you, your wife & daughter the past few days since I heard on facebook what was happening. I'm so glad that things are going well for your daughter and pray it continues. I also pray that your wife will get well soon and get back on track to getting her transplant. God bless you all. I'll be praying for you all.
What a wonderful way to start my day. Thank you Jesus! Prayers continue for your two strong girls. Thank you for your testimony.
In Christ
Myra
What great, great, GREAT news!! Praise God!!
What Remarkable pictures...
WE LOVE THEM! Thanks for sharing them with all of us...
Ecstatic about Gwyneth's improvement!!!
Still praying...
~ Dana and Wil haupfear
Praising our Savior! We are praying for you guys. Though we may never meet on this earth we will be sure to meet you in Heaven! May God give you strength and healing for your girls.
With God's Love,
Jolene
Delaware
Ok Nathan,I woke up this morning and the first thing I did was check your blog and now you have me crying!! But you know I don't mind crying these tears of joy. Those pictures of you touching your baby for the first time.... I can only imagine what Tricia is going to feel when she gets to see her and touch her as well.
May our Lord Jesus Christ continue to do his wonders!!
God Bless You.
Dianett
samdanmas@yahoo.com
Thanks for sharing the wonderful news. It is amazing the first time that you can reach into their bed and touch their little fingers.
The pic was amazing. Ours was 1 lb. 13 ozs and it amazes me every time I hear a story of success.
The docs and nurses that work in the NICU's are simply amazing.
May God provide more miracles to you, your wife and your child.
Nate- I found your blog on a message board Katia's website. I work in a maternity unit as a unit clerk at our local hospital. We are a level 2. We do deliver babies this small but then transport them to a Childrens hospital North or South of us. I have heard my whole life "what a miracle a baby is" but never realized to the full extent until working there. It is simply amazing to see these tiny babies. I can't imagine the journey you have laid before you, but God has already intervened. You have two beautiful, precious girls. I look forward to the privelage of foloowing your story and pray that Tricia will be off the vent soon and on her way to preparing for the lung transplant soon. I also pray that Gwyneth continues to do so well. You have two fighters on your hands. Congratulations!
It is such a blessing and a privledge to share in your story - to learn what it means to pray without ceasing and witness the mighty way in which God works. Praise Him for this miracle of miracles!
I wanted to share with you the image which keeps coming to mind as I pray about your family, especially Gwyneth. It's based upon Psalm 91 and I keep seeing her in this protective bubble (not unlike isolette perhaps :) ) and that she will keep on doing her thing regardless of what comes her way. I get this strong sense of protection over her.
Contiued prayers for strength, healing and God's peace.
Andrea
Beautiful girl dad! the details in her hand are sooo amazing. And a group setting!!! Tell those in her room to keep their cootie to themselves! No getting our girl sick!
Thank you Jesus for answering our prayers!
Still praying in SC!
those photos are incredible!
there is nothing like skin to skin bonding...and she looks like she's loving it too! you are a great daddy!
love to all of you...and constant prayers.
We serve an amazing God. Praying for you all.
What a precious moment with your beautiful, miracle child. Praying for all of you.
Dear Nate,
Just want to send this note to say "thank you" for sharing your incredible story with us.
As I follow your story (and yes I check your blog many times during the day and night), I realized even more what an incredible and amazing God we serve! His love and grace are so overwhelming!
It is such a privilege to journey with you and see how God works. Just incredible! So I thank and praise God!
Will continue to pray for your two girls and you too and your family.
Thanks again!
Sister in Christ
EP Church of Annapolis
(Got your blog from the Leinos)
Amazing! Don't know you, but found your link and am praying! What a beautiful story.
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL pictures! Our God is an awesome God. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tami Foytik
Amazingly moving photo's.
I hope the day brings more postive news.
I have never met you but your story has left an impression on my heart. I am faithfully praying for your sweet family and praying that the God of Hope will give you strength to face each new day and obstacle that comes with it and peace to know He is in control.
Brittany
Our God is an awesome God of miracles! I praise Him for your family and your faith. What a testimony you are to so many. I continue to pray for you all throughout the day. Although I don't know you, and we will probably never meet this side of heaven, it is a privelage to pray for you as a sister in Christ,
Erin
Your little white Rose continues to amaze us all.
Oh Nathan. I am so excited for you. I just got a chance to catch up on the news and I am crying too. What a picture, a memory to see Gwyneth's fingers on yours!! We do love and serve the most awesome God. Hallelujah,Praise His Holy Name! Love you, Judi & Steve
Hi, I just found out about you and your family through a coworker yesterday. I hope she doesn't mind me saying this but she has been absolutely touched by God through your testimony and I feel blessed just to be able to see her growing closer to God. I want to thank you for sharing your testimony with the world because I know in my heart that people will be saved and lives are being changed because of what you are sharing. I know this is true because I witnessed it with my own eyes as I spoke with her yesterday! I thank you for allowing God to use you by sharing your deepest and most intimate thoughts and feelings with us. Your love for your wife is amazing and your Love for God is inspiring! Scripture says Love never fails and because God is love, God will not fail you and your family! It is my prayer that God will continue to strenghten you and your family as He continues to do His will. Be encouraged knowing that God will never leave nor forsake you! God told us that we must bear fruit and our fruit will remain and I want you to know that what you have shared with my coworker will always remain! God bless you and your family!
Tracy
MI
NOW THAT is a GOOD morning email to wake up to!!!! Gwen is wrapping her hand around her father's finger like we have been doing to our Heavenly Father!
Praise Jesus He is in control and not us:)
Cousin Jenn
I'm crying as I read this!!!! Those are some amazing pictures! The patch over her eyes...is that because the light is still too much for her? I love the one with her hands touching yours! We are praying here everyday!!!
What a memorable night you had. I know that touch is one you will never forget. Our prayers continue for both of your girls to keep gaining strength so the three of you can be together soon!!
Love, The Gallop's
We only know y'all through friends of friends, but we feel a connection to you and your circumstances through the bond of our Savior. We're privileged to have had the opportunity to pray with/for you. Our girls (9,6, and 4) have been asking about your family regularly and praying for you, also. We will continue to pray for all of you. What an honor that God would choose your family to bring through this trial so that the world can know what a great God He is!
The Jaski's
Wilmington, NC
Praise the Lord! Still praying for your girls!
It's funny how we pray and pray sometimes and then act surprised when God answers our prayers. We are shedding tears of joy with you. Wow, I almost don't know what to say. God is so amazing... and to see how Tricia is responding... God has already done so many miracles... but I know we are all joining you for the "Big" one...
"...So we pray Father that You would do the ultimate miracle and pretty much bring Tricia back to life healthy and whole with two new lungs and a long life ahead of her with Gweneth and Nathan. We lay this at your feet also desiring for you to get the greatest glory through all this... and that thousands of lives will be brought to the Lord because of this trial. Thanks you Father for hearing us and loving us and that all Your promises are true. We love you more than we can say...Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Lord..."
As I follow this miracle, I am in awe. I will continue to keep your girls in my prayers. My daughters shared this with their church youth group this week....the whole entire group prayed for you all. My husband who has probably never even so much as whispered a prayer his whole life has been moved by this. I hope some day he sees what an awesome God we have. God is using this miracle to touch so many lives. Blessing to you all.
At work the other day, I was told about a baby born at 21 wks and she is now a healthy four year old. God has been doing amazing things for both Gwyneth and Tricia, I can't wait to see/hear of more good news!!! Still praying for you all! Praise God for the Good news of Gwyneth, that must make you the happiest father on earth about now.
-Carolyn K.
The patch is to protect her eyes from the blue light which treats her jaundice.
What beautiful images of your Precious Little One. I pray she continues to thrive--thank you for sharing these pictures!
Tears of Joy...continued prayers for your special girls...To God be the glory...GREAT things He has done!
Claire Adams <><
Raleigh, NC
Thank you God for answering prayers each minute as we lift this family up high to you. Continue to touch and bless their lives beyond measure.
Mary Rogers
Trenton FL
Amazing!! I'm so happy that you got to have that contact with your precious babe.
When my oldest son was born, he got pneumonia and was in the NICU. I found myself feeling sorry for myself that I wouldn't get to take my baby home when I went home, etc.... Then, I commented on how tiny my boy was (7 pounds 2 oz.) and was informed that he weighed more than the 3 babies in the room beside him combined. It was a tiny little miracle like yours that made me realize I could wait those few days to bring him home. I realized that some had to wait WAY more than a few days to bring their baby home. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and was thankful for my precious little boy!
I pray for all of you daily. Thank you for sharing your story....it is truly amazing!
Crying and praising God with you!! What an amazing God! I cannot say it enough or give enough praise for all He has done for your family!! Praying and watching to see His next miracle in your life!
is that a leopard print blanket sweet gwyneth is sleeping on?! what a stylish little girl!
Thank you for sharing such an intimate moment between daddy and his little girl.
God Bless your family!
How exciting! These pictures so remind me of the pictures taken shortly after my nephew Francis was born.
She is so tiny... but so perfect...
¨The Moment You Came¨
Longing to see you,
Every day felt like a week.
And I just wanted to see
Your face.
Yearning to hold you,
When it finally was time
These paths of yours and mine
Forever entwine.
Gentle at first,
Then it grew strong,
And I didn’t know if I could carry on,
I cried out for mercy and I know that God heard me
For oh…
CHORUS:
Divinely and wondrously, amazingly, you came through.
I touched you and I fell so
Tenderly, powerfully, utterly in love with you.
And the joy replaced all the pain
The moment you came.
Now looking at you, every smile you give to me
Is a treasure that I keep in my heart,
I’ve learned so much from you,
Never knew this kind of love,
One that costs so much, but never gives up.
Gentle at first,
Then it grew strong,
And I didn’t know if I could carry on,
I cried out for mercy and I know that God heard me
For oh…
CHORUS:
Divinely and wondrously, amazingly, you came through.
I touched you and I fell so
Tenderly, powerfully, utterly in love with you.
And the joy replaced all the pain
The moment you came.
Nathan, What a prize Gwyneth won when she got you for a Daddy! One day she will be in awe of the godly man you are.
I remember the 1st time I was able to hold Kellar, words will never express the joy that I felt after 21 days of waiting and yearning to just hold my baby...I remember the last time I was able to hold my first ds Cameron, that too was a moment that will forever be embedded in my mind...Your little Rose sounds like she is doing awesome..I am so wrapped up in your journey that I find myself checking several times a day just for updates..
AMAZING!!!! She's such a beautiful miracle.
And I've heard that babies in NICU will actually grow and thrive with the skin to skin touch from their parent (especially daddy!). That's so awesome you were able to do that already and I love the picture of her fingers on yours-- she knows who her daddy is!
What an amazing little girl!! you can see how she is grasping on your finger. Still praying for you, Tricia, Gwyn, your family, the doctors and nurses.
Katie
Nathan
looking at the picture of your beautiful daughter holding your finger...brings tears to eyes (many many tears)this is truly one of the most beautiful things i have ever seen...I am so happy to hear that Gwyneth's "no contact" has been removed and you are able to touch & hold her,and that she is doing so well...SO VERY HAPPY FOR YOU ....I know things are going slowly at the hospital...
though....each day our prayers are being answered and we all are witness to miracles
showering you all lovingly with prayers & love
long island new york
What a beautiful little girl. I think she has piano players fingers!
Thinking of you, and your family all the time.
Stay strong.
Audrey (CF - UK)
Tiny hand
Knit together by God
For this purpose.
Nathan,
"My husband who has probably never even so much as whispered a prayer his whole life has been moved by this."
I can't begin to understand the "why?" but the comment I copied above may be a glimpse, the salvation of Rebeccalauer and others that have either been drawn closer to their God and others that are coming to know Him. God is using your lives to impact others.
When Tricia wakes up and reads all these comments I know she will be praising her Lord and Savior.
Gwenyth's Great Uncle Andy
PS Ty says, "Hi baby Rose".
What a beautiful little miracle. That picture of Gwyneth holding your finger is just breathtaking.
Just wanted to add that a good friend of mine had a baby girl at 25 weeks who also weighed in at 1 lb. 6 oz. They did not have smooth sailing for their entire NICU stay, but in the end, she made it home about a month past her due date and is now a thriving, healthy, beautiful 4 year old little girl. I hope to hear the same outcome for little Gwyneth as well.
Still praying for you, Tricia and Gwyneth in Maryland. I have passed on your blog to many friends and family members.
Your faith and strength continue to amaze and inspire me.
Beautiful, amazing pictures! Thank you for sharing them with us as we continue to lift up your family in prayer and praise to the Lord. Our friends delivered twins 4 years ago at 22 weeks... the little girl was barely one pound and is now a healthy, normal, beautiful 4 year old. What miracles the Lord can work... even today!
Prayers and blessings for your family!
Kenzie
what amazing pictures! (thanks for the tip on clicking on the bottom pic - incredible!)
congratulations!
still praying!!
K.T. in NC
So beautiful! Your baby girl has the most sweetest and pretty little hands ever. Such an amazing gift for you to actually feel eachother skin to skin.
Continued positive thoughts and prayers for your sweet girls.
Oh, she is breathtaking! I am so thankful she's doing as well as she is. She looks so serene, like she is just comfortably resting right in the palm of God's hand....and she is.
I don't know you folks personally, but I heard about you from a friend of mine only last week and I have been praying for you since then. God bless you guys. Keep on keeping on.
Valerie
She's beautiful!
Praying for you and your family.
Lisa
(Canada)
Heard about your website and prayer request through Patience Leino. Nate - Your steadfast and unwavering faith are truly inspiring. What a beautiful photo of your finger and hers.
Will pray for continued miracles for you all!! God bless.
She is beautiful and I am so glad that you were able to touch her. That will help her as well. She is so tiny and so beautiful. I've been praying for you and so has my church. We'll keep praying.
Nathan, I feel consumed by all this.
At work, we all check the blog all day, and holler at each other "did you see". It is totally amazing. We all talk about you three all day, 1st thing in the morning and last in the evening. I read some of the comments, you have touched so many lives, including mine. I share with people that come into the office, show them the blog, some have taken the address and am sure check it now regularly. Again, I am so proud to call you family, not that I wasn't before, mind you. To be able to share with others, even the mail man, "I've been witnessing a miracle". Love you and cannot wait to meet
Gwyn and see Tricia tomorrow. You as well. Love you and know that my thoughts, prayers, and words are about you, Love Aunt Donna
Absolutely beautiful. I got teary eyed reading that and seeing the pictures. I am so happy for you. Still praying all the time.
My favorite photo thus far is Gwyn's tiny hand on your finger. We think we can imagine how tiny she is, but that truely shows us. I cannot even imagine the emotions that ran thru you at that moment. We all pray it won't be long before Mommy can experience the same emotions and feelings. Love you.
Nate,
I continued to be amazed by all of your strength! Yours, Tricia & Gwyneth's! The picture of baby Gwyneth holding your finger...wow! What can I say? God is the mack daddy! ;0) I can't wait until you post a picture of Tricia holding Gwyneth's hand. I pray for her continued strength against the fight she faces with CF.
Absolutely Beautiful! Your faith and love are an inspiration to all! Praying for all three of you!
Thank you for allowing people to share in your journey.
I will continue to pray that God allow your story to affect more and more lives for Him. What a blessing knowing the God of the universe and that we are completely in His care. We serve an awesome God!
You are an amazing man, keep the faith! I had to hold back tears. I pray for all of you. You are showing people all over..."DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF"!! Life is to short. I know you will have that fairy tale ending! I can't tell you in any words how I feel for you, as well as your family. May God give you all the strength to get over this and live happily ever after!
Jill G.
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