Baby Isabella

This is Isabella Parker, the beautiful new niece of one of my best friends, Dori. Bella is truly a miracle baby. While in the womb, she was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or Brittle Bone Disease. Her parents didn't know what to expect upon her arrival, but they were told not to expect much. Ultrasounds showed multiple fractures in her right and left femurs, and they were prepared for the damage to be much more extensive.

Born last Friday, Bella has stolen the hearts of her family, the nurses caring for her, and many people she's never met (like myself). She is no longer on oxygen and is eating from a bottle - pretty amazing. But the road ahead is long. Only her mom can hold her right now, as it's too risky to allow her to be much more than touched. Changing her diaper is a painful ordeal, and she screams when her legs are touched. X-rays show fractures in her skull and ribs (among others, I believe) that healed improperly in the womb. She will always be extremely fragile, but praise God that she is here, and is doing better than expected!

Please keep this sweet baby and her family in your prayers. Here are some specific things I am praying for and invite you to join me:

- that Bella will be strong enough to go home soon, and that her daddy (and Aunt Dori!) will soon be able to hold her
- that she will receive the best care, and for wisdom for her doctors and nurses
- that she will be protected from pain
- for her parents; that their marriage will not suffer but grow stronger under the inevitable strain and stress, and that they will lean on God for their strength
- for her brothers Tyler and Landon; that they will handle this adjustment as well as possible, especially with so much necessary attention going to Isabella

And as we're praying, let's stop and thank God for all the little things we take for granted. And if you have kids, go hug your babies.