Ella is still conquering

I hope you have not tired of reading about the latest and newest exploits from our precious lil lady because I don't get tired of writing them. Ariella has already done so much in such a short amount of time. In the last two months she has beaten back death, learned to sit up, and grew an interest in trying to eat. Ella is rolling over onto her side and even holding herself in the side laying position for several seconds at a time. One of her biggest strong holds has been her inability to hold her head up from when she is flat on her stomach. Well you can now add holding her head up from all fours to the list of major milestones. This little girl works so hard and pushes herself to such great lengths, you can't help but be inspired in her presence. What an amazing gift from God.

We also have more good news to share, God willing we expect to bring Ariella home this coming Monday, March 11th. To God be all the glory. We are so excited and so blessed to have reached this place in our journey and yet we still need your prayers. As excited as we are to bring Ariella home we have to share with you our frustration over the situation. You may recall from a previous posting we made everyone aware that we were approved for 16 hours of shift nursing 7 days a week. It has taken several weeks to staff the shifts that we need coverage in order to bring Ariella home and provide her the support and medical care she requires. It seems as though we have many of the shifts filled although not all of the critical shifts that we need in order for Rachel and I to continue to work. Moreover we don't actually get to meet the nurses that will be coming to our home to provide care for our special little lady until the first day they show up for work. We need your prayers that God staff the shifts with nurses that have His heart and share our affection and commitment to our daughter. I am certain that everyone we meet will be more than qualified; it's just a little uneasy as parents to welcome someone into our home and family to provide care for the most vulnerable member of our household without any previous introduction. Pray for our peace and God's guidance through this process.

We are so thankful for everyone's generosity and support during the last couple of months and we certainly will continue to lean on you moving forward. We are so blessed that Ella's village continues to grow day by day. God bless you.