-The Invisible Realities-

Praise God! Caleb is a little better today! His mommy just called, (very excited,) and said that she's got permission to hold him for 90 minutes tonight! What a treasure. They've been able to very slowly begin to start reducing his oxygen because his lungs seem a little stronger. It's so wonderful to finally hear good news after two nightmarish days! He is still needing the morphine to help his agitation, though; he's in discomfort and restless.

The kids got to see their brother for the first time last night! They didn't seem to be too bothered by the tube in his mouth and the IV needles in his little body because Nathaniel and Carlee had wisely prepared them pretty well and showed them some pictures ahead of time. They were so happy to see their little brother; the girls especially cried when they had to leave him. Little Kate looked into his incubator and said softly, "Baby Caleb... are you okay?"

Carlee is beginning the cancer war today. Tests and scans started at 9:00. It's been very emotionally difficult for her to have to switch gears from being consumed with Caleb to having to think through all these cancer issues. Her mommy-heart wants to give all her attention to the little guy all alone in the NICU, but we're trusting that Jesus will hold Caleb in His arms because He knows we can't. I'm glad we have such an amazing Father!

Mom and I have been doing okay with the kid-duty at Sue's home. Mimi and the kids on a walk

The kids are playing with legos right now, and I've been enjoying the rare quiet moment to read a book. Sue has an awesome library here!!! When I discovered it, I'm almost positive I heard angelic music and a saw a beam of ruddy light shining upon the bookshelf... right at her collection of all the Ravi Zacharias books I've been wanting to read. :) Good thing there's 24 hrs. of daylight right now; it makes it a lot easier to be nocturnal.

Sue and the girls planting flowers

We've fallen in love with Lady Jane, Sue's beautiful dog. She's the same type of Spaniel that they modeled "Lady" after in Lady and the Tramp, and she's gorgeous and sweet. hopefully she

won't also be psychotic after enduring the affections of the 4 oldest Hobbits. :)
(Grandma and Grandpa, I'm trying to figure out some way to hook her up with Chappy. He'd be smitten!)

Four ladies on a couch

Wow, even mom loves Lady Jane! :) Proving once again that I was wrong when I said that mom hates all animals. Sorry mumsie.