Happy Thanksgiving!

We spent a quiet Thanksgiving at home this year, the first in Darth's and my married life. It was fun to put together the whole meal for once. We even got some leaves raked and bagged and watched Miracle on 34th Street. It was different (the theme of this year!) but nice.

Braden mostly hung out in his baby swing and slept the day away. He wasn't overly impressed with the holiday. It sure was a blessing to have him with us though. As we went through our "thankful" list as a family, everyone listed baby Braden. We have much to thank the Lord for!

We have had numerous check-ups each week, between our pediatrician and the Children's cardiologist that visits Wenatchee. Braden's weight is still not up to his birth weight, so we are giving him extra calories using bottle-fed milk with formula added. Hopefully he will gain significantly in the next week and a half. Our pediatrician wasn't overly concerned by it and says Braden is looking really well. Still, the doctor does want to see more growth. Braden had a stuffy nose the past several days and it made feeding and keeping it down a bit harder. He sounds great today and has done well so we are encouraged.

It has been a joy to have Braden spending some more awake time, just focusing on faces or checking out his surroundings. He likes to focus on his black and white stuffed cow and really likes a wall-hanging by the changing table starring Winnie the Pooh characters. Eeyore's tail is a high-light; He just stares and stares at it. Braden has beautiful deep blue eyes and the cutest dimples! We love to sit and admire him.

The surgery date is quickly approaching. December is around the corner and we dread it in part, but look forward to getting on with it all. We just so badly want Braden to be well and have all this behind us. Before, we were looking forward to the birth on our Seattle trip. This time the surgery is the all-encompassing focus and it is overwhelming. But the amazing thing is this crazy peace that covers us. We really should be freaking out at this point. Part of me wants to, but Jesus in His love and mercy won't let me go there. He has put this confidence so deep in my heart that He is in control. How many people face open-heart surgery with their newborn? So scary, but we know Jesus is near, He has not brought us or Braden this far to drop us now. How do people cope with life without the Lord? I never want to know. It is great to celebrate and give God thanks in the good times, but absolutely necessary to know that He will never leave or forsake you in the hard times.

We have heard from so many of you that are praying. Bless you for your diligence and compassion for our son. God has a plan here and we are trusting Him with the results. He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Jenni, Darth and girls