Thankful for 17 months of joy

Lately I've heard of several little babies who have been born around the 24-26 week mark and weigh in the 700g range, like our girls were. As well as friends who are pregnant at that stage, and having to go on bed-rest or having scares. It takes me back to those first days and weeks of our girls' miracle lives...the ups and downs of babies that literally use all they have to keep breathing, going back and forth from CPAP to ventilators, the apneas, the desaturations, the scares of breathing blocks, transfusions, operations, the celebrations of even 5g gained in weight, the lengthened breaks of breathing without aid, a night passed without any breathing difficulties...and so on. It's harder to remember the details now, but it does me good to look at the girls, who are now 17 months old, and remember where they've come from. To give thanks again to a faithful God who gave them (and us!) the strength to get through. And to remember the marvel of such miniature, perfectly formed little people and their utter fight for life. And now...to see two little girls who look more like toddlers than babies, who stand up at every opportunity, who are that close to walking, who are just so full of joy and humour! They're picking up an understanding of both French and English incredibly well, their doctor is continually happy with their progress, and they continue to develop normally without problem. We are so thankful!

Here's a little reminder of where they've come from to today...

Here's another little man who is bravely fighting through right now. His name is Jacob and I'm sure his family would appreciate your prayers for his health and for continued strength and protection. His mummy just mentioned another little baby in their Neonatal unit who was losing his fight the other night. She asked for prayers for him and the following day said that he had come through the night and was more stable. Praise God! I don't know his name, but Jesus does and I'm also sure his parents would love your prayers for him too!

I'm off to bed here on this side of the world. Hope you all have a great week!