Micah and Gabriel will be turning four tomorrow. It’s always bitter sweet to revisit their birth. I will never forget my water breaking 10 weeks early and the eight weeks that followed. There was the unsuccessful bed rest, the midnight emergency surgery and the requested blood transfusion for my son whom I had not yet met. That day launched Brian and I into eight of the longest weeks of our lives.

So small and so perfect. Between the two there were 20 perfectly formed fingers and 20 perfectly formed toes. It was a full week before I got to hold Gabriel for the first time. He was about three pounds and barely fit in my hand. It was another several days before I got to hold Micah. How I had longed for that moment when I could at last feel their heartbeat next to mine.

We traveled back and forth to the hospital NICU every day. For eight weeks my heart was torn. I longed to be beside my sons every minute of their stay, yet Esther was only 11 months old and needed me too. When I was with the boys, I felt like I should be home. And when I was home I felt I should be at the hospital. All through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years we went back and forth. That 2013 holiday season is indelibly written on my heart.

Looking back, it is amazing to see how God poured out his grace upon us (The inspiration for Grace’s name). Family flew across the country to help. Friends and neighbors we were still building relationships with stepped in and showered God’s love on us. We never lacked for anything. God grew our faith into new places and blessed us with relationships that would remain strong.

Now, at four years old, despite arriving 10 weeks early — Micah having had a prolapsed cord and Gabriel needing a blood transfusion– Micah and Gabriel are as fast and strong as ever and are keeping me on my toes. They make me laugh every day with their joy. This week we were reading the story of Moses and the burning bush when Gabriel says, “Call Fireman Sam! He’ll water it up.” Love you boys. Happy 4th birthday.

pray for them 

Take less than 30 seconds to pray your loved ones will have such an intimacy with Christ they are humble and effective vessels for his work.

Heavenly Father, keep (Name’s) heart pure from pride in thinking that it is through (his/her) “own power or piety” that healing takes place. Rather, establish (Name) in your truth that it is only “[Jesus’] name – by faith in [Jesus’] name” that makes us strong and brings us “perfect health.” In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.      – Acts 3:12, 16

Prayers taken from the daily prayer on the BiblicalPrayers mobile app. Download today on the App Store or Google Play store.

Birthday Cake

Birthday cakes are so fun! Tonight I will be making Micah a Mack birthday cake and Gabriel a Painters cake. This is all I have so far… but no worries. Finished product pictures and instructions coming on Monday!