She was only 1 pound, 6 ounces when she was born.
My little friend Emily is having a preemie reunion given by the hospital that took care of her (and other little preemies like her). Her mom asked me to take some pictures for the occasion. It was a delight to spend time with her yesterday (along with 9 of our other children) and think about God’s wonderful care over this little one.
I remember when she was in the hospital for so long, slowly getting bigger so that she could go home to be with her loving mom, dad, 2 sisters, and brother. Every Sunday her Mom would cry through all the hymns–most of the time she could not even sing them. There’s nothing like going through trial to draw us close to our Heavenly Father.
Thank you again, dear Lord, for allowing Emily to grow — to be a healthy, active little girl. She is a joy to everyone who knows her.
Day by Day
and with each passing moment,
Strength I find
to meet my trials here.
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
gives unto each day what He deems best–
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
****************************************
My little David is the same age as Emily. They are special friends–here is a little conversation we had one time that shows how much David thinks of Emily.
Me–“David, eat your food so you can grow up and be like Daddy!”
David–“I don’t want to grow up to be like Daddy!”
Me, surprised–“Why NOT?”
David–“I don’t want to get big. Then I can’t be Emily’s friend anymore.”
Good to be Home 
Wow…my littlest sister is also named Emily. And also was a preemie…skin so gelatinous she could not be touched. I remember being 10 and watching my sisters as we stared thru the glass in the neonatal department, at my parents in there…not able to break their gaze into the incubator and that ultraviolet light.
Today, Emily is active in basketball and volleybal….loves out doors….and we just had a sister camping trip last weekend (all 5 of us girls were there). Emily Faith. She is also a miracle…..and we praise God for her!
So precious. Praise God for His gracious gifts.
Amazing display of God’s goodness and grace. This brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. Thanks.
Wonderful, wonderful post! Lovely photos of a sweet little one.
God is good, ALL the time.
Amen?!
Such a beautiful post, both pics and hymn. Praising the Lord with you for such a beautiful little life!
David’s words and the last picture made my heart smile
How adorable! That last b/w pic..oh the emotions it whispers.
Loved the little conversation….isn’t that precious? I guess that’s one perk of an online journal, to have these things in print. : )
Beautiful children, who would have thought that Emily was such a wee one at one time? A miracle child. God is good. *Happy sigh* ~Amelia
Simply Precious =]
Praise God! Emily is precious.
The book I wrote is called “Joy in the Morning” and it is our family’s story with our daughter Makenna (exactly as your post below talks about surrendering your children to the Lord). I had no idea if this would just be a book for “friends and family” to read or if it would reach more people- it is reaching people all over the US and even a few other countries!! What an honor. You can get a copy from my website if you are intrested. It is going to be featured in the Heartbeat magazine next month! All praise be to God!!
http://www.joyinthemorningbook.com is my website you can order it off Amazon.com too.
Have a wonderful day!~Amy
Beautiful……God surely has something very special in store for Emily.
Wow, what a beautiful miracle.
Thank you! I will be shipping it out today! 🙂
Love the shots Shan’ I am sure her Mom loved them! She is so cute! The conversation you included at the end was so funny!
Life is such a precious gift! Beautiful post!
There is so much feeling behind your pictures … these are beautiful.
Love this post. Did you know my mom sang that hymn at church when she was little and to this day its one of her favorites? Have a great weekend!
I’m glad you liked the card. I was thinking of you and thought I’d send something hand made instead of an e-mail.
Love, Lish
What a wonderful thing. She is so cute and you did a great job with the pictures. BTW, I wish I was coming that way too, I’d love to get coffee with you! One day Shan, one day. -Tara
How cute! And that’s so great that you capture it on camera for her…
You captured Emily beautifully…so very special! And I love the conversation between you and David! ~Thank you for coming by, and I’m sorry I haven’t come by here sooner! I’ve missed so much! I went back and read a few posts, and the one with your friend, Joanna, really touched my heart! I have a friend like that whom I met in high school back in the early 70’s! We are still friends, and live close to each other again! Yes, we have ‘grown bigger’, but it’s not stopped us from still being the very best of friends! You have a wonderful holiday, and I’ll be back soon!Blessings,~ Deborah <><
What lovely photos of a sweet little girl — and of two sweet children!
What a precious little girl. I love that hymn, I often cry when singing it.
What lovely pictures,Shanda! And what a sweet little boy you have raised.
WONDERFUL POST AND THE PICTURE ARE SO GREAT , ARE GOD IS SO WONDERFUL, GOD BLESS,
SANDY
Oh sweet Emily! She is a doll. God saved for something very special, I know it. David’s conversation is so sweet. You have such kind-hearted children, Shan!
Wow, I am sitting in a NICU as I write. I take care of the wee little ones….this brought tears to my eyes and uplifted my heart….. we had a litte one come by and visit us tonight….he was a 23 weeker and weighed less than 800 grams… now he is 4 years old…and doing well…… I can only imagine how Jesus feels when we come home…to hold him in my arms and know what a miracle he is…just draws me closer and closer to Him…..every child, is worth saving, after all its in Jesus hands….Thank you for writing this story I will share it with my unit…..The photos….are breath taking……you truly have a gift to capture the true spirit….
God Bless
Sis Sandy
PS: I will visit this site often, you woman are wounderful and I cherish your thoughts and words of wisdom….
what a miracle. sweet pictures.