Thank you all for praying; God has been so good, and He is still granting so much peace and joy during this time. The comfort He is giving is overwhelming, and He continues to bless us with His goodness.
Let me give a quick update for you all. Charlotte and Sophie had multiple doctor appointments this recently to document their regression and well-being. These trips are not easy; we discuss the skills the girls will lose, the surgeries they will need, the medications that will need to be prescribed, etc.
And yet, while these difficult events may occur, God is still good. God has overwhelmingly given us good things and answers to prayer.
Sophie started physically regressing earlier than Charlotte did, so she cannot sit up or crawl. She longs to be independent and on the move. She used to be able to roll over but lost the skill soon after she learned it. The doctor told us he feared Sophie would never regain it, but in the last month she started rolling over again both ways! We praise the Lord for this little victory! She is learning to eat purees and has made significant progress with swallowing and chewing. The doctors are pleased with the progress she is making, but still want to see more weight gain if possible.
Charlotte’s progress impressed her doctor. God continues to profound the doctors through this little girl. She is steadily gaining weight and taking formula through bottles very well. God has so far protected her from any choking or aspirating while swallowing liquids; in fact, we have noticed her coughing reflexes have improved significantly! The doctors are amazed at how long she is holding out—by God’s power–from needing a g-tube. Overall, her eating has improved rather than regressed. The doctors continue to comment on how alert and relaxed she is and how much she is still able to see through her sight as well. One doctor said, “I didn’t want to be the first to say it, but Charlotte is better now than when I last saw her three months ago.” What encouraging words to hear!
As of right now, neither girl is on any prescribed medication nor have need for a g-tube yet, and both girls still have their sight. We also have noticed both girls are beginning to make more verbal noise and sounds in response to their environment–especially Charlotte who specifically tries to respond when we talk with her. We love hearing their voices! The power of God is so evident in our girls’ lives right now. He is showing mercy and love to them, and granting strength where they currently need it most.
Our hearts are so thankful for the provision of God’s goodness. We are so thankful for the big and the small victories for our girls. Thank you so much for all your prayers, messages, letters, and cards; God is using you in so many ways to help encourage us! We are so thankful for the support and prayers of all believers and we are thankful that He is always, only good.