The wait is over

Email sent on 8/13/11

 Hi Everyone,

Ada Claire Sherman was born at 2:29pm today. She weighs 5 lbs, 4 oz, is 18.25" long, and looks marvelous. She will most likely remain in the NICU until her due date (Sept 25), but we are encouraged with the initial prognosis. Julianne had another blitzkrieg natural birth and as usual she bounced out of bed and took a walk. Thanks to everyone for all your prayers and support.

-Keith

A "bump" in the road

Email sent 8/11/11

Hi Everyone,

For those who haven't heard, Julianne came to Swedish Hospital in Seattle yesterday morning after her water broke. Since the baby is six and a half weeks early, the doctors have tried to cool down the process but the contractions have grown stronger and we expect we'll have a new addition to the family in the next day or so. Julianne is in good spirits and the baby appears to be above five pounds in weight (a decent size even for full-term).

It's been an eventful week so far, a capstone to an eventful year. Between Evelyn's kidney disease, ML's medical issues (we had to postpone her operation yesterday), several scary accidents on the job, my loss of eyesight (which I have now fully regained), losing our last baby, and Julianne's troubled pregnancy, we have had our hands full. In spite of all this, we have an powerful sense of God's presence and overwhelming grace. I do ask that you would pray for us now however, as there are concerns with a premature birth.

It is hard to hold back tears now as I think all for your encouragement and support. We are profoundly blessed with an amazing family and good friends. I'll keep you posted as to Julianne's and baby's progress.

"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling."
       -from Psalm 46

-Keith