Subject: Natalia-our little angel

Hello to you all,

This has been quite a week.  Over the weekend I noticed that Natalia was having some trouble while eating.  It seem to worsen as the days passed.  By Tuesday, I was not only sleep deprived but also very concerned about her health. We went to the Pediatrician's office Tuesday. We now have her taking medicine for her stomach hoping it calms her reflux after eating.

I have had several friends say how strong I must be.  Well, let me be honest.  I don't feel very strong.  This has been a tough week. I seem to tear up at the thought of what might be happening to our little one.  I've watched our little angel turn blue trying to swallow and drink just a few ounces of formula, I've had her turn blue and choke as she tried to swallow the medicine she needs to take so she can drink and I find my self crying uncontrollably in front of my kids.  I am not sleeping well and quite frankly, Stephen and I wonder what God is thinking to bring this precious baby into this world to have her suffer so much just to drink. A few nights ago while in the middle of feeding her, and realizing how much the reflux pained her I questioned Jesus and kept asking why, why, why!

Then, at the peek of my post pardum blues, Jacqueline reminds me
that as I have said all along, there must be a bigger picture.  Its amazing, I thought I could be strong for the family and here is my
daughter holding me up when I feel so helpless.

Well, here I am again asking for your prayers.  I love our little baby, she's so sweet and I'm willing to tackle what ever is in front of us.  Please pray that we can be strong enough to handle what ever that is.  She needs to drink more and get strong.  I pray she can eat without pain.  Eating two ounces can sometimes take her 30 to 45 minutes.  She eats every few hours so as you can imagine, I am tired most of the time, which leaves me impatient with the other children.

Today I was at a friends house and read some printed material on Trisomy 13.  I find it hard to believe that many of these baby's die in the first few months.  I am not ready to let this precious girl die.  So please help me pray that God will work some special miracles with Natalia.  I so believe he can if that is his will.

I also realize part of my down mood this week was due to lack of sleep so I will try and take better care of myself also.

Thank you so much again for helping us pray for Natalia's health.
God Bless You all. Love, ThereseAnn