Isn't it grand?

This is our youngest baby girl just a few days after Gotcha/Forever Family Day in September of 2007. Sarah was born with a series of cardiac defects that we knew was complicated but didn't know just how much so until we brought her home(at last). As you can tell she was fairly cyanotic and they had cut her beautiful hair very short. She was so timid and so very frightened. Our first "morning after" with her was both delightful and heartbreaking to witness and she gobbled up everything we gave her. Almost to the point that she made herself sick. It was so evident she was acting on instinct. As if to be sure to give herself as much as possible while it was available. And when she would cry...as we took her in our arms...we had many people point out to us that something was "wrong" with your baby (referencing her cyanosis) It was heartbreaking.

Fast forward to March 2008........





I can hardly believe it sometimes. We are two months to the day post surgery. The change in her has been nothing short of miraculous. She has beautiful hair that grows every night. We laugh that her hair is like the old playdoh toys that "grew" hair so you could trim it. In this photo she has the cutest pigtails all curled with bows. Her soft spot is finally closing (it was still just like an infants when we got her due to her malnutrition and poor circulation). It is a miracle. She is so excited with all of her newfound energy that she gets a little ahead of herself. She fell outside the other day trying to run to catch her sister and friends. But she was having the time of her life. All of the glory for this little treasure goes to Heavenly Father. He has certainly brought miracles to this little girl and to our family. She is amazing. She is all dressed and ready to go to church.



This bunch of kids makes our hearts so happy. They are left to right:
Jakers, Jon, Sarah, Mandi Mei, Sammers and Eric.

And finally..............



This is the beloved band of brothers. These four were all born within 6 1/2 years of each other. Sure they fight sometimes but, they look out for each other. Their dad and I say mighty prayers that they will learn the best of life's lessons with each other.

All for one and one for all
My brother and my friend
What fun we have
The time we share
Brothers 'til the end.
~Author Unknown