August 14, 2008

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 5:3-4

Hello to all of our faithful followers-

Sixteen days and counting until Gavin reaches that huge milestone in his life. Over the past week he has grown so much.

Look out world cause here comes Gavin! He is officially on the move. He rolls all over the place and is starting to work on that ever famous army crawl. If you leave his sight for merely a minute you will come back and find him in a new location and asking yourself.....how did you get over there? His new found accomplishment has created a whole new set of problems for him. He will not stay on his back for anything.....so sleeping has become an issue. When you put Gavin down he immediately rolls over and then gets upset because he is not used to sleeping on his tummy....so he cries. I think he will figure out soon that staying on your back for sleep is a good thing.

Gavin has discovered a whole new world in eating the past week too. His daddy introduced him to apple butter and the rest is history. He is now able to sit up in his high chair and be a "big" boy....with a little help from a trusty towel to prop him up! He loves to be a part of the family at meal time. I offer him ham and cheese and daddy comes along with graham crackers and apple butter. I was quickly shown up and ham and cheese apparently just dont cut it.

I have shared with you so much about our journey with Gavin but there is so much left to share. We have learned so much along the way and been blessed in so many ways. Our God is an awesome God and his people are incredible people.

Throughout our journey we had some friends who stood by us through thick and thin. We met Jann and Jim when Ian was born and in the NICU at Swedish. Their daughter had also given birth to a preemie. Our friendship has grown over the years and we have shared many joys and triumphs with them as we have watched our little preemies grow into big kids. This Gavin Chronicles goes out to Jann and Jim. God has so richly blessed us with your friendship. Every day, from the day Gavin was born, Jann spent time out of her schedule to stop at the hospital and spend time with us as a family and with Gavin. She came to us when Gavin was transferred to PSL. She was there to help the nurses when mom couldn't be there. Both her and Jim prayed with us on many occassions. They truly were a lifeline for us. We spent many a moment crying and many a moment rejoicing in the little things. We shared fellowship and we shared meals. Through it all your love and dedication to our son shone through. There was NEVER a day that went by that you missed a beat. We are forever grateful for your never failing presence in our lives. We are so honored to call you Gavin's Godparents. For all that you have done for us....Thank you!

We cannot thank our own church home enough for their love and support through our journey. From the time I was admitted to the day that Gavin came home.....and even to today, their love and support has been so incredible. To see God's love and grace in action in our lives just really touches me to the core. We came to know Kirsten so well over the months. She helped to organize meals for our family. She came to the hospital when I was on bedrest and we prayed. She was there when Gavin was born and was one of the first to witness his presence. Pastor Ron just happened to have a "gut" feeling to show up at PSL.....the day Gavin had 3 surgeries. He baptized our son and prayed with us as we entered one of the most scary times of our lives. Kirsten was with us when Gavin had his eye surgery.....with us again when he had his intestines reconnected and she was with us to see him go home. She came to our house to bless his homecoming. We shared in his reaffirmation of his baptism and shared fellowship as well. We are truly honored to say that Bethany is our church home. God is truly working amazing things with his people. Thank you to all of the pastors, staff and congregation for all that you have done for us over the past year.

Our journey continues and each of you play a part. This is only the beginning of many great things to come. I am so excited to have each and every one of you along with us for every step of the way.

Thanks again for all that you are and all that you do.....

Peace and Love-

Colin, Juanita, Ian, Brooke and Gavin