Before I launch into some great news, here are a few cute pics and vids as of late…

Lyla and her cousin Ethan playing with the toys at Grandma & Grandpa’s house 🙂

Pearlie-girlie being smiley

Walking at Riverside (Lyla loves the fountain, and Pearl was intrigued by it too)

Pearl in the morning 🙂

Well, Lyla had a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday. Her doctors were stunned that she is walking independently, and amazed that she is talking and imitating so many words. Dr. Jedele told us that it just doesn’t happen–Trisomy 18 kids rarely survive, much less walk, and talk! She said it’s usually a big deal for them to be able to sit in a wheelchair. The part that brought tears for this mama was that Lyla’s doctor, for the first time, told us that she has no reason to doubt that Lyla will have a long, healthy life. God is so good to us. I am humbled by God’s grace, and give Him all the credit for the miracle of Lyla Jane. We were also pretty excited to hear that Lyla is most likely one of the healthiest Trisomy 18 kids in the entire country. God is so good to us. It is by His grace alone that Lyla is with us today and doing so, so well. Thank you for your prayers.

We sang this song in church on Sunday and it touched my heart. God’s grace has been given so freely and undeservedly. It is by His grace alone that we have been given the privilege to be the parents of two amazing girls. It is by His grace alone that we have been given the privilege of being called His children. We are forever grateful.

Grace Alone (by Scott Wesley Brown, Jeff Nelson)

Every promise we can make,

Every prayer and step of faith,

Every difference we can make,

Is only by His grace.

Every mountain we will climb,

Every ray of hope we shine,

Every blessing left behind,

Is only by His grace.

Grace alone Which God supplies.

Strength unknown He will provide.

Christ in us, our cornerstone,

We will go forth in grace alone.

Every soul we long to reach,

Every heart we hope to teach,

Everywhere we share His peace,

Is only by His grace.

Every loving word we say,

Every tear we wipe away,

Every sorrow turned to praise,

Is only by His grace.