Loving the scenic route...

We are trying to get back into our "normal" routine, but I think that what I'm quickly realizing is that the word "normal" is no longer applicable to The Ross Family Household…  not unless "normal" consists of a baby that spends a good bit of the night vomiting from withdrawls and a sensitive gag reflex that is disturbed by boogers and an empty bed for half the night because Grace's world class best friend (i.e. Daddy) will sleep half the night on her floor in case she wakes up and needs to throw up (the reason he does that instead of myself is because he just knows her cues better than I do, being that they spent so much time together in the hospital) .  At least I don't have to sleep with David's t-shirt (like a teenage girl) like I did when he was in Boston, just knowing he is just a couple rooms away, under the same roof, is a blessing that I will (Lord willing) never take for granted again.  Will you please pray that Grace's vomiting stops, that she weathers the rest of her narcotic wean without any discomfort, and that her heart and lungs remain healthy?

I love this quote from Pastor Tony Evans "You can’t walk into the presence of a holy God unless you are escorted by the Son. That’s why we pray in Jesus’ name."  As we spent time praying as a family tonight and praising God for the love and generosity of so many of you, my heart lept as they thanked God "for the hearts of all of the people that have helped our family…" and then Andrew said "thank you Lord for letting Gracie have Down's Syndrome."  In Jesus name, AMEN!  When I think back to when I was pregnant with Grace, I had so many questions as to what our life would look like with a special needs child.  I don't think that I could even fathom the idea that Abigail and Andrew would love her "specialness" so much, thanking God for it, making all things Downsy-Doo colors in support of their little sister, etc…

I'll bet you didn't know that Santa doesn't just have a red Santa suit,  he also has a Santa suit in Up's colors… Now you know :-)

I'm so grateful for our far from "normal" life because it unveils rich blessings found both in the chaos and in what may seem like the mundane…

 "We love and appreciate you, sweet Village!"

GRACIE STRONG (In God's strength)