14 7 25 24

 Elodie. Our miracle baby. Given to us by God through miracle after miracle! As I write she is nestled in her basinette all snug and beautiful. There are times when I can't stop staring at her, times when all I want to do is hold her close to me and many times where I thank God for being able to stare at her and hold her!
Elodie was born 14 weeks ago. She was due to be born 7 weeks ago. She was almost born 25 weeks ago. We were told she had died 24 weeks ago. A whole lot of numbers that equal a whole lot of pain, and joy, tiredness, anxiety and hope, pleading and peace. The experience of God through this time has left me with the overwhelming urge to tell as many as will listen that my God is a God of miracles, the largest of which is his amazing love for us!!
Elodies story started a long time ago. Well before any one of us was born. You see God has this plan. It is a good plan, even when the world around us is going crazy. Even when nothing is perfect. When life is difficult or seems down right unfair.  God still has a good plan. Oh yes, we seem to be good at the continual stuff ups. We are experts at doing what suites us without thinking about how it affects others. Our lives are far from perfect glossy magazine images with everything tidily in its place.
There was nothing glossy or tidy about the agony of being told your baby is dead. And there was nothing tidy about the moment when the ultrasound technician told us there was a heartbeat. Nothing glossy about the waiting the expecting and the hoping for a 'positive outcome'.
But there is something incredible about the peace that came as we trusted God for the good plan he has for us all.
Elodie Rose. A reminder that not only do I have five fantastic children but also a fantastic father looking over us with love.