Our babies ...

First of all, thank you all so much for your thoughts, prayers, encouraging words and support. Kristi and I are settled back into our room, which they so graciously allowed us to return to so that we had the benefit of some familiarity. We are trying to rest our minds/hearts and just allow God to go to work on and in us during this time.

Second, let me officially announce to you the birth of our two babies. First came Jackson Willis Key, who weighed in at a massive 4.3 lbs. Jackson was a name we liked, and Willis is a very old family name from my side. He has settled in very well to the NICU and is already starting to feed. He did not need any assistance breathing and they are very encouraged all around. We are so very excited!

Following close behind was Leatta Addison Key at a whopping 3.3 lbs. Addison was a named we liked, and Leatta was Kristi’s mother’s name. Upon arriving she immediately began experiencing complications with her breathing, and after examination they discovered that her lungs were not developed well at all, something we knew was a possibility. They worked very hard and did everything they could to get her stabilized, but her lungs just could not pump the oxygen she needed (for several reasons that could not possibly be remedied medically). Essentially, 18-20 weeks of having virtually no fluid prevented her ability to develop strong lungs. As her condition soon began to digress rapidly, we went to the NICU to spend time with her and she passed away in the afternoon hours. The doctor’s have continually reaffirmed with us that everything we could possibly do for her was done.

Thirdly, we know that everyone loves their children, but as first time parents let us say it for the first time to all reading that we love Jackson and Addison with all our hearts. It has been a joy and privilege to care for and honor God’s gift, even in the toughest of times. God knew the day April 16, 2009 and prepared us for it. For those of you who know Kristi, then you know that being on bed-rest went against every fiber of her being, but she did it and did so with the greatest balance of grace and toughest I’ve ever witnessed. She is amazing and is my hero. As she held Jackson last night in the midst of myself and her brothers and sister, I couldn’t help but lean over to them and say “she’s gonna be good at this.” They concurred.

Lastly, I go back to the first… How could we ever thank all of you – our friends, family, co-workers, etc., etc. – for all that you have done to encourage and support us? Furthermore, how could we ever thank the hospital staff and doctors who have simply astounded us with their care? Listen, I’m not even kidding, the hospital crew have mesmerized us with blessings from God and most don’t even know it, which in a certain way makes it that much more grand. I could write a whole note on the nurses, doctors, housecleaners, food service people, etc. The same goes for all of you as well. You have all been God’s presence and blessing.