Amazing Little Grace

It's time for an update on little Miss Grace!  Those of you who know her will know her story up to this point.  For those of you who do not, let me quickly catch you up:  Grace Olivia was born August 26 a year ago, to the sweetest young couple named Mark and Elizabeth.  She is beautiful little baby, with lots of dark hair and big eyes...squishy soft skin and the sweetest personlity.  She's been through a lot in her almost-14 months:  surgery to fix her lip, BIG surgery to fix her palate, and a few smaller surgeries to help her ears and mouth and tongue.  Feeding her has been challenging, but Mark and Elizabeth have persevered and gotten lots of good mama's milk into her with a special bottle  and even with a syringe for quite a while after her big surgery.  She LOVES her baby food, and her parents have risen to the occasion feeding it to her.  She is a trooper for sure, as are her parents and grandparents.  All of them have focused and sacrificed, and Grace is coming along very nicely.  She faces more surgery in the future, probably in a few years; and I'm sure she'll do fine then, as well.  She's that kind of little girl:  a sweetie-pie who is a fighter and who shows great determination.  Her engaging disposition and that cute little smile will take her far.

Grace celebrated her birthday several times and my, did she enjoy herself!  She had a party at the Opryland Hotel with her mommy and daddy, and they got to ride the river together.  Then they celebrated with family in Nashville, then in Knoxville, and again in Memphis.  What a lucky little girl!  Getting to have all those birthday parties, complete with pink and purple streamers, a polka dotted tablecloth, her own little cake with polka dots!  And cupcakes and goodies for all the guests. 

Recently Grace underwent some genetic testing that pinpointed a situation that she and her family are tackling...she will get to go to Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and a special program that will benefit her so much. They are excited to get started and expect great things from her sessions. 

It is a privilege to know and love little Miss Grace and her family.  They are so loving and so devoted to each other.  I've been thinking: what can we do to help?  Here's what I've come up with:

- pray for them.  Ask God to guide her doctors and therapists as they work to help her...and pray for strength and wisdom for Mark and Elizabeth. 
- encourage them.  Just a card or call, to let them know they are in our thoughts.
- if you know Grace's grandparents, see if they might take a little toy or gift to Grace when they travel to Nashville...
 - or perhaps a goody basket (with snacks or coffee or a favorite find from the grocery store)
 - what about a bouquet of flowers!  Always a hit
 - anything to let this sweet family know we care

So, that our update on amazing little Grace.  She a cutie alright, and I am just thanking God for her and asking His richest blessings upon her...and her parents...as she starts this new chapter.  Stay tuned for updates on the good progress I'm sure she's going to make... because she's an amazing little girl :)