To my fellow blog friends that believe in the power of prayer like I do, this post is for you.

Yesterday, Madison Kathryn came into the world. Her parents and big sister are dear friends to us. Precious Madison was born with a severe congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart. On Tuesday, October 1st at 9:30am central time this precious baby will undergo the first of three surgeries to re-build this damaged chamber in her heart.

Thankfully, a very astute ultra-sound technician caught this early in Julie's pregnancy. This allowed them to move Julie to the hospital that is affiliated with the Minneapolis Children's Hospital where Madison was taken immediately after delivery. Based on her weight (8 pounds) and the fact that she was full term also makes her condition more favorable. The doctors have given Julie and Todd an 85% survival rate for Madison's condition. Obviously, there are all sorts of risks on a baby this tiny. Please pray for peace for Julie and Todd as they face the days ahead, wisdom and brilliance for the heart surgeons, loving caregivers in the NICU, no infection or any other illness that could put Madison at more risk. As a mother my heart breaks for Julie while she yearns to hold, comfort and protect her new daughter.

If you are able to take the time to pray for baby Madison, thank you! I know God has great plans for this special little girl!

Blessings,
Diana

AFTER....She was a little shaggy, so it was time to get Ruby a real haircut. She did pretty well considering she was at a salon and not at a place that caters to kids... Let's just say Brie's glitter jar and the cheese in my purse were welcome distractions. She looks adorable!

When I was pregnant with Ainsley I remember praying that she would have a beautiful singing voice. Why you ask? Well, my Dad was a professional singer back in the 50's. A real live famous crooner, that made you turn up the radio. I have always been in awe of his talent, and even more in awe of his humility about it. This gift of voice was passed down to both my brother and sister. Somehow, I was skipped when that talent was being passed out. So, I live vicariously through my daughter who seems to have a heart for music. The fun part, is she likes a variety of music from worship and praise songs, to Highschool Musical! Even more fun is that she loves to make up songs. A budding song writer in the family? Perhaps! The good news is Ainsley can carry a tune. Answered prayer! Is she the next Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill (well she was born in Nashville) or Nicolle Nordeman? Not sure, but she looks like a natural with the guitar in her hands. I guess it is time to invest in some lessons!

Regardless of what she grows up to be, we will continue to pray that as parents we can realize what gifts she has and how we can help her learn to use them. For now, we get to have a front row seat at some great concerts in our house. Ainsley is one of our greatest gifts, and we feel very blessed to have her in our lives!

Today was one of those gorgeous warm fall days! We spent a few hours at a local apple orchard! The Honeycrisp Apples are in season, and they are delicious! Ruby dove right in as you can see. I am pretty sure I heard her say "YUM!" It was a great day of apple picking!

Apple crisp for dessert tonight, and then Ainsley and I are going to make some homemade apple sauce to freeze! I just love the fall! Hands down, my favorite season in Minnesota!

Blessings, Diana

The other thing about my brother that I love is his humble heart. He would never talk about his accomplishments. So, what kind of little sister would I be if I didn't take this opportunity to brag about him on my blog? This past weekend, Mark qualified for the 2007 Nationals when his "client" Diva won the open Mark was running her in. They will be heading to northern CA in November to see what The Diva can do! Congratulations!!!

Mark is the handsome tan guy on the right in the picture with Diva. And, the second picture is one of my most treasured photographs. I took this when Ainsley was almost two. She and I were visiting Mark, and she wandered up on the mound during one of his training sessions! PRICELESS.

I love you,