O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever

For several weeks now, I have been looking forward to writing this blog entry.  The entry to tell everyone that we are back home safe and sound with a perfect little girl!  Thank you, Lord!!

This is a picture of Josie in Waxahatchie when I told her we were heading to Arkansas...

Last night we stopped in Arkansas and stayed with my dad.  Here are some photos of his first look at our beautiful Josie.  Nothing makes me cry more than seeing my father cry.  A true man of God, his faith and wisdom have been a great influence throughout my life.

Last night Josie did not rest well.  It was her first night in the orthosis (helmet) but she continued to be fussy even after I removed it for a little while.  Come to find out, Elijah did not rest well either.  They knew today was going to be a big day!  The interesting thing is that this happened all throughout the trip, especially the night before the surgery the babies (and parents) were restless.  Even though they cannot speak, their actions speak for them.  They knew something was going on even before we left to go to San Antonio, and they have been looking forward to this day just as much as we have.

This morning came and we left Arkansas at 0800 and made one stop in Memphis to feed and change Josie.  She slept from Memphis all the way home.  When we neared the exit, I was texting my Mom because she said Noah wanted to be ready for us.  I texted her every turn we made in town.  When we came around the corner in the neighborhood, there was Noah standing in front of the sidewalk with a hand full of flowers he had picked for me.  He started jumping up and down with such excitement.  I don't think Josh had even turned off the van before I was out and giving Noah a huge hug.  He peered over Josie's car seat and started talking to her and loving her.  She was happy when Pap-paw got her out of the car seat, but after that she became very upset.  It all began when she saw me holding Elijah.  So I had to hold her to calm her down and reintroduce her to the house and everyone.  It took a good while before she would let anyone else hold her.  Through the past few weeks she did become a momma's girl.  

After she calmed down, we were able to get some good pictures.

Family time!

I don't know who was more excited, me or Elijah!

Josh's grandparents and both of our mothers

Janice Webb (Nana) and Elijah Webb

Mary Ellen (Meme) and Josie Ellen

How cute!

All the Keith kiddos

Happy Josie!

A kiss on the orthosis (helmet) is just the same...

After lots of hugs, kisses and a bottle, it was nap time.  Here is Josie in her crib hugging her new dolly that Grandmomma made while we were gone.  Thank you, Grandmomma!

This was a very nice booklet from Gina at Curves in Tupelo, where my mother in law works out.  

She had this out for everyone to see when they came in and then gave this to us to keep.  

Thank you, Gina, and everyone at Curves who prayed for baby Josie!

And then I got to rock my baby Elijah to sleep for the first time since we left.  

This was very special to me.  Noah came in and took some pictures, and I am glad he did.

This is a picture above both of their cribs.  I took this picture and then took a deep sigh.  

My heart is now complete.  

Thank you, Lord, for your many blessings since the last time I had both of my babies sound asleep in their cribs.  

And a fun fact- the background for my blog is from a fabric pattern in Josie's crib. 

And then Josh and I proceeded to take a long nap as well.  

It was the best rest I have had in many days.

Play time continued after nap time...

Even the cats were glad that we were all home

And Granddaddy came over after work.  

He was so happy to see his baby girl!

We took the orthosis off for a minute to show everyone, and Elijah went in for the smooch. 

I didn't have any pictures of his initial reaction to Josie in the helmet.  His eyes got really big and he had a look of inquisitiveness.  Then his brow relaxed and he realized it was just his sister. 

And more kisses from Noah...

After baths and the twins were put down to sleep, we went through mail and opened more letters of encouragement and prayers from many more of you.  I cannot write this without becoming emotional.  You all have touched our lives deeply and forever with your kindness and selflessness for praying for our family and little girl.  God is good and he has done a great work in Josie and us during the past few weeks.  We shared with my family all of the other letters and cards that we had received from my brother and sister-in-law when they came to San Antonio.  We were all in tears again.  

Many of you have told me that you cannot read my blog without becoming tearful.  I will tell you that I become tearful every time I write an entry.  My prayer is that the story of my family has touched your life and has helped you to see the grace of our Lord more clearly.  If this story helps one to become closer to Christ, then I would do it all again.  May the Lord bless you all.  

Keep following us because the blog will continue.  It has been so therapeutic for me that I must continue it.  It will be more about our family in general with updates on Josie.  Our next follow up with Dr. Jimenez in San Antonio will be the end of September.  

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;

You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,

that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. 

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Psalm 30: 11-12