Saturday, February 16, 2008

Pictures of Kaden and Ava

Kaden giving his little sister some love. What an awesome big brother.
Kaden reading to little Ava.

After surgery and on ECMO.
Daddy trying to comfort his little girl.

Mommy time.
Looking at mommy.
Wide awake before her baptism.
Our family.


Here are some pictures from this past Sunday when Kaden met his little sister for the first time during her baptism. I also included a picture of Ava now, after surgery. It is crazy the difference a day (and surgery) makes. I know that Ava would not have survived without the surgery, but to see how healthy she looked and to see her now just breaks my heart. Last night, Nate, Kaden, my dad, and I went to Wal-Mart to get a few things. We then dropped grandpa off at the hospital. Daddy told Kaden that grandpa was going to see his baby sister at the hospital and Kaden began to cry. At first I thought it was because grandpa was leaving but Kaden shook his head "no" to that. I then asked if it was because his baby sister was in the hospital...he signed "yes." I asked him if he wanted his baby sister to get out of the hospital, he again signed "yes." He was crying pretty hard...it got tears going for me as well. Knowing that he understands what the hospital is and not wanting his baby sister to be there shows how amazing of a little guy he really is...that he has such a sweet and caring attitude.

15 comments:

Jana Oldham said...

Amy years ago we never thought about the families we would have, and now that I see them I feel we were both truly blessed with such wonderful ones. Kaden is such a wonderful little guy and I know Ava will follow in his footsteps. You and Nate are so strong for your little ones I can only hope that others see that. I will continue to hope that I will see all of you coming home soon!

Jana

Anonymous said...

Amy, you and Nate are you childrens special treasure in life. You continue to inspire us with your strength and faith. We are praying for your beautiful baby Ava. May god bless you and yours.

Brooke

Angel Gabi's Mommy said...

Ava is beautiful, we love all the pictures. Kaden does look like a pretty proud big brother. We definitely know the struggle you're going through with seeing a healthy beautiful child and after a surgery, you see a completely different baby! You guys are a very strong couple and have had to endure so much already. We continue to pray and are constantly thinking of you and your family.

Wishing you all the best.

Jason, Micah, Gracie, Angel Gabi, and Kinsley!

Bowers Family said...

Nate, Amy, Kaden, and Ava.
First congratulations on your new arrival. Sorry we have not been in touch sooner. We have been staying up to date with your beautiful and most precious family, with thanks to the blogs and thanks to Mike and Amy's emails. You guys have so much faith and strength that is unbelievable. God has given you 2 very special miracles and challenges, and you have persevered. Your positive attitudes and beliefs are something that we all can learn from. We are all so proud of you. We are thinking of all of you and praying for you. The pictures are wonderful, you all look great! Keep smiling and do know that you are thought of often.
With love,
Josh, Nicole, Peyton, Parker, Presly, and Paxton Bowers

Anonymous said...

Congrats Ava for making though the surgery! Now Kaden has someone to play with when she gets bigger! And CONGRATS Nate and Amy for making it though....everything! I keep praying! My parents had to stay at the RMDHouse when I had heart surgery @ 3yrs old. Love bunches Heather (Nate's Cousin)

Anonymous said...

That is so sad to hear how Kaden doesn't want his baby sister to go through the pain and agony that he remembers. What a caring big brother. We continue to pray for Ava's strength and also for you and Nathan that you get the rest you need to be strong for Ava. We will be back down soon. If there is something you need or that we can do just call.
Remember that there are a lot of angels watching over Ava in your absence. Stay Stong.
Lots of Love to all of you.
XOXOXO
Michael, Amy and the kids

Anonymous said...

We just logged onto your site for the first time today. What a beautiful family you have, and a joy that you are sharing this inspirational journey with each of us. We are praying for you all. Take care.
Kevin, Ellie, Jay, Corinne, Gerae & Kean

Anonymous said...

Hey Amy and Nate,
Just letting you know I am thinking of you all and that I plan to come up soon!! I bet it is so hard to explain to Kaden why sweet little sister cannot come home... Love you all And know that there are many prayers going out for you!Love Whitney, Koltan, Treytan

Tyler Patrick Breuer said...

I've been thinking about you and Nate and praying daily for Ava since I first read about her. She is surrounded by many people who love her and God will keep her protected! I will say a special intention when I go to Mass on Monday morning for her to safely wean from ECMO. God Bless.
Kathleen Breuer
www.breuerfamily.com

Anonymous said...

Wow, You guys are amazing. I am friends with Jennifer and she told me all about your family. Keep Staying Strong, I am definatley praying for you!

Anonymous said...

our prayers are with you and ive sent your blog on to all of my cousins in western ks--everyone is reading it--you may be hearing from them--tammy and dean are now living next door to me--we all are praying for you and the whole family-please take care of yourselves--your aunt kay and dean and tammy

Laurie said...

I just found your site this evening. I will be praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

Nathan and Amy
Just had a chance to get back onto the blog to see how everything is going with Ava. I broke down and cried when I seen her picture after coming out of surgery. Though she is still a beautiful little girl. I have had lots of folks ask how she is doing and all of you guys also. There are lots of folks praying for Ava and you guys. The pictures are wonderful to see, love the ones of big brother Kaden holding and reading to little sis Ava. You guys stay strong and know that we are all thinking and praying for you. God bless you all and help you through these trying times. Sending hugs and kisses to you.
Love
Pamela and Megan

Queen Mommy said...

Amy & Nate,

Just a quick note to let you know that our family continues our prayers for your little Ava. I was showing my 3 year old daughter, Delainey, your family photos and explaining that Ava had heart surgery, much like she had when she was that little. Delainey said, "That baby has little angels around her just like I did, right mommy?" That statement reminded me that no matter how big a situation seems,nothing is too big for God (and his angels). Bless you all. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Kyla, Adam and Delainey Barcus

Anonymous said...

Nate and Amy,

We received an email about your blogspot and Ava's condition. I went to the blogspot and got updated on how Ava has been doing and how Kaden has been getting along. We just wanted to know that you've been in our thoughts and prayers- we pray for the day that you get to have both kids at home and keep the hospital visits behind you. Continue to stay strong!

Also wanted to update you on our lives- we have two kids- Ryan will be 4 at the end of March and Alison (Ali) is 8 months. It seems like it was only yesterday that we were playing softball together and now we're keeping busy with kids. But we wouldn't have it any other day. I look forward to the day when we get to attend all of the kids activities.

Anways, just wanted to drop you guys a line and let you know you're in our prayers regularly. With the power of prayer, you'll have your little ones healthy and at home soon.

Take care,

Kevin, Angie, Ryan, and Ali Lueger
Seneca, KS