Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Now that the girls are taking all of their feedings via bottle (see update from previous post if this is news to you), it's just a matter of time before they come home! They need to be finishing each bottle, and increasing the amount slowly to make sure they're consistent in order to be considered for discharge. 

Karis has done really well (we call her Miss Piggy) and today she was put on ad lib feedings, which means she can eat as much as she wants and as long as she takes at least 50mLs (just over 1.5 oz.) per feeding, she will be considered for discharge. That is fantastic news! 

What's not so fantastic is that Kamin is still working pretty hard to finish 45mL. She has required two feedings to be finished by tube feeding, so she's a little behind. She almost made it 24 hours, but required a tube feeding tonight. She will need to complete all of her feedings at 45mLs for at least another 24-48 hours before they'll increase her to 48mLs, then do that for at least another 24-48 hours before they'll go to ad lib/50+mLs (I'm assuming, because that's what Karis' track was). 

So, unfortunately, even though they told us not to expect it and I secretley thought the girls would defy the odds, it doesn't look like they will be coming home together. 

This makes me sad, but I trust the Lord's timing completley. I am fully aware that my plan is not the best option, even when it feels like it is. I know He has the best plan, and it'd be ridiculous for me to think he's forgotten about Kamin, or not listened to my prayers. He's known Kamin for all eternity and he has wonderful plans for her life. I trust him with the details...even when they hurt. 

Romans 12:12 has been a favorite verse lately, and a reminder that God hears our prayers. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. I feel like every day is like going round and round with each...joy, hope, affliction, patience, faith and prayer. And that's okay, because Paul wrote Romans almost 2,000 years ago, so if the scriptures are still relevant today (and I'm certain they are), then that means God knew we'd need to hear/see the verse in Romans to get through challenging times. He knew we'd need to rely on him. And I am putting my trust in him, asking you to do the same and just say a little prayer for Kamin Grace to eat like a champ, to continually improve and not to move backward again and to come home so soon! "Soon" will be determined by the perfect Planner, but I trust that he will answer the prayers offered up, and he'll do so with his perfect plan. 

Kamin's sweet face, minus any tubes!