Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Life Continues On

After the long and painful time spent in the NICU very early this morning, we went back this evening to visit with our precious little girls. They are still doing ok. Rachel and Ashlyn have been started on very small feeds of my expressed breast milk. They seem to be tolerating it so far. This is a step in the right direction. Haley has not yet been started on the breast milk feeds. Her GI tract is still not ready for it. They are still critical and will be for a while. They are strong though. We can tell that every time we go see them. They will be okay. It was sad to not get to see our little Braden tonight. It is so hard seeing how we started out with going to the NICU to see all six of our children now it is down to three. We know where Kaitlyn, Dallin and Braden are, they are safe. They did not have to be tested in this life, they received their bodies and returned home to a loving Heavenly Father. We will now focus on Rachel, Haley and Ashlyn, they will come home. I have a strong feeling about that. I know the Lord will continue to watch over and bless our Little family. While the trial is extremely difficult to go through, it is what is needed for us to develop and become what God wants us to become. I know that every difficulty we face in life is for a reason. I am grateful for a Savior who has shown us the way, in handling difficulties in our lives. Trials can either make you or break you, it is up to you. "Life is beautiful when you learn to find the beauty in it"(Elder Richard G. Scott)

27 comments:

  1. I am so sorry about your loss of your beautiful boy. You guys are in my prayers and you know your three angels are safe.

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  2. Stansels, I'm so sorry for the loss of each of your precious ones for now. I know it's not what you'd hoped for and one day you'll have the privilege to raise them. I'm just so sorry in your quest to build a family that you've had to endure so much.

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  3. Stansels, we are so sorry for your loss. Cant say we understand what you going through but you in our prayers.

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  4. I've been keeping up with your blog since I heard about it a few months ago. Much love to you....I wish all six could have made it but sometimes the plan is different. What a joy to have the knowledge that you know where these three little darlings are and who they are!

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  5. Amanda and Thomas, your faith and attitude amaze me every day. I admire your ability to focus on the positive and move one. I can tell how blessed you are. I also have a strong feeling that Rachel, Haley and Ashlyn will go home with you. I am excited about Rachel and Ashlyn feeding of your expressed breast milk. They will take of and go! You will see. Soon, Haley will also benefit from your milk. Sometimes we cannot understand the plans God has for us, but I believe everything that happens has a purpose. All my love and prayers be with you.

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  6. A positive attitude is always the best way to be! I have faith also these three little girls will be home with you in a few months and you will be so blessed.

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  8. It is a hard and exhausting journey you are on at this time. I cannot fathom your pain and suffering. We do not always understand that things happen for what reason but His plan is already in place. God is with you at every step and your faith is amazing. We are praying for your family and hope for the best. Take care of each other and things no matter how good or bad will be better because of your support for each other. May God bless you today and every day. Your friends in Christ in Rosharon, Texas.
    Mike and Cecy

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  9. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Braden. I know it is not the same for a dad to play sports with a daughter but one of those little girls could be a fantastic ball player about to bloom. She just needs your help. You guys are so optimistic in all of this and thankfully have the knowledge that you will still get to raise your 3 beautiful angels some day. My prayers continue to be with your family.

    Love, Sister Reese
    Exeter, CA

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  10. You are such amazing and strong individuals. I wish you and your families all the love and prayers in the world. I hope you know that so many people have learned so much through your trials and your faith and positive outlook on so much. I think all of us following your story are truly blessed. Our prayers are with you, and I know that Heavenly Father is there for you and your sweet family.
    -The Tigerts
    Murfreesboro, TN

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  11. I just feel so sick about how you must be feeling right now. I am so sorry..... I am praying for you and your babies!

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  12. Thank you so much for stregthening my testimony
    of the most important aspects of our journey here on earth.Your strength is unbelievable, and you are touching so many lives for the better.I have wept with you each day as I have followed your journey.Thank you for your strength, my sweet sister and brother in the gospel, and for the strength of your precious babies. I love you.
    Sister Palmer
    Salt lake City, Utah

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  13. I am sorry for your losses. I know that these precious children will be yours in the eternities and you will get to raise them to maturity. Your little ones were so righteous in the pre-existence that all they needed was a body. Heavenly Father needed them more.

    Your testimony is strong and strengthens all those who read about your family. Our prayers are will you and all of your little ones.

    Sister Davis
    preemie mom

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  14. What an amazing testimony. We are sorry for your losses. We know you will see your little ones again. What comfort that can bring. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love,
    CA Stansel cousins

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  15. I've been following your blog for the last few months and I wanted to let you know how heartbroken I am for you and your family. God works in mysterious ways, and yet I don't think he gives us any more than we are capable of handling. Much love to you and your little ones.

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  16. My thoughts and prayers are with you. These babies have such loving, amazing parents. An incredible reunion it will be when you are all together again one day. For now... three angels above watching closely over their three darling siblings below.

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  17. i was away from computer yesterday -- i've cried over Braden - now i rejoice for the three little girls who are to be loved by so many of us!
    love and prayed for blessings from above, Erma

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  18. Tat is a beautiful quote. Your family is inspirational.

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  19. I am amazed and grateful for the positive attitude that you have, even during this difficult time. I love you both and can't wait to come see the little ones when they come home! Way to go Rachel, Haley and Ashlynn!! Stay strong!

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  20. I am so sad to learn of the passing of your son :( You have an amazing outlook on life and death. May God bless your family! I am praying for you and your 3 little miracles and mourning the passing of your 3 other angels......May God's hand lift your family up! God Bless you from Iowa!

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  21. I came across your blog the other day.. and I also know that you will once again see and be with your little ones, and yes they did only need to come to earth to obtain a body and not to be tested, they are the Chosen ones. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

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  22. I have been moved to tears so many times by your family. Your strength, faith, and love for each other amaze me. When I first heard your story, I sent an e-mail offering to help when the 6 came home. You may not need as much help now, but I hope to still meet you one day. Ashlyn, Haley, and Rachel are so blessed to have you as parents.

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  23. Our family is praying for you all. God bless you and what you are dealing with. No words can make things better, but just know that you have people thinking and praying for you and your babies.

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  24. Praying for you (and learning loads about grace) in Virginia. I wish I could help you out! I am excited to see the three sweet girls grow, go home, and thrive. Good for you for pumping! Keep it up! My son was in the NICU for 8 days when he was born for lung problems (at 35 weeks!) and I think my nursing success was exclusively due to the amazing Symphony pumps they had for the preemie mommies in the NICU nursing room. It was so grounding for me to be able to provide "something" when he was in such a precarious state...

    We are praying for you and loving you without even having met you!

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  25. Been following your story from the start here in Cypress, TX. Praise God that we know through Him that life is not dependent upon a body but that it transcends this earthly experience to continue on. Your precious children have always belonged to God and continue to do so -- some here with you and some elsewhere. Our family sends you many good wishes and much love for the bittersweet road you are travelling. Thank you for sharing your journey with us all. You inspire us to lean closer to God.

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  26. your post today brought me to tears. i actually heard this morning on channel 13 that you and your husband had lost another baby. i am just so sorry. i have no other words. other than may god bless ya'll as parents and i pray for continued healing with the girls. i will follow this blog and keep up to date with ya'll. bonny

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