Child of God

Bridget Regan Vowler officially joined the Christian community last night in the witness of our families and her two Godmothers, Bridget Baringer and Michele Vowler. Father Jack, our friend and priest who said our wedding baptized her in our house. The Gospel and Homily message was that we are to model our lives as Christians such that Bridget Regan can model her life after ours, but also that we should model our faith after hers, too. The truth is Regan has already taught us more about our faith than we have taught her, and I imagine it will be this way for most of her life.

We chose BB and Michele as her Godparents because we couldn’t imagine better leaders for her faith journey. From the time I was pregnant, BB and Michele have been at the forefront, eager to know our precious little one and telling me all the fun things they would teach her. They’re both patient, compassionate and loving women, but will also guide her closely throughout her life. We are honored they’ve accepted this role for Regan.

As if I needed any more signs of Divine intervention, I came across the sweetest anecdote yesterday morning and it touched my heart so much I wanted to share it with y’all. Regan truly is our precious angel.

“We’ve got an issue here” the quality control angel called out.
“What’s the problem?” asked God, in a voice that already seemed to calm the concern.
“It looks like an extra chromosome…one, two…yes, right here, an extra one.”
Now smiling, God answered, “That’s not a quality concern…it is…a distinction…the Manual addresses it. You’re new on the line, aren’t you?”
“Why yes…this is my first day,” apologized the angel– searching through the manual for any reference to this.
“I’ll talk you through it…there are just a few assembly modifications. First, locate the hug sensors. Do you see the dial?”
“Yes, right here…oh, I think I tickled her.”
“Turn it up.”
“How much?”
“All the way.”
“Done.”
“Now locate the two smile triggers— they are located on either side of that cute little button nose.”
“I found them.”
“Adjust them a little closer to the surface…closer…closer…perfect!”
“Is that it?” asked the obedient angel.
“Almost,” answered God. Now, very gently, open her heart.
That’s it. Measure two…no, make it three extra scoops of love.”
“Will it fit…it’s so tiny?”
“Oh, these little hearts stretch incredibly. It will fit.”
“Done…is that it?”
“One more thing…move her from the random distribution belt to the select premium belt.
These little ones aren’t just given to anyone.”
“There…she’s done and ready to go,” announced the angel.
God stepped over, as if to inspect the handiwork of this new angel on the line.
But that wasn’t His intent.
Instead, He picked up this little one and held her close to His heart… holding her for so long the angel became concerned.
“Is she alright? Did I do everything as you instructed?”
Still holding her close, God said, “She’s perfect.
I just find it hard to let these special ones go, for they are Heaven to hold.”
And He gently kissed her cheek and sent her to our hearts.

—written by Rik Cryderman, the proud Poppa of one of these babies of distinction, Nella Cordelia Hampton.  To read more about Nella, check out her Mamma’s blog: Kelle Hampton

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In medical news, we had an appointment at CHOP this week. They did an echocardiogram and EKG to check out Regan’s status and readiness for surgery. Regan is 11 lbs (5 kilos) was approved for surgery (!!) and it will definitely happen sometime in the next month. We are patiently waiting for a phone call from CHOP with the scheduled surgery date. We will keep y’all posted once we hear! Regan will likely be in the hospital somewhere around 1-2 weeks post surgery. They surgery itself takes around 1.5 hours, but she will be in the surgeon’s hands for around 4 hours.

Regan’s symptoms continue but the CHOP cardiologist was very pleased with how well they’re managed (we LOVE our local cardiologist!). Regan’s appetite has been crazy the past week and has even been able to take a couple of whole bottles on her own. Her weight gain is exactly where it needs to be and she is a prime candidate for surgery, for which we are SO grateful and blessed!

I will keep y’all posted as we approach surgery and as always, thank you for your continued support and prayers!