Stella's Heart: Giving Thanks and Paying it Forward

Happy November, dear friends and Stella prayer warriors.

We are so grateful to be walking thru a season of Thanksgiving with little to report. Stella continues to THRIVE - I think I should be more blown away by her progress but I forget I should even be blown away. She is treated like a 3 year old in this house, she is constantly keeping up with her big brother and sister. It's something I don't stand back and appreciate enough. She is funny, bossy, strong and super smart.

Last month we had a bought of Croup that turned into RSV and an overnight stay at the hospital. But Stella recovered quickly and clearly just wanted to pop in and give some hugs to her favorite doctors and nurses at SLCH.

The twins have started school three days a week which has given me a lot of time to just treasure Stella at this age. I never got to enjoy just having one kid and we have the best time running errands, folding laundry, going for runs in the stroller, and meeting some very special friends for play dates. If I had any personal prayer requests it would be that we keep on keeping on, life is very sweet right now.

And now for an update on our friend Anna from my last post:

Thank you, praying friends! Anna received a heart transplant on October 31, 146 days after she was admitted last June (146 days waiting at Seattle Children's Hospital, every. single. day). She has hit a few bumps in the road but her prognosis is very hopeful (currently she isn't in rejection) and her family is so grateful for the prayers from strangers across the country.

Here is when I ask for your help in this season of giving:

Anna remains inpatient recovering from the transplant but her family is hopeful to take her home in the next few months. Anna's family has felt financial strain dealing with the cost of adoption, all the time she has been inpatient, caring for their two older children and juggling work and home life. Please consider lifting that burden and donating to Anna's family - I know Stella couldn't ask for anything better! If not a birthday present to Stella, a Christmas present to Anna!

Stella turns 2 next month and instead of gifts, we have asked our friends and family to consider donating to Anna's family. I'll be collecting gift cards at her birthday party to mail to Anna's mother, BUT you can order a gift card online and email or mail it to me! I'll send them all at the same time after the party so she isn't too overwhelmed with a bunch of emails. (Plus, it's a surprise!) Thank you, Stella Prayer Warriors! You really are the best club in the whole world.

Links to places to purchase from below!

Visa or Amazon Gift Cards

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=visa+gift+card&tag=googhydr-20&index=gift-cards&hvadid=229164845750&hvpos=1t3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15464987440224585046&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022877&hvtargid=kwd-489468986872&ref=pd_sl_6r3ti2yc9w_e_p37

University Village Dining (close to the hospital in Seattle, can be used in any store or restaurant)

https://uvillage.com/guest-services/buy-a-giftcard/?v=1511193042477

Metropolitan Market (Market in Seattle next to the Ronald McDonald House)

https://www.giftly.com/gift-card/metropolitan-market-seattle-11?spec=treat-gcd

*** if you plan on sending me something please give me a head's up so I know to look for it :)

Some pictures of Anna in case you need any more motivation!!! (And Stella, always)