We passed our Two Week physical!

Announcing the news Olivia passed her two week physical. Here is the news: she now weights 7 lbs 10.5 ounces, is 20.25 inches long, and her head 13.75 inches around. We did have our change of formula for the third time in two weeks, but the doctor remains fairly certain that Olivia's digestive problems are nothing serious. She is eating well, sleeping fairly well, and has never run a fever. She does not spit up or throw up--her only problem is a slow turn around on poopy diapers. We are now drinking the new Carnation Good Start which is supposed to be the closest to breast milk and has new flora and proteins that are good for baby's tummy.

We also had a very nice conversation with our birth mother today. She was in much higher spirits and seems to be happy to share information on Olivia. We agreed (at her suggestion) to talk only every two weeks. We felt this was a really good sign.

When we got home from the doctor's office this morning we had a mailbox full of mail! Olivia's birth has been announced in three church bulletins, including: Alabama, Florida, and here! One of my good friends from Florida who is also on the altar guild there sent us a pressed rose from the altar announcing Olivia's birth and the bulletin. This past Sunday here there was a white carnation on the altar for Olivia. Someone is supposed to bring us that one as well. We also got two packages from New Zealand from Grandma Shirley and from Olivia's friend Tayla (who was born to Andy's best friend and his wife in May). Very exciting stuff! The newborn photos from the hospital have just arrived and we will be posting that online--maybe tomorrow.

Andy is really enjoying his new job. He has had more and more kids at youth on Sunday nights. Last night he had about 50 junior and senior high. These are really excited and tuned in kids. Andy was discussing all of this with our senior pastor today and he was told that the children and youth ministries have always been a priority here. It is obvious in the way that Sunday night youth with Bible study is a real focus for the kids. What an extraordinary blessing!

Please keep praying for Olivia and for God's continued leadership and work in our lives! We miss you all very much and can't wait for all of you to meet Olivia Grace.

Oh, I forgot to mention in the last blog that in September I will be employed by the church, part-time, doing desktop publishing of the weekly bulletin and the two monthly newsletters. I will also be taking a class so this will be a challenging time for me, but I am really looking forward to being involved in the life of the church again.