When it feels like everything is breaking, when your pain is so raw that it can't be hidden away, at those most vulnerable times the world might surprise you with kindness, so much kindness.

Before our family was faced with the heartbreaking circumstances of our baby's birth I would not have thought that perfect strangers could care so much.  I'm not the outgoing type that makes new friends in checkout lines or expects to find community with the folks next door.  I generally keep to myself in public.  Our friends have been amazing and so has this community.  You've all brought so much comfort!  But, there have also been nurses and doctors and receptionists and social workers who have treated our family with kindness that I'll never forget.  Just little things - providing a chair, helping us check into the NICU that little bit faster, patiently answering questions, never making us feel rushed, saying just the right things to help us celebrate little gains or not saying the hard things we weren't ready to hear.  It went far beyond doing a job well.  It became serving and comforting us, not just our baby daughter.

So naturally I'm plotting to express my gratitude with little bits of thread and cloth.  Isn't that how it goes for all of us quilty people?  I've started making drawstring bags for several kind souls and I have a bigger gift planned for a very special nurse.

It might look messy, but this is going somewhere.  And just look what good company I get to enjoy!

Baby has been progressing some with her suck and swallow.  Plus, yesterday she lifted her head three times during tummy time.  I am very, very encouraged by her progress!  Thanks for holding all of us in your hearts.  And thank YOU for your kindness.