a letter to Lucy

Dear Lucy, 
There are some things your dad and I want you to know. We want you to know that if we had to do this all over again, we would still pick you. We want you to know that we love you and are proud of you. We want you to know that you are beautiful, valuable, precious, and adored.  We want you to know that we can't wait to meet you. We can't wait to hold you and love you and kiss you and hug you.  We want you to know that you have a wonderful big brother named Johnny. We want you to know that you have two siblings waiting for you in heaven.  You have an extended family who loves you and so many friends that love you.  You will never be forgotten.  You are in our hearts forever. Even though your body is not whole, your spirit is.  You will soar on wings like eagles, little girl.
See you soon,
Mommy and Daddy

today's appointment

Hi Friends,

Brooke and John had an ultrasound today and also met with a specialist in the clinic. Lucy is doing well and they were able to get a good peek at her. She is estimated to weigh a little less than three pounds. They learned that she is not swallowing, which explains the intense pain Brooke has been experiencing in her ribs. When babies don't swallow any of the amniotic fluid, it builds up and creates a great deal of discomfort for the mother. Because of the large amount of fluid, Brooke is measuring at 41 weeks as opposed to the 31 weeks she actually is. As you can imagine, this is both physically and emotionally draining. She is going to seek chiropractic care beginning next week, and we all have high hopes this will provide at least some relief.

The excess amount of fluid raises the likelihood that her water will break on its own and she will go into spontaneous labor, but of course there is a chance that won't happen, so Brooke and John have to decide on the best plan for labor and delivery. As of now, the doctor is advising them to deliver at 39 weeks via scheduled c-section. He told them there is a chance the fluid growth could plateau between now and then.

Will you please pray for them? Pray for wisdom for the doctors who are advising them on their next steps. Pray for John and Brooke as they have to make decisions together that are overwhelmingly difficult. Pray for pain relief for Brooke. Pray for John as we tries his best to support his wife and children through this, but also tries to navigate his own grief. Pray for little Johnny as he is too young to communicate how much he understands and feels. 

And pray for Lucy. We are well aware of what science says about her prognosis. But we worship a God who is the Great Physician and we know that He can heal. We praise Him regardless of whether He gives a miracle. But we know that HE CAN. And we know that one way or another, He will heal Lucy, either in our presence or in His.

With love, 

Lindsay

upcoming benefits

Hello, Friends! There are two events coming up in the next few weeks. Please spread the word, as these are both great opportunities to help support the Tuninks!

The first is a raffle for a basketball signed by Fred Hoiberg. Actually two basketballs are being raffled. (Awesome, right?!) Tickets are 1 for $5 or 5 for $20. The winners will be drawn on December 1, so get your tickets right away! You can contact Michael Bergman via facebook or text him at 515-943-2920 to enter for your chance to win.

The second is a pony ride at High Bridge Horse Farm (located at 1093 200th Street, Boone, IA) on Saturday, December 6. This will be held from 10-noon and is open to all ages. A $5 donation is suggested, but any amount is welcome. There will also be snacks and hot cocoa provided!

If you have questions, feel free to comment on this post or email me at lindsaykplace@gmail.com