Thank you all for praying for us last night. We felt the presence of God with us in ways I had never imagined.

Jeremiah Allen was born at 12:21 AM and was immediately welcomed into the arms of God. He was stillborn, having passed before birth.

In the few hours after Jeremiah was born, we were able to sit with him, hold him, and take pictures with him. We cried a lot, prayed a lot, and eventually we committed him to our Heavenly Father.

Today we have begun the healing process, understanding that God had different plans for Jeremiah than we did. We’ve spent the day processing through the pain we are feeling, praying, talking, and even laughing. As much as Jeremiah’s loss hurts, today we are making plans for a different future. And truly, it has been a beautiful day.

I have enjoyed the day with my wife so very much. It has been a much quieter day, with many fewer doctors in and out of the room. We have had more time to ourselves to love on each other. We’ve found many reasons to laugh between the tears. We’ve found time to rest after the the most grueling 48 hours I can remember in my life.

Carrie is doing so much better today. The blood clots that they suspect are holding firm and not moving from their fixed location. At this point, the cardiologists strongly believe that a regimen of blood thinners over the next few months will resolve the clots and prevent future threats. Surgical removal of the clots won’t likely be necessary.

Yesterday, Carrie’s voice began to come back. She struggled to communicate, especially under the anesthesia of the epidural. Today, Carrie is more awake and alert than she’s been since her hospital stay began. For the first time, we’ve been able to talk through so many of these things and begin to process all of this. It has been so healing to both of our hearts.

The speech pathologist also visited this morning. Carrie is doing well with liquids and soft foods. She has a new found appreciation of jello and applesauce. Eating is producing interesting sensations for her that she didn’t expect. Her mouth is somewhat numb and she’s getting used to what its like to try to chew food.

After last night, I can confidently say that today we are doing okay. We’ve received so very many messages of comfort and hope, and we know that thousands of you have been praying. Your prayers have been heard! We have felt God’s hands on us, comforting us through these rough couple days. And today we have peace.

Please continue to pray for healing. Pray that we are past all complications. Pray that we can continue to rest and heal emotionally as well as physically. Know that Carrie and I love and appreciate every one of you and your prayers and encouragement. We have truly been blessed by you all.