grace led in life

 Yesterday, Saturday, we made our way to Philadelphia. 
It was a long day and had its ups and downs, but we are so grateful we made it. 
Sweet Isla girl really did not want to go. She had the best attitude heading into the day even while knowing this was for surgery and with feeling scared. Such a brave girl.  
We all had nervous feelings. Who wouldn't? But we did family prayer time in the car on the way to the airport, sang some worship songs, and ended the drive with a few princess songs too. 

We had a very early wake up of 2:45am on Saturday. We made our way to the airport for our first of two flights. We had a layover in Minnesota. We did a wave out the window to all our family and friends - Did y'all feel it!?💙😊
We had a bit of time, so we were able to grab some food, get some walking in, do some freeze dances (everyone does that on a layover, right!?), watch airplanes and learn all the airplane lingo Daddy wanted to share. We kept talking through the next few days events. Isla asks many questions and repeats them often throughout the day. She still carries her visuals book, so we keep communicating through the plan and she is able to check events off as they happen. So proud of her for asking questions and doing all she can to understand what is happening. 
We got on our next flight from MN to PA.  
My head Chiari pain was really bad at this point... so thankful for Daddy keeping little one busy through the second flight - thankful for stickers, sewing boards, Number Blocks, and some tablet games. Isla loved watching out the window during the flight. Zeke enjoys the plane rides, too - he loves watching movies and listening to his audiobooks. 
We were able to get our luggage and rental car fairly quickly. 
Our hotel situation has been a tough one - two times of moving to different rooms, but we finally were able to land and settle late this afternoon. 

(CLICK HERE) video of travel day

Today, have been spending lots of time doing puzzles, playing princesses, reading books, drawing, some Minecraft, Number Blocks, matching game, listening to Tonies, and had a trip to Target. It is amazing how much Isla knows in detail even without understanding it. She is naming out so many details that we do on these trips. It is her way of having some comfort in routine and also being able to check it off the list in her mind. We are so proud of her. Tomorrow is surgery day. Lot on our hearts and minds. 

Dressing up... her favorite 💙

We had a praying mantis outside our window all afternoon. Zeke decided to draw it!

My head/neck pain has been out of control for these last few days - it was a really rough morning today, but praise God, my pain has gotten somewhat better this afternoon. Praying it is under control for tomorrow. Really hard to push through when it is so intense. 

Evening has arrived and little one was nervous. the CHG wipes after bath, the night before surgery, is the "kick-off" that makes surgery very real for Isla. It has been a topic of constant discussion for weeks now. We put on our Lifetree Kids worship and Isla so bravely did it all, one step at a time. Stella, Isla's dolly, had to do CHG wipes too! Stella felt much braver seeing Isla do it first ;) 

Isla had one more little meal, we played with stickers some more and had a sweet prayer time. Isla got into bed, went through a mind checklist one more time, and drifted off to sleep listening to her "Praise Baby" music. We are praying that she is able to sleep so soundly and peacefully tonight! 

This is an emotional time for us all. We were just here a few months ago and her surgeon had to cancel her surgery due to her critical airway. Tomorrow, we are trying again. We absolutely have fears right now, but we absolutely trust the Lord in all that is ahead. He is in this place... God has done so many miracles in Isla's life. He sees her, knows her, is with us all. 

We have a 5am wake up tomorrow (that is 2am back home in WA... we feel very out of sorts with the time change) Check in at the surgery center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is 6am.
Please pray for Isla - for MIRACLES for a safe and successful surgery. For PEACE, STRENGTH, JOY... for her to feel safe to communicate how she feels and what is on her mind and heart. 
Pray for her medical team - for alertness, clarity, wisdom - for every medical personnel that works with Isla to be so kind.  
Pray for Zeke - for strength as big brother and for strength for his body in the health issues he has daily as well.
Pray for Justin and I as we support our fam. Pray for wisdom, great communication, strength, and strong bodies through it all, too. 

We are so grateful for each and every one of you that has been so encouraging and supportive.