We have just been plugging along. God has been answering your prayers and we have had some really wonderful family time. The kids have been able to be with us more and that has been so wonderful. Thank you for lifting us up before the throne!
I took Ava to her eye doctor appointment today (which went well and no changes PTL!). We also made time to have a girl date at Starbucks before we made a run to Target.
I just love spending time with my little girl. We have such a good time together! So, I’m taking the time to do a little proud mommy bragging…cause, ya know, it’s my blog so I can do that 🙂
Ava: 3 1/2, very petite, and full of more energy than she knows what to do with. She is so sweet and sensitive most of the time. She always knows when something is not right or if someone is sad or not feeling well. When she was a baby and I would look into her eyes, I always said she had an old soul. It’s like she has always known things and understood things well beyond her age. I see that look sometimes now when she is looking at her Daddy. She’s always asking him if he’s OK, or if he needs anything. She is a little busy-body and always has to know where everyone is and what everyone is doing. Her latest obsession is chewing gum. She enjoys playing in the snow…her favorite part is throwing snowballs. She wants to eat all the time and is such a little moocher! For those of you who don’t know, Ava had an NG tube (feeding tube in her nose) for the first 20 months of her life and then had a g-tube (feeding tube in her belly) until just a few months ago. We only stopped using her feeding tube on a daily basis about a year ago and before that food usually made her gag. So, she has come a LONG way and we are so thankful for that. She is always learning and surprises us with what she knows. She definitely learns at her own pace (surprise, surprise) and needs a lot of repetition before she gets a concept. She adores her brother and we talk a lot about how she needs to be a good example for him. They play together really well most of the time.
She is dealing with all of this in her own way. She’s pretty flexible, but she does struggle with a lot of changes in her routine. We are trying to bring as much consistency to her life as possible. I know she loves being at home with us and sleeping in her own bed. The first night we brought her home after Josiah came home from Hospice, she said “I’m so excited about my Mom!” and then “I’m so excited about my Dad!”. She’s our little sweet-heart! Keep praying for her too. She has some hard and confusing concepts that she is trying to grasp. Please pray for us too as we try to be wise in our parenting of her.
We just love our Girl and are so thankful for her!
Beautiful Things 
Ava could not be MORE adorable. She is just a little ray of sunshine with a wonderful smile! We think about your family often and send prayers to you daily… I am so pleased you are making the most of every moment.
She really is beautiful, Jess. And I praise the Lord along with you for her continued health and progress. What a little miracle 🙂 Aubrie always tells me new stories of little Ava! I miss waking up to her pictures every morning in mine and Aubries tiny little room. Saying a special prayer for her and Lincoln tonight. Love you all.
Oh my gosh. I REALLY enjoyed reading that and seeing that precious face the night before Andrew’s cath! Thanks for the cheery little pictures! What a DOLL!!!!!!! I can’t wait to show Andrew- he’s sleeping next to me now. 🙂 Jess I just can’t believe how much she’s grown up. She has changed so much since we saw her last. I love your date at Starbucks- too cute! She is so blessed to have you, you are a wonderful mommy. We will continue praying for your family as always. We miss you! Esp Andrew! Hope we can play again sometime soon…
Hugs!
Jen, Craig & Andrew
http://www.thehuegelfamily.blogspot.com
Pray for you, Josiah, and Ava…
Ava…Ava…Ava…What you wrote just makes me smile!!! I just love her spectacles!! They seem to fit her personality so well. I remember when you wrote about her”old soul” – what a blessing that she has that gift of caring and knowing when to just be “Ava” for you both. I can just see her eyes looking at you…wondering…She must be such a bright spot for Josiah. Children have this wonderful way of loving. It is such a true loving, too…no pretense…just love. They have such a joy about them. You cannot help but just wrap your arms around them. I am glad you are able to have them more. I have been praying for them as well as your parents. There are many adjustments and it has to be difficult for all. I loved the picture. You two are so adorable together. She looks just like you, and Lincoln like Josiah. What fun to have some “girl bonding” time…especially at Starbucks…Thanks for a smile today. Those who read your blog need them just like you!!! You all are so special to us. We are faithfully continuing to pray…
I love the picture of your Mommy – Daughter Day at Starbucks – if there was ever a photo contest for this it would win – hands down : ) Thanks for your words about Ava – what a precious gift she is and the joy she brings to you and Josiah. And thanks to the Lord for all of the progress she has made and how far she has come. Continuing to pray for you daily. One prayer I borrowed from my dear friend Kay, who is now in heaven – praying that you will be as close to the Lord as He wants you to be to Him : ) So grateful you have the love and care of your family and friends, too.
Jess,
I’m so glad you guys are having some great family time. Keep making those precious memories. Ava is such a cutie pie. She is most definately a show stopper. Praying for you guys daily.
Love ya!
How sweet! Thanks for sharing these specific requests. We’re still standing with your family and covering you in prayer. You’re such a blessing!
Joanna
Dear Jessica, I often pray for your family early in the mornings. As I was praying for you this morning, I was wondering how you were doing and just giving you to God…then when I got home from the barn, I came and checked in and there was an update from you. I’m glad you and Ava were able to have a date. What a sweetheart! Both of your smiles, warm my heart. You mentioned that Ava is wise beyond her years….that is what I have been thinking and saying about you. Thanks for sharing your heart, your thoughts, your trials, and your praises with us. You and Josiah are and inspiration to us! Praying and caring from a distance.
I’m so glad you were able to have an enjoyable moment with your daughter. I believe that their love and presence can be so uplifting and perhaps even therapeutic.
For whatever reason Ava has had some very big lessons to learn at a very early age. I believe her future will be as big and awesome as those lessons.
May you continue to be in the moment, know our prayers are with you, and receive comfort from our Lord.
We love you too little Miss Ava!!!! Jude prays for you everyday and wants to play in the snow with you 🙂 Miss you all so very much! So thankful for the family time you are able to enjoy! We are continuously praying for wisdom, peace, strength and comfort. Ava and Lincoln both know that have the most amazing, God-honoring parents! Thanks for being such a wonderful example and inspiration to us! Hugs and love to all 4 of you! Sarah, Nate, Jude & Cely
Dear Josiah, Jess, Eva and Lincoln
Please know that Tracy and I will be praying for you. I know that the Lord has you all firmly in His hand and may His strength fill all your needs and His mercy wash over you.
Deb and Tracy Donald
Dear Jessica,
What a beautiful child Ava is! Even though I’ve never met you, and only saw Josiah as a child, I thank you for sharing the joy she brings to you at this difficult time. I’m glad that you’ve had opportunity to be together as a family.
I know our Lord feels Josiah’s and your family’s pain. I’ll continue to pray for Josiah’s comfort, peace, and times of joy with you and the children. I hear your concern for Ava and will especially lift her up in prayer. Because I know your inlaws, and have lost adult children,I do pray for them, also. May the peace of God be with you.
So sweet! Yes, we will continue to pray for Ava, Josiah and your whole wonderful Godly family:) I’d say you are a very special and strong christian wife, mom and daughter. Keep looking to the Lord and he will give you strength to carry on in the days again. God bless you all – you are loved!!:)
Love and prayers in Christ,
Diana
Jessica,
We have never met, but my girls and I were friends with the Johnson Family when we lived in Iowa 10 years ago. I just want you to know that you are truly an inspiration to us. We followed your blog with Ava and now with Josiah and I want you to know that you ALL are in our prayers! Miss Ava is just an absolute jewel! Seeing pictures of her and reading about her journey through life just melts my heart!
We will continue to lift you and your family up to Him.
A girl date at Starbucks. How cool is that. And what cute pictures. Still praying in Indiana. I check back regularly for updates.
Wow, what a dolly! That was a neat update. I LOVE reading the udpates and marvel at the strength you guys have, the glory God is receiving from this, etc. I found a verse in 2 Corinthians 1 today that made me think so much of your family. I’m prayin’ for you guys!
Blessings – Susan
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 — I found it!
God Offers Comfort to All
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
Josiah, Jessica and beautiful children,
What a blessing little Ava is and has been to so many! It has been a priviledge to lift her needs to our loving and caring Father.
At my church’s men’s retreat last weekend the theme was “Simply Amazing” and all weekend we shared and were taught about the simply amazing things of our Lord and Creator. So many stories of how He loves us and sustains us in all circumstances.
This theme applys so much to your family and to the amazing testimony you all are to so many people!
Bless your hearts today.
Go Vikings!!
Stan
What a beautiful post about Ava!!! Blessings and prayers to all of you! 🙂
Jessica, We appreciate reading about the children, what a blessing they are, and what a sweetheart Ava is. I’m reminiscing about some of the wise, funny and caring things she has said. Praying always, and loving you all
GM&GP