Raising Schuurmans: F is for Family

     This week has been another fun and fulfilling time at the Schuurman household. There have been ups and downs, lots of work, and plenty of time spent with people. Marcus got to spend time with Mary and Rebekah Dorris, and Jeanie, Mary Grace, and Catherine Rennard on Monday. We ADORE these two families and it's not only good for Marcus to spend time with them, but I learn a lot as well. On Tuesday we had lunch with my college friend Sara Wright and her 4 month old, Samuel. He and Titus are only 2 days apart and look similar to each other. It was nice to have adult interaction with Sara and Marcus enjoyed seeing TWO babies.
     Speaking of two babies, AMAZING things happened on Thursday. My dad ventures to Asheville on occasion and this past Thursday he brought my sister, Olivia and our twin nephews Tyson and Hunter!!! It's been a month since we've seen them and they were still in the hospital. Marcus has never met them face to face, so this was an incredible event. He was beyond excited when they pulled up and was thrilled to hold them. My sister looked amazing, as usual, and the boys were as precious as ever. Marcus immediately wanted to hold them and when he was able to, the smile on his face was enormous. We spent the day together, just enjoying each other's company. We even took Dad to get his hair cut at the salon and Olivia got to see it for the first time ever.
     I know many of you kept up with the boys' progress when they were in the hospital and Olivia and TJ wrote Caring Bridge entries. They are currently off their heart monitors except during the night and are becoming more and more attentive each day. They still struggle with a little bit of acid reflux and have to put rice cereal into their formula to help them swallow. It's so thick, it's almost the consistency of apple sauce. So they spit up a good bit and take turns as to who's happy and who's fussy. But overall, they are doing REALLY well and are two examples of modern day miracles.
     It did my heart good to hold, feed, kiss, and talk to each one of them. I look forward to the days when they're big enough to run around and play with Marcus and Titus. For God to spare their little lives and bring them from 1 pound 12 ounces each to what they are now makes me think that the Lord has some special in store for them. It'll be an enjoyable ride to watch the two of them and our two little boys grow up together.
     So in a week where we studied the letter F and covered things like frogs, flags, foxes, and fire fighters, one thing stood out loud and clear. F is for faith and family.