New baby in the house!

Our last post was an update on our year so far.  The last part that we couldn't really share was the calling we felt to pursue fostering a medically fragile very premature (earlier than our boys) baby boy.  Here is an update that we sent to a group at our church:

Ken and Rachel Barnes have been at NLC (New Life Church) for over 12 years (since the old building in the skating rink). Both serve every weekend in Kid Life at the GLR campus. They have 8-year-old twin boys, Jack and Luke, who were born 3 months early. It was 4 months in the NICU before the family was finally together at home. Luke still has a feeding tube and has faced numerous medical challenges over the years. Their family also has 4-year-old Ally, who is the princess and only girl of the generation on both sides of the family.

They thought their family was complete, but throughout this year, God spoke to both about adding another member to the family. Rachel is a NICU nurse. She fell in love with a very sick baby boy born 4 months premature and was abandoned at birth. Ken and Rachel have dealt with major medical issues through their son Luke's life, and felt called to express their interest in fostering this baby boy. After weeks of waiting and very little information from DHS, they officially became provisional foster parents. The baby boy came home from the hospital two weeks ago.

Now the hard part begins as they add all of the baby's doctors, specialists, and therapy visits to their family's already busy schedule. They also are navigating the details, requirements, and responsibilities of the foster care system. Prayers and support are very appreciated as they navigate life with a new baby, dealing with the DHS system, and maintaining normal life for the 3 other children!  

Life has been extremely busy this year and is even crazier now.  We will post occasional updates as we can, but are very limited in what we can share online throughout the foster process.

What we need most are your prayers.  Meals would be a great blessing as well (if you're not local, Bite Squad works too).  Some have asked what baby gear we need, and we have an Amazon list here.  

We are beginning to adjust to having a baby in the house again, along with all of his medicines and oxygen equipment (similar to what we had with Luke 8 years ago).  It's much different this time being older ourselves and trying to add his routine and needs into our normal schedule with the kids.  Please keep up in your prayers and thanks for your support!