"Where Does Baby Conner Live Now?"

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

                                                                                            2 Timothy 1:7

Enjoying a beautiful day at the beach
September 2012

I don't think I am sharing anything new when I tell you kids grow up FAST! Just since this past spring Cadence has grown in so many ways. Last night was her first night sleeping in her "big girl" toddler bed and that went perfect. We are currently in potty-training mode. That is a little tougher because we are such an "on the go" family. I know diapers are expensive but at this stage they are just easier! But I know it's time to crack down on the potty-training so we are working on that each day, and some are better than others.

The picture I show Cadence every night before prayers

Probably the biggest change in Cadence is her ability to speak and communicate. This past spring she could say a few words; enough for us to figure her out. Now she is speaking in full sentences and asking questions. Sometimes it's a hoot because it is such a cute age for little kids. Every night at bed we read Bible stories from her little Bible and right before nighttime prayers we talk about the picture of Stephen and I kissing baby Conner. One of the struggles that I have seen other moms go through after losing a child is that it feels life around them has "forgotten" the baby. That is initially what prompted me to start talking about Conner each night with Cadence. Even though she only really knew of him in my belly, I want her to always remember her special little brother and know who he was. One night, Cadence spoke out a question she had never asked before, "Where does baby Conner live now?".  Each night I talked about Conner in heaven but now that Cadence can ask questions it causes me to really dig in deeper to explain. I talk about Jesus, which she knows from her Bible, and how baby Conner is with him in Heaven and they are really happy. I didn't quite realize how hard it can be to try to describe Heaven to a toddler and why she can't play with her baby brother now when she asks. It's a very bittersweet conversation. I think it's an amazing thing for us to talk about but of course I get a little sad when she acts sad that she can not see her baby brother now. It's especially sad because she has already shown us what an amazing big sister she will be one day as she interacts with her baby cousin, Addy.  There is definitely courage involved when speaking to little ones about a subject that can glorify God in amazing ways but can also bring pain.

Stephen in the recording studio

There have been several other updates since my last post.  Stephen began recording a five track album of songs he has written. While this is something he has wanted to do for a couple of years it was only after Conner passing that some doors opened, which confirmed that now was the time for him to do that. I have been in the studio a couple of times because I am documenting the project and while I know it's a ton of work, I enjoy watching and listening. He has such an amazing gift of writing and of music.  I have no doubt God is going to use this in big ways. The CD should be ready in early 2013 and we will be planning some cool things anticipating that. There is still more cool news we look forward to hopefully sharing soon!

The CWC Foundation is in the final stages of giving our very first $1,000 grant this fall. That is something we have all been super excited about. One of our goals is to encourage and bless other families who have experienced PPROM. We know this is one way we are able to do that since great financial burden usually comes with PPROM. Our prayer is that along with this grant we can help make a difference for the Kingdom. This is just one of the ways we want to share God's love with others. The difficult thing is not being able to help every family that we meet in that way. But we remember what Andy Stanley (of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia) said at a conference we attended last year, "Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone."

The CWC board wearing the new t-shirts!

We were also very excited to open sales on our new CWC T-shirts! The shirts have the logo that Stephen created and are super soft and my favorite shade of blue. These shirts will help us spread awareness of the Conner Wayne Combs Foundation for PPROM and also serve as a fundraiser as people purchase them. I really hope we get good support on the t-shirts. I love anything with pictures and also think it would be really cool for people to take pictures of themselves wearing the shirt so I could make a really cool picture collage. The shirts are $15 (plus shipping if not local) and can be ordered from our website: www.cwcpprom.org.

We long ago entered an extremely busy time in our lives. Yes, most of that is related to Conner, on top of our already busy lives. But we will continue to be obedient to our calling from our experience. The CWC Foundation will be doing a letter campaign in 2013 to share our story and offer ourselves in the community and beyond. Since 2013 is already filling up, I am not sure where that will all fit, but we know God has a plan and that it's a very special puzzles of pieces.

Enjoying a morning at the 'Mum Festival in New Bern, NC

In those rare moments that nothing is on the schedule, we spend time together as a family. We enjoyed an outing to a local pumpkin patch a couple of weeks ago with Cadence. We also squeezed in a fun morning at the Mum festival when we were in New Bern for a wedding. Tonight, Stephen and I are excited to head to Charlotte to attend an Elevation Church service. Stephen is especially excited to meet members of their band, Elevation Worship. Stephen actually selects many of their songs to use in worship at our church, Wilson Community Church. Cadence will not be with us this time, but I know it will be a great and encouraging night!

Thank you all for continuing to support and prayer for our family and ministry.

To God be the Glory,

Caroline :)