Pepper and Hayden Higgs welcomed their sweet baby girl Elliana Mae Higgs into the world on September 29th weighing 1lb 0.6oz. Praise God! A true miracle. While they are overjoyed to become parents, their journey into parenthood has been an unexpected and challenging one. In the meantime Hayden is finishing school and Pepper has stepped away from work to focus on their sweet girl. Elliana will be in the NICU for awhile, and we’re trusting God every step of the way to care for their family and we’re asking for help—whether through prayer, encouragement, or a financial gift. Anything you’re able to give means so much and helps lighten the load during this season.

A note from Pepper & Hayden:

“Elliana: Hebrew for "My God has answered." And oh, how He has answered!

At week 10, our NIPT bloodwork came back inconclusive, not once but twice. We were told she had a 1 in 17 chance of Trisomy 18 and to prepare for the worst. By 18 weeks, doctors said she appeared to have multiple abnormalities with her brain, heart, intestines. She was measuring extremely small. We were told to expect miscarriage any week.

We chose to do an amniocentesis, and praise the Lord, her DNA came back perfect. Still, no explanation for her tiny size. Week after week we went to MFM, holding our breath each time, wondering if we would get to meet her. Slowly, she kept growing and her organs and brain began to improve. Our doctor told us if she could reach 400g, she had a 50% of survival with the smallest breathing tube.

At 27 weeks she made it to 400g. Another miracle! I was admitted to the hospital on 9/4 for Elliana to receive 24/7 monitoring. (Lots of watercolor, embroidering, and visits from loved ones!)

At 30W6D, doctors rushed me to L&D for a C-section. Against all odds, our miracle girl was born and crying loud! She is now being stabilized in the NICU. Doctors called her "spunky"!

The baby we were told had no chance is here. The only explanation is God's faithfulness. He has carried her, provided her daily bread, and shown us He is still in the business of miracles.

We covet your prayers as she begins her NICU journey - for protection, healing of her heart, steady growth, and that one day soon she can come home with us.

All glory to the Lord for this gracious gift of life! He answers!”

Prayer requests:

Psalm 125:2

“Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.”

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We are thankful that our God is a promise maker and promise keeper! Thank you for joining us in surrounding the Higgs family!