Gracious Gift

Sleep deprivation has set in as we begin to adjust to having a newborn in the house again. We are so happy to finally be able to celebrate the life of Keona. She was born on the 7th weighing 5 lbs. 12 oz. at St. Luke's Medical Center, Philippines. She was born not being able to regulate her body temperature which was an indication that she had an infection. As a result, although Mom felt great after the delivery, little Keona had to stay longer in the hospital to receive treatment. We, as parents felt anxious because she came out smaller than we had expected and had to fight an infection.

We decided to name our second daughter Keona because it was the girl version of "Keoni" which is "John" (after her dad) in Hawaiian. We found out that we were having a girl a week or two prior to delivery so we were able to focus on thinking of a name for her. If we were having a boy, we would have named him Keoni. Keona means "God's gracious gift".

She really is a gracious gift. After I delivered, the doctor noticed that the placenta showed signs of abnormality. After getting it analyzed we found out that the placenta was only partially developed thus preventing it from doing it's full job providing nutrients, protection to Keona while in the womb. This explained the lower birth weight and possibly the infection. We are hoping that despite the rough start, Keona will grow up healthy and active.

John, Kayla and I are thanking God for little Keona.