hey everyone! this is joni. i know that todd has kept you all informed and updated about what's been going on here in the great state of mississippi. i wanted to send my own message to let you all know that I am alive and doing fine. most importantly, i want to tell you how grateful i am for the many prayers that you have prayed already; for the emails, comments, and calls. the outpouring of love and support has been a huge encouragement to us. this was certainly unexpected, but God has proved that He is in control and He knows exactly what is taking place and why. i can't wait for you all to see Anniston. she is just the most beautiful little thing. it brings tears to my eyes just to tell you about how amazing she is. i spoke with her doctor just a few minutes ago. they are going to turn down the ventilator today, in hopes that they will be able to take her off soon. once she is off the vent, they will put her on a CPAP, which will be oxygen given to her through her nose. that will be exciting! her echo (heart ultrasound) results were good and showed no problems. they should be doing a brain scan in the next day or so to make sure there is no blood on the brain or any other complications there. they will put a PIC line in soon, which is sort of a permanent IV, that way they don't have to continually stick her in her arms and legs. she is doing great. the doctors and nurses have done nothing but brag on her so far. we do realize that we have a long road ahead and she will be in the NICU for an extended period of time, which is why we need you to keep praying for her, that her body would keep getting stronger and stronger each day. some of you have asked about Brayden. he is good. he is in south carolina with his grandparents and will meet us at home hopefully on monday. todd & i miss him very much. it is hard for us to have two babies that we can't hold and love on. sad thought, isn't it? well, to wrap this up- words will never be able to express how grateful i am for all that you have done so far- your thoughts and prayers are a huge blessing! i love each of you so much!!!!