"We would like to give you a quick update on what has transpired from the time we were admitted to the hospital till everyone came home.

We were admitted on December 1st, 2005 with pre-term labor (the day before our Baby Shower). For the next two months, we both prayed (along with all of you) that we wouldn’t go into labor. God is good!! He kept amazing the doctors with how long the pregnancy lasted! Finally, on February 3rd, 2006, the doctors notified us that one of the baby’s umbilical cords had “nested” down by the cervix. If Kelly’s water broke, it could cost that baby’s life. It was decided to deliver by C-section that day.

Three lovely little babies were born on the 3rd of February!! Austin came first at 6:30pm measuring 16.5" long, 3 lbs. 7 oz. Eliza was born second at 6:31pm measuring 15.75" long, 3 lbs. 6.3 oz. Finally, Shane was born at 6:32pm measuring 15" long, 3 lbs. 9.4 oz.

They were all in the NICU for over a month. Shane had heart surgery, a blood transfusion, and was on a respirator for some time. Eliza was on a respirator but did very well overall. Austin sailed along nicely; we say he was showing the other two how to grow healthily. God brought the babies through it all and they are doing well now. Shane now weighs over 7 pounds, with the others close behind!

Kelly had complications with medications after the birth and was discharged a month later. Within 24 hours of her discharge our first son Austin came home! Due to the unexpected & lengthy hospital stay, the nursery was not ready. We scrambled to get a nursery functional for 3 (with help from family) in one day. Then the next day, Shane arrived at the Shenk residence. On 3/14/06, we were allowed to bring baby girl Eliza home.

In total, Kelly was in the hospital for 3 months & 1 week. Shawn stayed at the hospital each night sleeping on a reclining chair! We now see how all the hard work and perseverance during the hospital stay was rewarded in the end with three beautiful babies!

Just look what all God did with your prayers and support!

We're so thankful for the way family, friends, church members, co-workers, and those we haven’t even met, have really come through for us. We ask for continued prayers that God will protect all three children as they grow and that we can be the best parents God has called us to be.

We pray that your lives will be filled with joy & many blessings!" God Bless,
Shawn, Kelly, Austin, Eliza, and Shane Shenk