August 2nd Update

A beyond huge thank you to our dear family friend Jasmine, who shared River's story, and to Caroline Moss (@geethanksjustboughtitpod), whose repost brought in support from so many people we've never even met! I wasn't familiar with the online community—dare I say family?!—that Caroline has built over the years amongst veritable strangers, but Jasmine was. (She's a longtime "gee"zer, the nickname fans of the account have adopted.) When Caroline shared River's story, she put a spotlight on our family and brought in a wave of support that's changed the tide over the course of a day. Thank you, Caroline—and to every "gee"zer and friend-of-a-friend who answered the call!

Mercedes and Manny are filled with gratitude, and someday River will learn about this time as a moment social media excelled in her honor.

In update news, breastfeeding is going well—River seems to be latching better day by day, and her umbilical line finally came out, which should make things more comfortable going forward.

Unfortunately, we're still waiting on the MRI and are hoping she gets seen Monday. The uncertainty of not knowing what we're facing is one of the most difficult parts. It's also extended the time Mercedes and Manny have needed to stay in lodging near the hospital—which they've been able to do thanks to the wonderful generosity of each of you.

I'll leave you today with a fun little factoid about our sweet River Sophia: Mercedes and Manny are both deeply drawn to the natural beauty of the world, and they knew from the start they wanted a nature-inspired name for their daughter. Just as a river carves and finds its own path, that's the hope they hold for her. Her middle name, Sophia, means "wisdom" in Greek—so, altogether: a river of wisdom, finding her own way!

Thank you, truly, from all of us. We hope your weekend has been filled with joy.