During the year of 2025, we had the privilege of becoming an uncle and aunt with the birth of Oliver Fox Payton. Though we live in Iowa, there has been no shortage of photos, updates, and videos of Ollie and his smile. We have been praying for Ollie since before he entered this world, and it has been incredible to see God’s mighty hand in Ollie’s journey to getting his heart transplant and the recovery process. ❤️

After a long year, it was a blessing to have the opportunity to visit the little man in Gainesville this past Christmas. The last time we visited Oliver in July, he had blue eyes. This time, we were pleasantly surprised to see them shift to a beautiful hazel—just like his mother’s! It was also a blessing that he had gotten his respiratory assistance weaned down so we could see his face, and he’s able to wear his baby clothes again. 🦊

This time we visited Ollie—just like the last—there was a hopeful gravity in the air: a weighty serenity. As if, in the nerves of Ollie’s situation, God is saying, “I have it all under control.” And as Oliver looks up at us smiling (and occasionally letting us know his thoughts with his little coos), we can’t help but be in awe and praise the Lord for this precious little soul He created. 🙌🏼

Please continue to keep Oliver and the Payton family in your prayers. 🙏

Isaiah 41:13: For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Love,

Jack and Koszette Rude ❤️