Things are Looking Up

I think we have turned the corner here. Ellie is finally awake and her breathing is doing great now. She is pretty much off the O2 and getting back to normal.

The rest of the family is starting to shape up. Seth and I were hit the hardest. Seth's stomach flu lasted off and on about a week and he had fevers too. I think I ended up with the flu and was in bed for the better part of five days. I have not been this sick in 10 years!

Adam did a great job taking care of all of us, including doing the majority of Ellie's care both day and night!
[caption id="attachment_247" align="alignnone" width="400" caption="Ellie sick on Christmas Eve"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_248" align="alignnone" width="400" caption="Ellie is feeling better and awake!"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_249" align="alignnone" width="400" caption="Ellie and the guy who nursed her back to health"][/caption]

Check out Adam's new glasses :)

Prayers Needed

Well, we have had a pretty rough Christmas so far. We have all been sick in one way, or more than one. Some of the complaints have been: stomach flu, fever/chills, headache, eye pain, ear ache, etc.

Ellie is bearing the brunt of it. She has had pretty much all the symptoms above, including respiratory distress too. She has had moments where we really thought she was coming out of it, only to get worse.

We took her into the doctor (again!) today and are really trying some last attempts at pulling her out of this before we need to be admitted. We gave her a dose of steroids and an antibiotic shot today. Please pray that these drugs are effective and things begin to improve. Otherwise we will have no choice but to head into the hospital.

Thanks.

Ellie's Friend

Ellie has a new friend. Her first dolly. I think it is the perfect companion for her. The baby is soft and cuddly. It is also weighted. The weight will offer comfort and stimulation. The weight can also offer support.

Ellie was blessed with this special friend from a very kind and generous woman who heard her story. God continues to bless us with the kindness of others. Ellie's story continues to be told.

Pictures

Check out pictures from Thanksgiving on my sister's blog

Pictures

More photos here:

My Helpers

"What great helpers you have!" is a common comment I get when I am out alone with the kids. And it's true: I could not get much accomplished without the help of the boys, especially Noah.

Today I went out to Costco with the kids to do a major grocery trip. I pull up into the handicapped spot and Noah helps Seth out of his carseat. Then Noah pushes Ellie in her wheelchair, while I push the cart and keep an eye on Seth. We always have to look at the toys first. And then the movies. Finally, we get down to business and quickly fill up the cart, Noah pushing Ellie along, with frequent stops to kiss her. We have to stop for lots of free samples, but Noah has gotten good at eating while pushing Ellie's chair. As we reach the checkouts, I am panicked to hear that Seth has to go to the bathroom. Thank goodness for Noah! He brings Seth to the bathroom while Ellie and I check out the groceries. Now it's time to get our treat: lunch at the food court. I push the cart full of groceries to a table, where the boys sit down and keep an eye on things. Ellie and I go stand in line and order our lunch. After all the food is accumulated, I catch Noah's eye and wave him up to the counter to help me carry the food while I push Ellie back to the table. Now it is time to feed Ellie her lunch. Noah runs to get me some napkins while I push in Ellie's food. After lunch, we head back to the van, where I load up Ellie and Noah helps me load the groceries. Another successful shopping trip! I could not have done it alone!