Decorating the Tree

Hot-tubbing

One of the highlights of our vacation was seeing how Ellie reacted to the hot tub. It was so amazing to see her grin as we lowered her into the hot water. She smiled the whole time she was in there!

It was also very relaxing for her to be in the hot tub. Her tight legs relaxed, her heel cords relaxed, her body became comfortable and loose. I think it was very therapeutic for her to be in the water. I moved her legs back and forth and she was able to feel all the sensations. I'm sure she enjoyed feeling weightless and relaxed.

Now I just need to figure out how to get a hot tub for her at the house! ;)

Home again

We had a fantastic time on our vacation! It was such a relaxing and enjoyable time for our family. It really is a great place for us to stay with Ellie--it is not stressful to have her along with us at all. It is such a blessing that Adam's parents have this timeshare and let us use some points. This year we invited our friends the Hunters along with us. It was nice to have friends for the kids to play with, as well as some extra hands to help watch Ellie.

We have a million photos to go through; I am putting them all in an album. Here is my favorite so far:

Vacation

Tomorrow we are leaving for a vacation at the Wisconsin Dells. We were there last year and had a fantastic time. We are looking forward to resting and relaxing, as well as spending time with some dear friends.

Everything about this vacation makes me think of Hannah. Tomorrow Hannah would have been three months old. It still breaks my heart to think that she is gone. She should be with us on our vacation, but instead our family picture will look the same as it did last year, right before I got pregnant with her. There will be just five people in the picture, not six.

Of course, we thought our dreams of ever going on vacation again vanished when Hannah was born. There was no way we could do this with two special needs children. But now that she is gone, we have a bit more ability to do things like this. So, again, I am drawn to thinking of Hannah, and how her death actually made this vacation possible.

I guess all big events in our family will make me think of Hannah--how she should be here with us, or how her being gone affects our lives. And so it should be; she is a part of us that will never be forgotten.

Last year:

Ellie Talks

Ellie was in a particularly good mood today and "talking" up a storm. Enjoy!



If you can't see it, try this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbzFDrR8ppw

Pictures

These aren't the greatest pictures from Halloween, but they will have to do!

P.S. I am hoping to update the blog more often. Please don't go away! :)