Saturday, December 20, 2008

Tis the Season!


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Well, it certainly is the Season for Celebration! I can't believe how quickly time passes! This time last year I was blissfully unaware of the challenges that lay ahead of me. Last Christmas I was on bedrest with Elaina, but anticipated the best conclusion for my pregnancy. Little did I know that this wonderful, scary and blessed journey would begin a few weeks later. In a way, I'm glad that her heart condition wasn't pre-diagnosed, since I was able to enjoy the holidays in ignorance of the journey that awaited me. However, now that I am well into the CHD journey, I must express my gratitude. As Christmas gets closer, I am so grateful to be able to celebrate my Savior's birth. I know that it is through the prayers and faith of many that we have survived this year intact! What a beautiful time of the year to reflect on the many blessings that I have in my life. I am so grateful for Ben, for the way he makes me laugh, for his perseverence during this tremendous trial, and for his never ending hugs and kisses. I know that God sent him to me for a reason, and he really is a wonderful, kind, loving, and strong boy. I cannot imagine what my life would be like now if I did not have my sweet little Elaina. She is truly a miracle. Her eyes are wise and filled with love and happiness. It seems that she is always smiling when you gaze into her beautiful brown eyes. She has taught me so much and I will be forever indebted to her for the lessons I've learned this year. She continues to grow and get stronger.

I just found out this morning that they are planning a GJ tube surgery for the 7th of January. She goes in on the 6th for a pre-op workup, the same day that Ben has his neurology follow up. I hope I'm able to juggle both appointments! Holy Cow, I never seem to be able to get a rest! As I mentioned in a previous post, my move to Bountiful has been delayed. I think that I've been able to work out a solution, and I'm hopeful that Ben and I can be settled in soon after the New Year. (Fingers Crossed!!!!) Ben hasn't had any more seizures, at least while awake, that I'm aware of. I still don't know the results of the MRI, so I'm hoping that no news is good news. Otherwise everything is still as crazy and out of control as usual! My jobs are going well, and I am very hopeful that the 2nd job I took on will soon allow me to have some of this financial burden lifted off my shoulders. My car is still on the outs, and with colds and sniffles abounding, I've been a little limited in my ability to be with Elaina as often as I'd like. It's a good thing that her love is so unconditional. She lights up every time I walk in the room, and the sound of my voice will wake her up from her naps when I get there. She's really getting big and is really a happy little girl. All the nurses and aides at South Davis are in love with her. Every time I go to see her, she has had her hair done, or nails painted and is all dressed up and content. They've really taped her NJ tube well (tons and tons of tape!), and so they're letting her have lots more hands free time, with her no-no's off. She loves to suck on her fingers and play with her tongue. She's not very verbal yet, some coo's and growls, but she's a smiler. She's got a room-mate that is 18 months old, and they sit and stare at each other. It's too cute! He loves to watch Disney movies, and she's started to become interested in them. Her favorite is Nemo, she smiles and kicks the whole time it's on. What a sweet-heart!

Well, I'm a Super Slacker, not only in the Blogging department, but in the Christmas Card department as well. So, instead of gathering addresses and all that jazz, here's your Christmas card! These are some of my favorite pictures from the last several weeks. Happy Holidays!!!


All dressed up in her Christmas dress!

On Santa's lap at South Davis!


Ben was so nervous that he forgot to ask Santa for what he wanted. It was hilarious once we got back to the car, all of a sudden he remembered all that he'd forgotten and wanted to go back for a 2nd trip!


Elaina loved sitting on Santa's lap!


Back in her room, still in her pretty dress.


Watching Mom put up the Christmas decorations around her crib.


Playing with that crazy tongue! :)


Kicking her feet at the garland above her crib, she loves the decorations! I even tied some bows on her mobile!


Trying to "talk" to Mom!


"Please take off these No-No's!"


Blowing bubbles at Mom. She was so stinking cute that day!


I just barely missed her smile. She was still happy though!


This is one of my favorite outfits. The pink leopard pants just make me smile! She's getting so chunky! Go Girl! Not bad for a heart baby!


I hope and pray that everyone has a safe and wonderful Holiday season! Give all those sweet babies a kiss from us and I hope you all know how much I appreciate your friendship and support!
Happy New Year too!

Hugs,
Hollie, Ben and Elaina

11 comments:

Aimee Hardy said...

Such cute picures. I'm so glad Elaina is doing well and hope you guys have a great Christmas.

The Hood's said...

Thanks for the update. You are a crazy woman! I don't know how you keep up with it all.
So glad the kids got to see Santa. Isn't it amazing how sitting on his lap can bring a smile, even if you do forget what you want!
Elaina looks great! I'm so glad she's doing well, and that they finally got surgery scheduled.
We hope you have a very Merry Christmas! Please let us know if you need help with your move!

Heart Mommy said...

Tooooooo Cute, The pants sent me over... she is so edible. I wanna munch her.... That Ben boy is pretty darn great too...

Unknown said...

I was so happy to see an update. I'm always checking on you guys.

I'm glad Ben hasn't had any more seizures. It sounds like the 7th will be a day of juggling.

I just love all the christmas pictures. Elaina looked so pretty in her red dress. I can't believe how much she is starting to look like you. She is looking like such a big girl now.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

carolyn q said...

I love you tons and I hope that your Christmas can be wonderful. I am still available to help, so I will be checking in with you to see what I can do.
I am glad that Ben hasn't had anymore siezers too.
(Hugs)

Lady said...

She looks so rosy and cheerful in her red dress. Getting so big, too! I agree that she is looking more and more like her mama as she grows. :)
we are hoping the weather will cooperate and that we can visit her on Christmas.
xoxoxo, Auntie Liz & Uncle John

The Portas said...

Thank you so much for the great update! Look at that precious little girl...and Ben, too! I can't believe how chunky she is. Her thighs look delicious! :)

I am praying for a good MRI report still....and for a little peace and break for you....and for continued progress with your little chubster.

Have a very Merry Christmas, you super-mama! oxoxo

Sherri said...

She's such a cutie!!!

My Three Sons said...

It's been a few weeks since I last checked in and oh my goodness. I really hope that Ben is getting better. The pictures of Elaina are great.

Wishing you a very happy Christmas.

Em said...

She is so cute! And her hair is growing so fast! I too love the leopard print outfit! She's such a doll in it! Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas!