Christmas 2008

This Christmas was such a joyful season. We enjoyed spending time with family, good food and making special memories. We had a great time watching Emma actively participate in the festivities; from making cookies to decorating the tree with Pooh Bear ornaments. This year she really understood about gifts and as most 3 year olds do thought, she they were all for her. It was so much fun seeing the excitement on her face when she was given a gift. She was able to unwrap them with only a little assistance. It was great to see her progress from last Christmas.

This season, we were blessed abundantly by family and friends who are dear to our hearts. We are so thankful for you all and your generosity. The Spirit of Christmas touched our hearts in ways we didn't know possible.

Emma in her Christmas dress from Grandma Carol

A VERY Thankful Family


Dreaming of Sugar Plums on Christmas Eve after a fun filled day.

Making Christmas Cookies

I realize that it has been a long time since we sent out an update. Emma continues to work hard with her Speech, Occupational & Physical therapists. Her language, eating, fine/gross motor skills are emerging; although she still has a long ahead. We are praying that she learns to walk this year.

Its been busy with the Christmas season in full swing. Emma is enjoying the lights and decorations that brighten her world, although it did take her a little while to get acclimated to the decor. She has been enjoying watching Christmas DVDs with her favorite being Frosty The Snowman. Emma has had lots of fun visiting with family. She has even been able to help bake some yummy Christmas cookies when Grandma came over last Monday.

As for the new baby; due in April...So far she looks good. The Doctor is pleased with her growth and we will continue to be monitored closely every 2-3 weeks. We continue to pray for Alissa's progress with being able to consume food and tolerate liquids. As of now she is making progress one day at a time and hopes to be able to enjoy some Christmas dinner. She continues to be on bed rest with modified activity, which is hard on everyone. Please pray for us.

We are truly blessed with wonderful family & friends who are there to help support us during this time. Thank you for all you do.

Making Cookies w/ Grandma, such adoration

Adding Sprinkles

The Finished Product, such pride in her work

Sharing cookies with Grandma

Tasting her Work

What a Happy Girl

Rocking her handkerchief baby

Playing Dress-up at Nan & Papa's

It's A Girl and The Latest on Alissa

Sorry to combine this, but we are burnt out. We found out Thursday we are having another little girl. Unfortunately, Alissa had a rough weekend. She has now lost over 20 pounds since becoming pregnant and the doctor is more concerned now. He is putting her on total nutrition through her IVs to make sure she and the baby are getting fed. She is on the way to Mission Hospital to be admitted for a few days in order to begin the TPN IV nutrition. After she has been on it for a few days, they will send her home to continue at home. Our new baby girl is doing fine though. Alissa is 17 weeks today with a due date of April 20. We really pray that the TPN will reverse the weight loss and help her make it through the rest of the time.

A Special Visitor

Today we had a very special visitor stop by our house. Katy and Eddie brought Liam by our house so that Alissa and Emma could meet him. We had a great time watching Emma with her new cousin.

Emma Holding Her Cousin Liam

Alissa Holding Her Nephew

Our New Nephew

This morning my sister Katy gave birth to a healthy baby boy. William "Liam" Ryan Eccker was born October 26 at 5:05 am weighing 6 lbs 8 oz and 19 inches tall. I visited my nephew this morning and took a few pictures. Unfortunately Alissa is still feeling horrible and is stuck on IVs, so she was unable to come. Here are some pictures.

The Happy New Family

Eddie and His Son Liam

Uncle Mark and Liam

Wheel of Fortune

My buddy Josh is going to be on the Wheel of Fortune on Wednesday October 15. Due to the presidential debates, it will not be airing until 10:30 PM though. Be sure to set your DVR's to catch this episode. Josh is going to rock Canada Week, eh.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa

For the past few weekends, Grandma and Grandpa Fitzwater have taken Emma for a day of fun. They had so much fun while Mommy and Daddy had some time to relax alone. She has had fun playing in her ball tent at Grandma and Grandpa's, going for drives, and riding on the ferry at Balboa. Here are some pictures.

Emma playing with her Autopia Car

Emma in her ball pit at Grandma and Grandpa's

Such a Big Girl in her Lawn Chair

Riding on the Ferry to Balboa with Grandpa

Big Sister

Around April 20, 2009, Emma will be a big sister. We are almost 12 weeks pregnant and it has already been an adventure. Alissa has been on disability for 2 weeks due to hyperemesis. She spent 5 days at Mission Hospital getting IVs and was sent home on disability. She is hooked up to IVs at home around the clock to keep hydrated. The good new is that so far, the baby is looking great. Please pray that the nausea will subside quickly and that our baby remains healthy and growing steadily.

Our New Baby

Post Trach Photos

So Happy to Have Her Trach Out

Taking a nap with Curious George

At the Santa Ana Zoo with Uncle David and Auntie Karen

I don't take naps anymore, so sometimes
I fall asleep during my nightly breathing treatment.

Long Awaited Update

I apologize for the long wait on an update. Emma has been doing so well without her trach. She keeps us so busy now. She has not needed any oxygen since getting her trach out and has been relatively healthy. She is adjusting to the changes quite nicely and has definitely discovered her voice. She has had a few crying fits that have lasted an hour, which is tough on us. Other than that, she is just increasing her vocabulary. A lot of it is just babbling, but she is daily saying new words. She likes to ask for help a lot and says thank you and I love you. I promise to have some pictures and video up by the end of the week, but at least wanted to put something up.