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.

24 Hours

After 24 hours of being without her trach, Emma is doing wonderful. She actually got to come home already since she was doing so well. For her entire life, she has required oxygen at night. Last night, she didn't. She has been breathing completely on her own and has had great blood oxygen levels ever since getting her trach out yesterday. She has been making so much more noise, but won't talk very much on camera. Here is a small clip of her without her trach.

Trach Free

At 2:00 we took out Emma’s trach and has been doing great since. She is talking up a storm and currently has the hiccups. I will let you all know how things go over the first 24 hours tomorrow.

The Big Day

I just received the call we have been waiting for. The doctor is ready to take Emma's trach out. I will be bringing Emma down to the hospital this afternoon. After they take it out, they will be observing her for a few days before sending her home. Please keep us in your prayers.