Bye Bye PICC Line... Bye Bye Tubes

Well today was the day, I got my PICC line removed from my chest. It was a great relief to say good bye to it. This means that I am on my own for nutrition and fluids, which truly has been the case for the last 2 weeks. I just don't have direct access as a safety net anymore. All & all I am doing well in the eating area. Its really nice to be able to enjoy food again.

As far as Sara goes, she is really active and kicks me a lot. She is growing well and looks good on the ultrasound. We go for a Fetal Echocardiogram in a few weeks, then we'll know as much as we can about her status. So far so good.

Emma is also doing great. She is very expressive and is showing interest in my growing belly. She has been rocking and feeding her baby dolls and loves to help her Auntie Katy with her cousin's diaper changes.

Mark is Mark. Not much has changed with him, he continues to work hard and is the best husband and daddy ever.

Back To Work

It is official, I have been able to eat and drink fluids for a few weeks now. I continue to see my OB every 2-3 weeks and I have been able to get out into the community on small family outings. This week Mark & I will see the Parinataligist for a closer look at Sara's heart. It is a precaution that comes highly recommended because of Emma's cardiac defect, but so far Sara's heart looks good. Although, I have learned to rely on others for transportation; I started driving again last week and the freedom in like nothing else. I hope to be starting work again this week, and I could really use your prayers for strength and endurance as well as safety for our little baby. Thank you for your love & support.

A New Do...

Emma's hair has been getting very long. She has such fine hair that most hair accessories don't stay in, so today she got a new hair style. We have been talking about getting her hair cut for a few days, and Emma was very excited to sit in the stylist's chair for her haircut. Below are a few pictures of how the new style went.

Before the first cut

Putting on the cape what a big girl sitting in the chair all by herself.

Getting a blow dry and style...

Emma's new do, after we got home she just looked in the mirror and smiled.
What a big girl, she looks so grown up.

A Special Gift

Emma was given a very special gift for Christmas. Grandpa Jack's friend, Jon gave her a specialized bath chair to assist in Emma's baths. This chair allows her to be fully supported and strapped in so she can safely sit in the tub and splash to her hearts content. We have wanted this type of chair for quite a while and we were so blessed to be given one for Christmas.
Emma loves her tubby time and now she can enjoy them even more.
Thanks So Much Jon!

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.