Mmm . . . Toes!

Elise has discovered her toes and is loving those ten little piggies.  Notice the background of this picture - there you can see my pad of paper and lap top computer--- Instead of grading papers and preparing next semester's syllabi, I'm photographing Elise taste her toes.  She's just so much more interesting than writing exams.

Thanksgiving

This year we spent Thanksgiving with Tyson's family in Willard, Utah.  It was a fun day with family.  At the top of my Thanksgiving Gratitude list was:
1. The Priesthood
2. Primary Children's Medical Center
Both of these are what saved Elise's heart, lungs and intestines--- and possibly her life.  I can't express enough gratitude for having Elise in our life.  She is such a joy and I'm just so glad our little Elise was willing to come and be a part of mine and Tyson's family.

Some father daughter time while watching the football game.

Elise with her aunt, Tori.  

Ever since Elise was 3 months old, she has LOVED to do an assisted sit-up to standing position like she is doing here.  She'll do it over and over and over again with me . . .  I think I might have created a monster by teaching her this. 

Elise's Doll

Our friends, Christi and Jim, gave Elise a doll.  Elise is showing her affection for her new doll . . .

. . . by eating it of course. :0)

Thanks Christi and Jim- Elise really does love the doll you gave her!

Halloween Costumes

Since Halloween is about dressing up as something you're NOT, Tyson and I decided to dress up as U-fans.  In spite of the fact that I'm seriously considering getting my PhD from the University of Utah, I'll always be proud to be a BYU cougar.

3 1/2 Months- Still Going Strong!

Elise has discovered her voice now and is constantly "talking" these days. I love it.  It's hard to get work done when I have her right there next to me "chattering" away- plus interacting with Elise is so much more fun than grading papers and preparing lessons!  

I gotta say, Elise is the queen of Weber State these days.  Because I bring her to work with me, all of my WSU students get to see her. Students will often stop by my office just so they can hold Elise.  Even some of my guy students will come by to get a chance.

I figured I should get a mother daughter photo, since it is usually me behind the camera photographing Elise and Tyson.    

As a bonus, Elise has been sleeping through the night for 2 months now.  Yea!  Last night she beat her sleeping record and went 10 hours.  Definitely a blessing for her 2 tired parents.  

 Elise was smiling at Tyson while I took this photo. 

Elise at 2 months

 

We're so happy that Elise's heart is beating strong, that she is digesting her food without a problem, and that her lungs are breathing well. 

  

At her 2 month appointment, the pediatrician commented that Elise was well ahead of the growth curve in her muscle development, responses, and level of alertness.  Already Elise is an example to me of rising above challenges and how the Lord will make weak things become strong. 

It was a wonderful day when the medical equipment was picked up from our home because Elise was pronounced healthy enough to live without it. We adore our active, happy, and alert baby girl so much. Every day I count my blessings that she is here with us.  

Just a side note- Elise was diagnosed with a case of N.E.C.K., (this nasty, flesh-eating bacteria in the gut- which is fatal for newborns if not caught within a day or two of birth).  She also was diagnosed with an Atrial Septal Defect in her heart.  Finally her lungs were under-developed and her oxygen levels would desaturate into the 60's, (healthy lungs maintain oxygen saturation levels in the upper 90's).  Without the help of extra oxygen being given to her, brain damage could have resulted from these low oxygen levels.  


However, as of now, the N.E.C.K. is gone, her lungs are working just fine on their own, and the Atrial Septal Defect will be evaluated in 4 months.  It looks promising though that the Atrial Septal Defect will take care of itself so that there will be no need for a heart surgery at this point.  But, we won't know for sure until she is evaluated in 4 months by a cardiologist.

3 Weeks Old

Elise is now 3 weeks old.  Her first 2 weeks were spent at the Primary Children's Hospital NICU.  This last week we were finally discharged to take Elise home on Oxygen.  We have been slowly decreasing the amount of oxygen we give Elise during the day, (as much as her lungs allow anyway).   The stickers on the side of her face are what hold the nose cannula in.  Elise is our fiesty, but sweet, little O2 baby.  We're so happy to have our baby doll home with us.