Thanksgiving Under the Lights

 

this year we spent thanksgiving in the hospital with ellee under the bili lights.  wednesday she went for her second blood check and her level was up to 21.  25 is dangerous and can be where the toxins enter her brain and cause damage...so, off we went.  the 3rd day after birth is always crazy for me.  i was a basket case, tired, and feeling like i needed to burst into tears every five seconds.  it didn't help that we got thrown into the middle of the st.lukes vs. st al's lawsuit/fight and had to admit her thru the er just to get her up in pediatrics 2 1/2 hours later!  i have a new empathy for those with sick children or those stuck in the hospital.  2 nights in there was rough, but do-able!  almost all the nurses that helped us were so awesome.  my heart goes out to my aunt, who has such a long road ahead, or those who come home from the hospital without a baby.

ben took care of the kids each nite with the help of lots of his sisters and family.  we couldn't have done it without them!  he let me go to his thanksgiving/family reunion with the kids so i could get out of the hospital and brought the funniest flowers ever from walmart (against everything we believe in) and helped the kids draw get well cards.  the flowers leaked dye all over him when he cut the stems, so funny :)!  the kids ran wild and had a blast with all of their cousins at the farmway building.  they thoroughly enjoyed the family visit, unfortunately ben and i didn't get to see everyone as much as we wanted, but that ok! 

 grandma moncur came to rescue us on saturday afternoon.  she stayed for three days!  much of her time was spent in the kitchen getting out all the flour, sugar, and butter to make bread and all sorts of goods to be put in the freezer for later.  she watched the kids so ellee and i could make it in for checkups and brought cute clothes and crocheted stuff.  i also had to hurry up and finish recovering the bouncy seat i had unpicked and taken apart the nite i went into labor. the kids read stories with her and went to the story time at the library before she had to leave...btw, gma and em have the same haircut! :)

we are so happy ellee is home with us!  she brings such a special spirit into our home and the kids love her.  we're grateful for all the kind things people have done for us, and mostly for everyone's prayers.