Brokenhearted

It pains me to have to write this post, but I wanted to update all those friends and loved ones who we may not have been able to contact yet. Last night we received shocking news that Lisa, Frank's younger sister had died. As of now, we know very little and are awaiting the autopsy/coroner's report to help answer the many questions that we have. Lisa lived in Oceanside (near San Diego) with her brother Michael and had just celebrated her 35th birthday last month. We are all in shock at this point but everyone seems to be holding up pretty well. The initial planning and practicalities that need to be handled after a death are taking up much of the time. It is still so unbelievable, so unreal. It feels as if she is still down south and we will get to see her next weekend. My heart breaks when I think that Liam will only know his Auntie Lisa through pictures....she loved him SO much and was such a doting aunt. The Gospel offers the peace that we will see each other again. This is not the end, but rather a very unwelcomed intermission. To all those who have offered help and prayers during this difficult time we can not begin to express our gratitude.

Daddy-Daughter dance at our wedding, December 2006.

Baking divas, Ellett Family reunion, August 2008.

The proud Auntie holding Liam, November 11th, 2008.

Our dear Lisa, you will be forever in our hearts.

Another fun day at Disneyland

We are putting our new passes to good use already! Since Liam loves to be out and about and we love Disneyland it makes perfect sense to take quick little trips to the park. Yesterday we managed to make it there while there was still some light and I got a chance to play with our new camera. FUN! I love our new camera and look forward to learning more about photography so it's not such a guessing game. And the good thing about being the photographer is that you are NOT in the picture! It was a pretty short visit, Liam rode a few rides, had a formula snack and fell asleep in the front pack....giving Mommy and Daddy a chance to have ice cream sundaes on Main Street. Here is some pictures from our day at Disneyland.

Liam and Daddy in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Thumper...I love this camera!

By the wishing well.

One of those days....

3am wake up...crying at the pediatrician's office... screaming while Mommy tried to take pictures....and the dog ate a binky. I tell ya, some days are just a little rough. But then there was those adorable smiles, the feel of Liam's warm little body as he cuddled in for a nap and a sweet, chocolate lab that is still going through his puppyhood. I'm amazed to feel so many emotions all in one day from overwhelming love to frustration so strong I nearly stomped my feet. But in the end, I have to smile as I look at the pictures of Liam and am still shocked to realize that he is ours. What a blessing and a joy he is to our family...even at 3am.

And finally, there was peace.

Disneyland!

Last Friday we made a quick trip to Downtown Disney just to get out of the house....we ended up renewing our passes and having a short visit to Disneyland. I say short because Liam was fussy and then managed another "biological emergency." Tonight was our first real time and Liam LOVED it. He loves to watch all the people and really liked the rides. We rode Winnie the Pooh (twice), Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Mister Toad's Wild Ride and.....the Tea Cups. Don't worry we were non-spinners. This boy is a natural Disney Baby! So for all of you out there who have passes or want to take the trip out to Cali just let us know and we'd be thrilled to join you!

Liam LOVED hanging out with Calee and Tony!

Kim and Liam on the Pooh ride

Frank and Liam in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle

Kim and Liam on the teacups (no we didn't spin)

Sweet Boy

For Valentine's Day Frank got us a "family" aka "Kim" gift of a new camera. So here is my armature photography debut! Good thing I have such an adorable model.

Oh, Sweet Liam, I love you so!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Liam wanted to wish everybody a very happy Valentine's Day!

XOXOXO

What a week

On a day reserved to celebrated love I want to express my great love to my two special guys (well, three if you count Finny!) We had quite an eventful week at our house. Last Sunday Liam began running a fever. With no cold or flu symptoms I worried about the source, so after a call to the doctor on Sunday night we agreed to go in to the office Monday morning. Even though Liam was not quite himself, he still managed to smile and flirt with all the staff. Since the doctor couldn't find anything wrong either we were sent to the lab for multiple test including a urinalysis. By Tuesday Liam still had a fever, looked pale, refused to eat and had his Mommy in a state of panic. We went back to the doctor's office and found out that he had a urinary tract infection. This is rare in little boys and instantly raises suspicions of kidney problems. Liam had to be admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics and multiple ultrasounds, labs and x-rays. As a nurse I knew what needed to be done....as a Mom it was incredibly hard to watch as your baby is poked and prodded. Liam proved his strength and knocked out his IV 3 times! Sadly, each IV insertion took multiple sticks, his hands and feet bare the bruises. I have never felt so helpless. I'm so thankful that Frank and Nazar were able to give him a blessing and that my parents were able to rush down and stay with us. We spent 3 days and 2 very long nights in the hospital. The test all came back normal and were discharged home with oral antibiotics (which Liam treats like poison!) When I think back to my life about 3 Valentines ago I would never have imagined that I would be blessed with an amazing, loving husband and a sweet little boy that steals my heart each time he smiles. We are all doing well and are thankful for all our blessings. Happy Valentines Day to everyone we love!

Hanging out in our room.

This made Daddy believe that it was some sort of primate virus.


Again, pulling his feet up to play.

Hanging out with Daddy. Daddy needs a shave.

Nurse Mommy making sure everything is ok.

Playing with Grandma.

Mommy in the pediatric wheelchair. Think thin hips!