Quick Update

*We just got back from a Spring Break trip to Utah. Not a recommended drive with a 6-month-old. But we had a blast seeing Ben's family, even though it was not enough time. It was our first time meeting Elias' two new cousins, Kai (3 months) and Gabe (6 months- only 2 days older than Eli!), who are adorable. We were lucky to stay with Ben's brother and his wife (along with their three kids), and it was terrific seeing his parents and two of his sisters and their families. Ben and I got to go to the Mount Timpanogas temple while we were there, which is beautiful. On the way to and from Utah, it was fun staying in Colorado with my aunt and uncle and seeing my cousins.
*I played guitar at two Eagle Courts of Honor- one for a young man in my ward, and one for my *little* (over 6-foot-tall) brother. I am so proud of them for their many accomplishments! And I love playing la guitarra!

*Elias got his first tooth! Also, he is crazy busy. He decided that four days in the car is way too much and has been making up for it by wriggling all over. He can't quite crawl yet, so he rolls all over. It takes him just a few minutes to span our living room, so we decided it's definitely time to baby-proof the house. I think he will keep me on my toes once he can crawl.

*Ben just got called to Webelo's in our ward. Lucky guy. There are nine boys and they seem very, um, energetic!

*I was released today from the Young Women's presidency. The first counselor in the bishopric told me he lost because he drew the short straw, so he had to come tell me (I guess they figured out I would not be pleased to be released, but at least I didn't shoot the messenger). I am so sad to leave my girls, but I am still going to see as much of them as I can. I was so blessed to work with an amazing president and other members of the presidency, as well as terrific advisers.

*As a conciliatory calling, they asked me to be the ward chorister. This is my first time in this calling, so I rather wonder how many people will laugh at me as I stand up there waving my hands around? Guess we'll see. I am, however, excited to do it.

Eli's Trip to the Hospital

Elias had been sick for a few weeks, but on Wednesday, his breathing suddenly became much more labored, congested and wheezy. So we took him to the ER, where they put him on oxygen and tried for a long time to get an IV into him, with no success. They told us he would have to be admitted into the children's hospital. So, Eli and I rode there in the ambulance, with Ben following behind. By this time, Eli was very weak, exhausted, and dehydrated. Before we could all go to sleep they tried again to give him an IV, but they could not get his vein. We lost count of the times they poked him. It was the saddest thing. Eli was too weak to cry, so he just whimpered.

The amazing thing is, even though he was being tortured, and felt horrible, Eli still smiled at us. A weak smile, but a smile nonetheless. His strong spirit really impressed me. The nurses even gave him a blanket that says "Daddy's Champ" on it, for being such a strong little guy.

They were finally able to get the IV in his ankle the next morning. After that first traumatic night, the rest of the hospital stay was just a cycle of respiratory therapy, hydration, and sleep. Eli steadily recovered and by Saturday he was smiling and playing. The nurses and respiratory therapists were impressed with how quickly he recovered. They also told us he was the strongest little 5-month-old they'd ever met.

Saturday evening, we finally got to go home. His doctor did not give him a clean bill of health, however. We are doing CPT (chest percussion therapy), breathing treatments, and giving him several prescriptions. But we are incredibly grateful that he is well enough to come home. Truly, we felt the prayers of our families and friends helping Eli and us. We also received many, many visits and phone calls from friends and family. Thank you for the support! It meant so much to us.

Those open hospital gowns are sure cute... but only on babies and definitely not on grown-ups.