Princess Paige

We had a wonderful Christmas! This was the first Christmas where we could really begin establishing those family traditions with Paige. We have tons of pictures of the many Chirstmases with all the grandparents. But I couldn't wait to share this one with you all!


Grandma and Grandpa Wedehase gave Paige her first princess outfit. It is complete with the Cinderella dress, tiara and wand! She wasn't too sure about it at first, but the smile she got on her face when she first put it on was adorable. You could tell she felt like the princess she is.

I will be sure to post more as we get them edited and resized.

Visiting with Santa

No worries, we still have Paige, too!

Tonight, we took Paige to meet Santa Claus. She was wonderful with him! She was excited, all the way up to Fresno, to tell Santa that she wanted new books for Christmas. Once she sat on his lap, she even started playing one of her little games, called "Don't smile." She purses her lips real tight, making every effort possible not to smile, while we taunt her with "Don't smile!" Eventually, she cracks, and we get a genuine, wonderful smile.

We also took the time to take Paige on her very first carousel ride. She kept crowding the line, she was so excited! She couldn't wait to ride the horsies, just like Mary Poppins! In no time, she was yelling out "I go up and down like Mary Poppins, Daddy!" The hardest part of the evening was pulling her away.

Bring the Rain

So many people have asked how we are doing. As we've said earlier, we live for God's glory. He has a purpose in everything He orchestrates. We find great peace in knowing this.

Just recently, we ran across this song by Mercy Me. The lyrics really speak of what we are going through. Many have heard this song, including us. But at this time in our lives, it really speaks to us.

It is our hope that, as you listen, you can find the Peace that we have.

To God be the glory.

"Bring The Rain"

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

Ultrasound Update, Week 30

The short story is: Not much change. Eli is still growing, right on target. The best news is that the left ventricle is still growing, as well. Often, in a case like this, the right ventricle continues to grow and the left begins to fade away. Eli's heart is still growing at the same ratio. That is: the left ventricle is still only half the size it should be. But it's not going backwards.

We're learning more heart anatomy with every visit. We already knew the mitral valve was too small, which is the cause of the underdeveloped left ventricle. We've also learned the other opening that's too small is the patent foramen ovale. This is the opening in the heart that, while the baby is in the womb, allows blood to bypass the lungs, since they aren't in use yet. Once the baby is born, increased blood pressure and the use of the lungs naturally closes this opening permanently. Right now, and immediately following birth, Eli needs that opening to stay open. Because of this, it is expected that he will be transported to CHCC and into surgery immediately following birth, so they can use a balloon catheter to open that channel up. This channel's status will remain our primary concern until they can open it up.

At this point, we're still expecting to need the entire 3-stage Fontan procedure. While the left ventricle is still developing, it still appears it will never be large enough. Because of this, Eli's condition will be treated as if the left ventricle simply wasn't there at all, just like full fledged HLHS.

What to pray for:

1. Continued development of the mitral valve and left ventricle
2. Increased growth in the patent foramen ovale (PFO)
3. That we can be bold with our faith to everyone in this process

Our next ultrasound is January 8, 2009.

The Peace of Prayer

We have our next fetal ultrasound for Eli this coming Thursday the 11th. They will be looking at his heart to see if there are any changes in its development. Please be in prayer with us for the following things:

• the mitral valve continues to develop and open.
• the valves and arteries following the left chamber develop completely.
• that Jason and I can be used for God's glory when talking to any physician, technician, or medical staff.

We will be updating here as soon as we can. Thanks for all the prayers and concerns you all have expressed to us. We have a great peace within us that God is at work. What an amazing God we serve.

To Him be the glory!

Christmas Tree Lane, Anyone?

We're trying to gather up as many friends as possible to walk Christmas Tree Lane next Wednesday, the 10th. Would you join us? If you've never done it, it's a great time, and the old saying is true... The more, the merrier. Dave, you're expected to lead the singing, again!

Wednesday, the 10th is the night they close off the street to cars, and it's all foot traffic. The weather man is calling for rain, so we'll see what happens. If it stays clear, we'd love to see as many friends as possible. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and bring all the kids. They'll love it, too! We promise you'll have fun.

Paige and Eli

Since we have found out we were pregnant, we have been talking to Paige about "New Baby". When we pray at night with her, we thank Jesus for Mommy, Daddy, Paige and New Baby. Now that New Baby has a name, and I'm getting noticeably bigger, Paige is getting more interest into what's going on.

If you ask Paige, "Where's Eli?" Her answer will be, "In Mommy's belly."

It was cute this weekend when she came up to me when I was sitting on the couch. She lifted my shirt and was feeling my belly. I told her she could say Hi to Eli. "Hi Eli. You come out now?" she responds while looking at my belly button. I just laughed. No, he isn't coming out of my belly button. No he isn't coming now! While she was talking to him, he moved around a bit, and Paige actually felt him move. The look on her face was one of surprise. It was priceless!

For those of you who are anxiously checking our blog for updates, we really don't have anything yet. Our next ultrasound at CHCC is next Thursday, the 11th. I also have an OB appointment the following day. I'm sure we'll have updates for you then. Until then, continue to pray! Jason and I have an amazing peace and can feel God working in and through us. Thanks for your love, prayers, and support. They are so appreciated!