Grandma Update

They finally have grandma back on antibiotics (by IV), which has helped her foot. Grandma's orthostatic blood pressure is also up to 118. No word yet on her kidney tests. According to Grandma she is going home tomorrow. Of course, she said she was going home every day. If her foot isn't better when she returns home she'll probably have to use a walker to get around until it's better. She said she has been just putting her body weight on her heel to get along as well as using the walker.

She is so excited every day to tell us all about the nurse's aides who pull up her bedside commode and have a talk with her. She also likes to talk about all the different people who came to visit her throughout the day.

Playing

Her new thing is putting everything on her head or over her face. Whether it be her Noah's Ark, baseball glove, hat, or bucket for her blocks.

She's also become quite the little block stacker. She's gotten them 6 high so far.
Playing with her Elmo guitar.

Playing with her mittens

Eliana had a ball playing with her mittens one after I washed them.

Update on Grandma

Grandma is still in the hospital. I guess today she is going to be having a test to look at her kidneys, which she has previously had problems with. Also, they gave her antibiotics for the cellulitis in her foot Tuesday afternoon and she hasn't gotten them since. She should have been getting them for 24 hours. Apparently there was confusion because the nurses couldn't understand the Dr. when he was speaking or writing. Not a good thing. So, consequently mom mentioned that her foot looks even worse than it previously did. More to come later.

More Info on the Call

Here's a little more info on the call Ben has received. It's a blog written by Pastor Hartman's wife. Pastor and his wife have been in Mexico for about 3 years (I think) and have a daughter a couple months younger than Eliana. We would live about 7 blocks from them.

http://lutheransinmexico.blogspot.com/

A Call To Mexico

Yes, Ben just received another Divine call to serve our Lord. He's gotten a call to be a missionary in Torr eon Mexico. It's a unique call and we're still trying to learn more about it. In fact, he's currently talking to a college/seminary friend who's involved with the Mexican Mission. We'll keep you updated when we know more.

Many people have been asking how long this will be for. This is actually just like any other call, you stay until you receive a different call and then determine where you can best serve. So, yes this is permanent and no, we don't return back to Appleton, unless we get another call here (doubtful).

Please also continue to keep us in your prayers.

Update on Grandma

There has been alot going on in our family recently. My grandma Shannon has been pretty sick recently. She's been not eating and drinking and consequently last week Thursday had to go to the ER for fluids. Then, Sunday she fell as she blacked out. She has been having significant orthostatic hypotension. This means that when she stands up, her blood pressure drops which causes her to feel dizzy and pass out. The ambulance came to get her on Sunday as mom could not get her up after she fell. She's still in the hospital. I went to visit her today and she's had several tests done, which have for the most part come back normal. Some of the tests are an echocardiogram for her heart function and a carotid ultrasound as well as a CT. She has developed cellulitis in her right foot, which can happen after trauma. Her right knee is better after the fall, this was her replaced knee. She was just started on an IV antibiotic this afternoon and it must run at least 24 hours, so that puts us at 4pm on Wednesday. I do not anticipate her going home tomorrow either. They have cut back on the dose of her blood pressure medication in an effort to decrease the orthostatic hypotension. She has been eating a little more although still insists she doesn't have an appetite.

Please keep her in your prayers.

Bachelorette Party and Shower

Saturday night I got together with some college friends/roommates for Jamie's Bachelorette Party. It was nice to get away. (I did still miss Ellie). Sunday was the Briday Shower. From left to right is Jen, Jill, Jamie the bride, Emily, and of course me. Except for Jamie since she's just getting married, we all had a baby within a year of each other. Our get togethers have certainly changed.

My Drooly Girl

I took Eliana to the game Ben coached this weekend and she loved it. She was mesmorized by all the screaming parents and kids. She loved to watch the action of the game. She was a little shy at first and then she clapped the rest of the game and when we got home.....she was still clapping.

Grandpa Visits and "Cornholio"

Grandpa came to visit on Thursday and Eliana even let him hold her. Yeah.

O.K., I never really watched Beavis and Butthead, but this is her best "I am the great Cornholio" impersonation

Update

It's been a bit again since I last posted. I'm working on ironing out some photography business stuff. I'm now offering picture parties. It was alot of work to get everything set up for that. I also had a new business logo designed for me, so I redesigned many of my materials. I was pretty sick last week and am still not 100%. Much coughing and little sleeping. Now, unfortunately Eliana is sick. This means alot less sleep for Ben and me, which has alot to do with why I'm still not back to myself. Thought I'd touch base. I have to work tomorrow.

Snuggle time with daddy

Silly in her high chair

Eliana saw I had the camera out so of course she had to be silly. She's getting pretty used to the camera being in her face and now she's interacting with it more.

Pull up a seat

She pulled up a chair while she waited for her daddy to come home.

No wonder she loves her daddy so much.

We've got a climber.

This is what happens when you turn your head for 5 seconds.

What is Going On?

Can you believe this snowy mess? I mean, I know we live in Wisconsin, but there's no where else to put it. Thankfully Eliana and I have a wonderful man in our life who takes care of our snowy driveway.

He's outside working hard while we watch from the comfort of the living room.

Play Date Video

They had some fun music on in the cafe so the kids started dancing.

All Done

After much playing Evan decided it was time to wind down and take a nap. I just love seeing them interact.

More Play Date Pics

Eliana let Melissa hold her.

Our little kiddos.

Evan has a thing for Ellie's hair. We think he's flirting. :)
Yep, you guessed it Eliana's picking up the toy. Imagine that.

Play Date

Eliana painted a pot for Valentines Day at the Mom and Pop Place. We met Melissa and her son Evan there for a play date.

That's Evan :) He's two weeks younger than Ellie. Look at those big brown eyes.