Glimpses...

Our sweet little Elliana has been a miracle right from the beginning. We have hoped and prayed for her for the last 5 1/2 years. Bradley has prayed faithfully for a baby, and always hoped for a sister. We found out Easter weekend that we were expecting. Just 2 weeks later I almost miscarried. We were blessed to have a wonderful doctor who found the problem. Wayne gave me shots for the next 6 weeks to help me maintain the pregnancy.















We had an ultrasound at 16 weeks and found out that we were having a girl. I had always had favorite names for a little girl, but none of them seemed appropriate. I searched the Internet for a name that felt right for her. When I typed in the definition; "an answered prayer", the name Elliana came up. Her name is Hebrew and means "My God has answered". The name was perfect! Just how perfect we are finding out.















Elli was born August 22nd at 11:30 am. Just one hour after the steroid shots I had been given to help her lungs develop had reached the 48 hours needed to be of maximum potential for her. The doctor had decided that I needed a c-section that morning because he'd rather deliver a healthy 23 weeker rather than a sick 24 or 25 weeker. We know that we were being watched over because my water broke on the prep table, and the doctor found out that I had a raging infection in my placenta. Had they decided to wait any longer Elli no doubt would have been very sick. We know that Heavenly Father has had a hand in this. Our sweet little girl has not had many complications, and has remained pretty stable in the NICU.















For some perspective on her size, these are Elli's diapers with a width of 3" and this is the hat the she wore coming home from McKay Dee hospital where she had her heart murmur repaired.
(Her surgery went really well, although a 3 centimeter inscision is pretty big on her little chest. But she has recovered well, and her scar is healing up nicely.)















These are the most precious treasure we have been given so far. When Elliana was only 4 days old one of our nurses made these castings of her hands. She is absolutely perfect, and we couldn't be happier!

This has been a wonderful time for our family. We have felt a lot of stress to be sure, but more often we have felt tremendous peace. We are so grateful to all of you for your prayers and fasting. We know that there is great power when we all come together with one purpose. Wayne and I have always had a favorite scripture that has come to mean even more to us these last several weeks. D&C 123:17 "...let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." Elli is now in his hands, and there is no place we'd rather have her right now. He has heard our cries, and we have been benefactors of his tender mercies.

We thank you all again for your faith and prayers. It is such a blessing to have so many that care about our family.