Here is a link to some of the cutest pictures you have ever seen!!! This was the photo shoot that Holly surprised us with. It was so fun!! Huge thanks to Holly!! These pictures are only going to be there for viewing until May 16th, so don't miss out...
www.joannataylorphotography.com/Tysa
The HIVES!!!
They started out the same as they always do as small raised areas. They eventually joined together and were HUGE!! He was very itchy and so we got him in the bath, put calamine lotion all over and gave him some benedryl. He took a nice nap after that.
Elijah with his new toy from Dr. Lonzarich
we were done before bed last night...
Here are the Hives!!
Itchy, itchy, itchy.....
Alivia and her new dress-up!!
What a princess...
Michelle was excited about all her new Hannah Montana stuff!!
Levi was NOT!!
Out on pass for christmas with Grandma Arlyce
Dr Al-zein let us take a 3 hour pass on Sunday to have christmas with my mom and Shi. Of corse, Elijah got a fever shortly after we got there and spent most of the time on the couch. It was nice to get out.
Opening lots of presents, she really liked the one that made noise!! Go figure...
Tysa having fun at Christams
A little Christmas at the hospital
We got to do our Christmas at home, but Elijah missed all of the other christmas gatherings with extended family, so he got to open some gifts at the hospital.
Jackson
Or as we like to call him Jack-man
Dominic and Shilo came back for some X-mas fun with their two kidos
Anabelle
Tysa opening presents with Grandpa
Zach and Mere were pretty excited about the car too!!
Tysa and a new toy, she wasn't real excited about the new carset.
Alivia with her new Kitchen
Michelle with her new bike.
Elijah asked Santa for one thing, and that was Hungry, Hungry Hippo's!!!
Elijah first seeing his new car!!!
What Santa left for the kids
Michelle got a bike, Elijah got a power wheels car, Tysa got a new carseat and Alivia got a Kitchen.
Alivia and Tysa in matching Tinkerbell jammies on Christmas Eve
The kids in their Christmas outfits right the Sunday before Christmas.
Did you notice Elijah's hair?? Levi and him did that a couple of weeks ago befor church.
Playing in the pool at the Hotel
We had a free hotel night stay that expired at the end of the year so we decided to go and have a fun night with swimming and staying over. Zach and Meredith came and brought their kids to swim and play.
Alivia and Finley in Alivia's new baby pack-in-play (for her baby dolls)
Tysa in her Santa's helper onsie.
This was sooooo Funny
I was doing laundy and Elijah decided he wanted to help me spray stain remover. Well he payed no attention to Tysa sittin on the floor and bent over right in front of her. Well, what would you do if you were a baby???
Family picture
Cute, Cute!!!
All the kids together
Tysa
Michelle
Elijah
Alivia
Tysa 3 months
Michelle 10 years
Alivia 20 months
Elijah 3 1/2 years
Tysa at 2 1/2 months
How cute is she!! Holly's mom got these sunglasses for Tysa when we were in Utah. Thanks Jana, they are perfect!
Grandma Doris with Tysa
Fun with Grandma Doris
Tysa
She always wakes up right after I take the picture.
I couldn't resist the two cuties in their bikinis, yes matching!!
Are they cute or what!
Fun at the Pool
It took awhile for Elijah to enjoy swimming more than five minutes. He LOVES it now!!
Cover that beautiful bald head!!!!
Bridgette and Alivia at the zoo
Bridgette and her family were back for a short time and we played and had lots of fun, oh yea and I had lots of help!! Thanks guys.
Elijah and Tysa
Soooo, cute!
From left to right : Abby, Ashely, Isabelle, Michelle, and Tia.
Michelle turns 10
We took Michelle to Libby Lu for her birthday with some friends and they had a blast!
Michelle (our new addition) and Alivia
This is at Grandma Doris' house on the "tank" that I always use to play on when I was little. It was fun to go out and see grandma and watch my little ones play like I use to!!!
Tysa
Little bit of humidity = little bit of curl
Elijah and Tysa riding in the stroller
This was at the clinic today and as we were leaving one of the nurses said that this would be a great picture. So what did I do, I stopped, put everything down and captured the moment.
"Alivia, don't sit on the baby"
Cutie Pie
This picture was a bit blurry, but so darn cute I couldn't resist.
Elijah and Alivia at the Zoo
Elijah had fun too, but was a little more skittish.
Fun at the ZOO
Alivia thought it was great to feed the goats. I wish I would have been able to capture a picture of her right after she gave the food because she had the cutest giggle!!
Elijah and Tysa
I knew Elijah and Alivia had fair skin, but next to Tysa they look like ghosts!!
"KISSES"
Cute Sisters!
Can you tell that Tysa has about had it with the squeeze??
I'm 1 month old!!!
At the hospital
Elijah never forgets the wagons at the hospital, and now he has someone to share it with.
I like my milk
She wasn't ready to give it up.
I'm 3 weeks old
At the Clinic with baby Tysa
Dr. Mitchell walked by our room and thought Elijah was holding a doll!!
Fun at the Zoo
This was my real first outing with all three kids. We went with Shilo (my sis) and her two kiddos. It was a little crazy, but we made the most of it. Elijah fell at one point and skinned his knees and I was holding Tysa. It was probably pretty funny to watch me juggle both of them!!
My two girls
Alivia with her new sunglasses!
Jennie bought them for her and Elijah and she thought she was hot stuff. Well, she is!!
I wanna hold her!!
Elijah takes every opportunity to hold "baby Tysa". He even sat and fed her a bottle!!
Elijah meeting Tysa for the first time.
He looked at her and said, "she's pretty cute!" How sweet is he.
Home at last!!
This was at the airport when I arrived with Tysa. Tysa got an alligator toy for Elijah and it was hard for him to take pictures and play at the same time. It was so great to be home and back with my family. I missed Elijah and Alivia like CRAZY!!
Bath Time!!
First bath after leaving the hospital. She seems to really like them and is wide awake after!
This is for you Shilo!! After all you did buy it for her!!
Snuggle Bug
We bought her a premie outfit and it almost fits!!
Ahhh, Tender!!
Daddy and Tysa about to fall asleep.
Leaving the Hospital
This was Alivia's go home outfit and we were so happy to leave the hospital.
Placement
This is us at placement, such an awesome day with many different emotions.
Bridgette and Sandy
This is Bridgette's caseworker Sandy. She has been so awesome!! She deserves a much bigger thanks than we will ever be able to give her. THANKS Sandy!!
Swimming in newborn clothes
Pretty in Pink
Awake and Alert
She has been the most content baby (knock on wood). Hope she stays that way. I can't even really tell you what her cry sounds like??? Awesome!!!
Proud Parents
She is sooooo cute, and sooooo little!!!
Tysa Marie
How cute is she!!!
At the Zoo
Elijah wanted to make sure I got the giraffe in the picture.
Elijah and Anabelle
They had candy and wanted to show me what color it made their tongues. Silly kids.
What a cutie!!!
Alivia at the Zoo
Still HATE medicine!!!
Are you sure I have to take this dad?
Elijah in the Hospital this last weekend
He was way too happy to be in the hospital.
Alivia in her blessing dress
Elijah is allergic
This is when Elijah had an allergic reaction to one of the chemo meds. Wow, this was scary!! Then came the hives....
Can you say HIVES! Yikes!!
He was so miserable. Poor littke guy just can't catch a break.
Radiation Treatments
This is the machine that they use for Elijah's radiation treatments. Can you say $$$!!
The "MASK"
This is a little disturbing, but this ensures that Elijah is in the exact same position every time they do the radiation treatment. It is very important that he is in the exact same position every time.
Isabelle and Elijah
Isabelle came to play too. They had some fun!!
Friends to Visit
This is Tony and Tammy (Dominic's cousin) that came to visit and brought Elijah and Alivia some great stuff!! They also brought mom and dad some generous gift certificates. Thanks so much for EVERYTHING!!!
Fun in the hospital
Dand and Elijah making play-doh hats!!
A strange rash
This picture doesn't really do it justice, but it was like nothing I've ever seen before. It was itchy at first but hasn't been bothering him much anymore.
Bath time fun
Elijah got to pour water on Alivia's head (only because she thought it was funny and allowed him to do it).
Elijah at the Outpatient Clinic
This is the famous Hippo bed that Elijah loves to see when we go to the clinic for chemo.
Our two Squirts
This is Elijah and Alivia playing at home. Now that Elijah has lost weight, Alivia is starting to catch up with him!
Happy Day at Home
Elijah had a blue sucker this afternoon, yum yum!! He has been pretty happy for most of the day.
Merry Christmas
Alivia was excited about her new toys!!!
Our (late) Christmas
This was one of the few smiles we got from him.
In the car to LEAVE!!
I think he just didn't believe us at first that we were actually leaving. He was happy to know that we were really going.
Happy Girl
She was so happy to hear we were going to be home soon!!!
Another Pet Therapy Puppy
This puppy was 12 weeks old and she was so cute. It was nice to finally see Elijah be excited to see and pet these puppies because the last two times they have been up he didn't want anything to do with them. I'm hopeful that this means he is maybe starting to feel better.
Pet Therapy
This is the grown dog. She is twelve years old and has been doing pet therapy snce she was a puppy.
Happy Drugs!!
Does this look like nomal Elijah or What??? This was the highlight of my day. Love you Squirt!! Oh yea and the food all over his face. He ate two bowls of spegetti and even some french fries this afternoon. Yum Yum.
Elijah with his poster shark
This is Elijah putting some stickers on his shark poster that one of the child life specialists made for him. You can really see his cheeks in this picture. One of the side effects of the prednisone is a "moon face", and he has one!! Still cute as can be.
Grandpa Hancock giving platelets
This is Grandpa Hancock donating his platelets to support Elijah. Thanks so much Grandpa!! We love you!!
A small smile
It was hard to get a smile after cutting his hair, but we managed to get a small one.
A visit from the Wilson's
Paul, Debbie, Melissa and Sydney came to visit us and brought Elijah some pretty cool stuff. A fishing game and a "Cars" coloring book. Thanks Guys for everything.
Elijah and Dad after the CUT!!
He started to cheer up shortly after we cut his hair. Levi and I left that evening for a couple of hours and my Mom came to sit with him. While we were out Elijah said to my Mom "I have cool hair like Dad". Maybe it's not so bad after all.
Thank You to All
We all want to say thank-you to everyone for everything!! We Love You All!!
Elijah with Mommy
Elijah wanted to sit with me in the chair for a little bit, however he wasn't crazy about having a picture together.
Alivia and Daddy
Melissa actually got a little pony in Alivia's hair today, isn't she cute!!
Where's your hair Daddy??
Yesterday Alivia wouldn't touch Levi's head and didn't know what to think. Today she was slapping it and having some fun.
Elijah is finally losing his hair
This isn't a very flattering picture, but just an idea of what I'm talking about with his hair. Also, this is him sleeping on his tummy.
And Jordan, too!
Jordan also joined in his show of support.
New Ocean Animals
These are Elijah's new ocean animals that he was really happy about, not judging by his expression.
A visit from Isabelle and Ava
This was yesterday when they came to visit and they were brave enough to wear masks too so that Elijah didn't feel so bad about having to wear one.
Isaac is BALD
This is the after. Thanks Isaac for suporting Elijah, you better keep it up.
Isaac joins in
This is the before.....
Saving the best for last
A sweet smile from a sweet boy today
The "Gang" all done
Thanks for everything, you guys ROCK!!!
Sleepy Boy
This is Elijah sleeping through it all
The Brothers All Done
This is Zach, Woody and Levi. Jordan also shaved his head in Las Vegas and sent us the video so he could be apart. Isaac, your next!!
What a Stud
This is all done, and like I said I was surprised he looked so handsome!!
Half done
The idea was to look like an old man, I think this works!!
Levi's First
Levi was the first to go!! Jarod is the barber.
The "Before"
From left to right: Woody, Levi, Jarod, Zach, Jason, Nate
Tub Time
Elijah was having fun making his sharks and whales jump in the water.
The dreaded mask
Walking back from the play room with an armful of animals.
Play Room Fun
Of course we are playing with all kinds of animals, that's always Elijah's first choice.
Falling asleep on the potty
This is one of the many times Elijah was up to the bathroom and fell asleep leaning on mom.
Thanks for all of the fun stuff
Thanks to Rick, Shani, Becky and Larry for all of the fun stuff to play with. Elijah especially loves the Nemo stickers and the Diego ball game.
I get to have food again!!
Elijah really is happy to have food agian, even though it doesn't appear that way.
The "Look"
This is the look we get about 23 out of the 24 hours of the day. Isn't he sweet!!
MEDS
This is what we have to force Elijah to take every morning and evening.
Last spikes
I took a picture of him sleeping with a straight face as opposed to awake and frowning. Hope that he doesn't lose his long pretty eyelashes.
Fun with Alivia
We had fun playing and I'm so glad that we are back in Des Moines so we can see her more. Cute little girl!!
Sweet Boy
He was exhaused from being so mad.
So Sad!!
This is when Elijah was so sad to see that we were back at another hospital and not at home.
Nap Time
Elijah slept the entire way from Iowa City to Des Moines. And yes, we had the car completly packed full!!
Music Time
We were able to get Elijah to the play room while still in Iowa City to do music time. He was sceptical at first, but it didn't take him long to start enjoying it. He peed through his clothes while sitting on that chair.
Elijah in the play room
It was hard to get him there, but he was better when he saw all of the dinosaur stickers and glitter pens to play with
A friend in the play room
This is Mya. She will be two in March. She has a brain tumor, and has had a couple of surgeries. She has also had chemo and lost all of her blonde curls according to her mom. What a cutie!!
Paly Room Fun
This is Elijah, Addy, Jenni and Levi in the play room
First Steps
This is Elijah taking his first steps after being in bed for nearly two weeks. He is still very unsteady, but we are going to work on building those muscles back up.
Elijah with Grandma Arlyce
This is the HUGE dinosaur coloring/sticker book
Wagon ride
Get me out of this room!!!!!
Yea Food
First food in almost two weeks. Good choice Elijah!!
Elijah snuggles with Dad
We are in our new room and Elijah wanted dad to "lay with you". They are snuggled in bed together watching a movie.
Smiles
This is Elijah's first smile in over a week. We love to see you smile squirt.
Elijah with Isabelle
Isabelle was able to get him to smile a little with the breadstick in her mouth.
Elijah with Dad
We were able to get Elijah out of bed for awhile and Levi got to hold him. He was in Heaven!
Families are Forever
Sleepy
Elijah was talking to us a little, but it was hard to keep his eyes open.
Yumm
For some reason, Elijah decided that he needed to lick his IV tubing and hiss at it because it was a snake.
Elijah and Bruce
This is Elijah with his favorite shark. He loves to sleep with it at home.
Elijah with Mommy
I was telling him about all the fun stuff he has to play with when he wakes up. I told him about all the things people have brought for him.
My two Boys
daddy's healing kisses after extubation
Thanks for visiting
From left to right, Levi, Jason, Teresa, Melanie, Amanda, Zach, Meredith. Thanks for the laughs!! When you guys left the nurses were disappoined that the "comedy crew" had left!!
Our Nurse Kami
Kami has been so great to Elijah and all of us!! We look forward to seeing Kami back in Des Moines as she will be moving this week and starting a new job at Blank NICU. Our first and fondest memory of Kami so far is when we were first admitted, she was our nurse. This was before Elijah was asleep and I was trying to tell him that her name was Kami, and Elijah looked at me and said, "I want some candy". If any of you know how Elijah says candy, it sounds a lot like Kami. Thanks Kami for being so sweet and taking such good care of our little squirt!!!
Our nurse Josh
We had some good laughs with Josh. When he first came on shift I had asked him how long he had worked here. He told us 4 years and I said "Well, we've had great care so far". I'm still being mocked for insulting Josh even though I said it as a compliment. Thanks Josh for watching out for my little boy. Elijah also had his first bed bath from Josh.
Our nurse Jen
Thanks for your great care
Elijah and Santa
Elijah loved Santa this year and after he was done, he kept trying to go back for more
Elijah and Ava
you're so funny
Happy Sister
This is right after she found out about our latest results on the spinal fluid
My to boys sleeping
This is when Elijah was really struggling to breath, but also trying to sleep
Elijah
Elijah on CPAP
My Sweet Baby Boy
this is after Elijah was extubated
9 comments:
wow! she is the most beautiful baby ever. her skin is so perfect! and her sweet face. those are the best newborn pictures i have ever seen. i would buy them all. congratulations again!
sylwia and josh hardman
OH MY GOSH!!! Those are the most precious pictures in the world. What an angel! What a gift! Seriously, those are just to die for. She looks just like an angel. I love how they still stay all curled up in a little ball! Hope all is going well while you guys are away.
Isn't it so true...when one bad thing happens another good thing comes right behind it?
You both are amazingly blessed. How did this all come about? I would love to hear your story in full.
Congrats and you look great by the way.
I went to Costco and everytime I see the dried mangos I think of you. Odd no?
She is adorable and I love the b/w family picture. What an amazing collection of pictures. I can tell she already has you both wrapped around her TINY fingers!! Congrats again!!
Congratulations! What a gorgeous little doll. I love the pictures. I LOVE your hair Amanda, you look lovely. All the best!
What a perfect little Angel! Those are the most precious pictures. We couldn't be happier for you both. I loved the picture of the 3 of you, you look so good! We sure do miss you!
Amanda,
I am soooo happy for you guys! I was reading you post before,about the emotions of the birth mom and I got teary eyed! She is so brave and is so amazing! I am so touched and so proud of her adn you guys both! But it is true that little girl is lucky to have such wonderful parents and family to welcome her to! I love those pictures! I agree with Sywia...I would get them all! Hope all is well! Have a Happy Mother's Day tomorrow!
Amanda
Congratulations, Amanda & Levi!! I am so happy for you guys and think that adoption is the most amazing thing in the world. I admire the birth moms and the adoptive families SO much!! And these pictures are absolutely STUNNING. What a beauty! Hope you are all well. Take care!
Becky Thalgott
She is so beautiful! Congratulations you guys! What a wonderful addition to your cute family! Thanks for sharing those great pictures with us!
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