Isn't that nice? A friend gave us some elk (aka deer) and even gave us a batch of chili made with it. Very tasty! It was our first venison meal ever. Luckily no one made the Rudolph connection.
Ellie got alot of very sweet, thoughtful gifts for Christmas. Along with some adorable outfits and fun toys to shake, she was given some other meaningful gifts I wanted to share.
First, this is a collection of name cards that got taped to Ellie's crib when she was admitted to the hospital...made with love by the nurses. Framed with the name cards is the playing card we posted a while back that was on the ceiling of the room she was in. And of course the smile during that visit. We now believe it was the heavy influence of pain meds that allowed her to smile like that on that day.
Next is a very touching gift from a co-worker of Jeff's brother. This man offered us a piece of his heart that we will forever treasure. He was the care giver of his dear sister Libby. Libby had Down syndrome and passed from this world not too long ago. She lived a full life well into adulthood. Her brother heard about Ellie and took this wall hanging from his sister's belongings and gave it to us. Dear Libby, please watch over Ellie and offer her comfort and relief from suffering as she faces some of the challenges I know you faced in your life. I know you had a generous heart and would be happy to see it in little Ellie's room.
And finally, Julia was so sweet and filled Ellie's stocking with some of the bottles in which I store milk. Courtesy of the children's hospital in Atlanta, I have a nice supply of these little bottles which start out looking like this:
And then finally either mom or the nurse makes a 24-hour batch in this and the bottles get washed and the cycle starts again.
Thank you Our Lady of La Leche - pray for us.
