Eli's Journey

David had to have surgery on his back to remove the "whopper" of a piece of back disc that had slipped from its rightful spot. Now, I apologize for not posting about DJR's surgery in advance of the event, which happened on July 14, but for some reason, David insisted that I not. To clarify, he has given permission now for me to post about the event...maybe only because he posted on Facebook about his experience. Anyway, we're 1.5 weeks post surgery and he is doing very well. David's mom, Anna, has been here to help with Elijah and serve as David's home health nurse. Lifesaver. Elijah is doing great. Today was his last day of school for a short summer break. Eli has an ear infection and congestion, but once we got him on antibiotic he started feeling much better. Sophia has an ear infection...likely from all of her summer swimming. She's doing better though. Wishing you all a wonderful upcoming weekend of rest and fun. Love you all, Melissa

Dearest Friends and Family, The extraordinary Elijah was born December 23, 2006, as a tiny guy with surprises beyond the imagination. No thumbs. No radius bones. No knee joints. Legs that won’t grow. A skull that won’t expand. A hole in his palate. Sensitive skin. Arms that won’t straighten. Physicians and specialists looked at us in disbelief — many grasping for a diagnosis and longterm outlook for Elijah’s future. We were forced to become immediate Eli Experts and make lifesaving and life‐changing decisions for our son. We didn’t choose this extraordinary journey, but we’re making it with genuine passion and fierce determination. Since our journey began 2½ years ago, we’ve been the humble recipients of extraordinary kindness and generosity – from many of you. Thank you. Today, we write with a simple request, please support Elijah’s “lap” in The Little Light House’s Mini Laps with a financial gift. On September 26, Elijah will take to the track and strut his stuff. How Elijah will go ...

Eli's favorite phrase, "There it is." He learned it months ago from his good friend Dora the Explorer...maybe you know her too. I love to hear Eli talk and day by day he is improving. Ask him what a dog says and he will say either wuf or meow...ask him what a cat says and he says the other. SO CUTE. Sophia sang today "...the star strangled banner..." Clearly, David and I should teach her those important words, but it is so cute to hear her try to remember them and sing them proudly. As she was singing about the ramparts she stopped and said, that makes no sense, but to her "strangled banner"...no comment. Here are the lyrics for those of you thinking you need a refresher like Sophia. O! say can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, t...

Have I mentioned how much Elijah loves to play in water. His adaptions to enjoying interesting activities makes me very happy. When he was tiny, he screamed the entire way through his bath...sponge bath that is. Now, he wants me to turn on the faucet so he can sit on the counter and swat the stream of water...makes a huge mess, but we both just laugh and laugh. David is feeling better, much better. My prayer is that the better-ness remains! David scolded me for airing all of our business on the blog. He said he was surprised I mentioned his back thing. I reminded him of some recent family business that I didn't put on the blog to show that I really do have a line for what gets publicly recorded. I figure he won't tell you about his back, so I must. We'll just see what he has to say about this entry. I love you all, Melissa