Tuesday, March 25, 2008



We've been home 5 wonderful days now and time is going by so fast. It's amazing how much time and attention my tiny 6 pound little girl requires. She's a full time job! I always knew she would change my life (in many more ways than one), but I'm starting to realize just how long the road ahead with her really is! On our last day at the hospital I met a mom of a 5 1/2 month old little boy who had just gotten his Glenn operation (the second one). It was very sad to see his little arms strapped down and to see a scared look on his little face. At his age he knew more of what was going on. And then these sweet babies go through all of it again at 2-3 years. The more families that I meet with babies going through this the more I have come to realize that they are here for very specific, important reasons. I believe that in the premortal life, they not only accepted this challenging life, but volunteered for it. I believe that they were of the strongest, most valient spirits and chose this selfless life to bless the lives of others. I have been absolutley amazed and humbled by all the people who have been affected by Bela already. We got a sweet note the other day left on our porch by someone in our ward that we havn't even known that long but has been so supportive to us through all this. She wrote, "Your family's experience has truly been an inspiration to us, as I know it has been to so many others. It has helped strengthen our own testimonies of the Gospel principles and the love Heavenly Father has for us. THanks for helping us put life in proper perspective." I know that is why Bela is here. She is giving people a reason to believe in miracles and in the healing powers of heaven. She is giving people a chance to excersise faith and to pray more meaningfully and purposfully, and realize whats really important in life. I know that this is true for myself, she has helped me grow in so many ways since she has come into my life. I am grateful for what this little girl has taught me and will continue to teach me. And I am so grateful that so many of you have been able to be touched in some way by her as well. I am ever more convinced that this is why all these sweet babies I have met recently are given to us in this way. They are our teachers.
Bela has had 3 dr. apts since we've been home and each one has gone well. She is still doing great. She gained a tiny bit over the weekend. we were hoping for a little more, but she's doing so well. She LOVES to be held.. my mom says she's spoiled, I'm sure she is. :) I can't help but think that she is just so happy to be loved and cuddled and in mommy's arms so I happily give in. The only time she is extremely unhappy is when she is undressed. We've given her a couple baths and she is not a fan. Its a shame cuz there's nothing better than her clean fluffy mohawk. :)



We continue to appreciate soo much your love and support and prayers. Bela is getting stronger everyday and we have SO much to be grateful for.

Not to forget about Benson...he's been able to find ways to entertain himself lately..

19 comments:

La said...

this a fabulous post. i always love the new pics. we have definitely been blessed by having bela in our lives. she is such a sweetie. i need to come and see her.

Wendy said...

I am so happy that she's home. I'm sure you're loving every minute. I love her hair... it's pretty awesome. She is so sweet looking and seems to be so even tempered (at least from the pictures). Benson's picture is hilarious! I keep thinking of you guys and am constantly amazed at your strength and faith. You have been truly blessed by this little girl as have many others. Thank you for your unfailing example!

Trevor and Kimmie said...

So so so happy for you! And you look beautiful. You hold up very well under stress! Good for you, Avery!! We love you and all your sweet family!

Ali said...

Anyone who has heard of little Bela has been changed for the better. I love Bensons creativity!

Sally Jensen Interiors said...

Hahaha...I love the pic of Bens. Is his toe ok? That was the worst! This whole post is so true. I loved reading the random comments on the newspaper articles about her (online). People that have no idea who you or little Bela are, are so touched...just imagine how the people that do know you guys (like me) are touched. Keep on gaining little Bela boo!

S and K said...

So well put Ave, I love your posts and how beautifully you express yourself, you may need to write a book! (In all that spare time! wink!!) I am still so thrilled she is home and looks like she is loving it! And Benson just made my day with that picture!!! He needs to come over and play with E!

Missy said...

Avery, I just went to lunch with Lauren and Whit and they told me all about Bela. It was SO exciting to see that you are HOME with her. I'm so so happy for you and she is such a blessing to everyone - you are so right.

The Simmons Family said...

You definetly have a lot to be grateful for! I agree with you that these little babies volunteered to come to earth to teach us and help us grow spiritually. They are true miracles! Everyday I look at my little Owen and am truly grateful. We are getting ready for the Glenn in May... it's scary, but we are ready for the next challenge. Keep up the good work Bela!

Erin said...

Wonderful words of wisdom Avery! You have a great understanding of life, especially that of your little angel. How fun it will be to see how her life unfolds and the blessings she will bring to others, or how the Lord will bless others through her. I have to say though it also takes special parents to have special children like that. Very cute pics!

Dallas and Krista said...

I have the handiest little $3.00 tool for taking baths that will make it so much easier for you and her instead of using that towel! I will be by with it ASAP :) That way I can meet the little gal face to face. I can't wait!

Dallas and Krista said...

PS. I love Bens. That picture is priceless!

The Ridgway Family said...

Avery, I am so happy that everything is going well for you all right now. I can't imagine how much work they are full-time. In the cardiac ICU where Eden is at PCh there are five other HLHS babies (not including Eden) and it is so nice getting to know the parents and hearing their stories. They are all in different stages, but seem to be doing well. I just hope to get our Eden home someday before her next surgery. Bela is absolutely beautiful!

cait said...

ave, she is seriously so beautiful. i want to hold her so bad.

TC Jolley said...

I'm serious about having Benson over, my boys would love it! Let me know if I can help. And little Bela is beautiful, we are so happy for you guys.

Mythreesons said...

I just happened across your blog in my HLHS searches. My sister had a baby a little over a week ago with HLHS, but because of a small leak on the right side, she wasn't a candidate for the Norwood and they did the Hybrid on her as well. It's nice to read about someone in a "somewhat" similar situation, althought I'm quickly finding that all these babies are so different. I am amazed at how well she is doing and that you can nurse her. You must have amazing doctors... they haven't let my sister even hold her baby since she got her breathing tube. If you get a chance, maybe you could visit her blog and leave her some encouragement, at toshander.blogspot.com. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Bella is beautiful and her strength is amazing. Emily Hoopes

Heidi McMillan said...

Your little Bela is beautiful. Congratulations on bringing her home and all her successes. Tahnk you for your optimism and hope. We are also blessed with a little boy with HLHS. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not grateful he chose to come to our family.

Moranda said...

Happy Birthday Yesterday, Gurty! Right??? can't believe you had 2 kids before you turned 24! Hope you had a good B-day with Bela at home and all!
I'd kiss you on the forehead if I could see you.

maggie holmes said...

she is beautiful! i am so happy for you that you are all home doing well... what amazing strength and faith you have.

Anonymous said...

move the legs sweet girl I would LOVE to see your pretty little bald pu==y, baby is best