What a beautiful baby girl. When she does feel good she lets the spirit shine right out to everyone. She may be catching a cold and teething and whatever just bugs her anyway. Hold on, hang tight this too shall pass. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

We are praying. Miss you guys and sweet Ella. We are sorry to hear she is having a rough go.

XO

ella does look very happy, she feels the love that her mama and daddy have for her and that is what shines through those bright dancing eyes. we will pray for a good nights rest for all three of you and a much better day tomorrow.

Ella loves the camera! She is just striking her pose.. (oh that is so 80’s) I guess I should say; “She’s bringing Cutsie back”

She has such a wonderful smile. Love the tongue action! Hang in there! you both are doing amazingly well! WOW.

How could you NOT be weary? I just noted you started this blog in January 2007… it’s been a LONG year… and full of miracles. Keep reminding yourselves how far you’ve come and how much you’ve accomplished…

I am praying that each minute you sleep will feel like double. . . that tomorrow you will be feeling more refreshed. Not sure this is encouraging, but really- there are days when even though you are in your familar “community” you feel lonely as a parent. It is really tough to watch your baby go through all of this on top of it. I have got to be one of your biggest fans! You two are really pulling out all the stops to give Ella your best TLC. What a precious gift you are giving her, your love.

Ella, I am hoping and praying that you will make progress in the cold and feeding areas. You look great and Taco and Manny said to say hello to you. Tina and Josh I am saying a special prayer for you tonight so that you can refresh and rebuild your energy and know that we are all in awe of the job you are doing for Ella. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know you’re weary and tired and that it’s hard to see an end to this in the near future. God is with you, He loves you, and He knows exactly how you feel. You’re not alone and you’re never beyond the reach of God’s love. I want you to know that right now I’m lifting you three up to the Lord…for rest, for peace, for comfort and for joy. Abby and I pray for you three every day and we’d love to be able to help you with ANYTHING that you might need. We’re here for you. I’m in Gainesville every day during the week and can easily bring over some lunch or groceries (coffee maybe?) or anything else, just say the word.

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11, 25-28

Thank you, thank you for the pictures. Soooo cute. Charlotte

Heart goes out to you two, it has to be hard, but have faith the end is coming and you 3 will soon be home with family and friends. Love you guys!

Thank you for the pictures of Bun that you send each day. Her precious smile starts me off every morning!
You are amazing parents and I continue to pray for your strength and know that He continues to be with you.
I also pray that the friends you have in Gainesville will help ease your loneliness by stopping by to visit when they are able.
Know that those of us in Colorado miss you very, very much!!

She is so adorable! I hope your family had a good Valentines Day! I love Getting on the computer and seeing how she is doing. I will continue to pray for your family. love, Avery Kronz( Friends with the Richards)

Teething also causes more saliva to be produced and that makes for more opportunities to choke on it-even in the healthiest babies! Do not despair. You are in the best possible environment for your baby. You aren’t alone-we are all over you guys with prayer!
We just love checking up on you guys everyday. My girls have named all their baby dolls Ella!
Give her tons of kisses for all of us!
Tracy and family
P.S. Does she like music? My kids loved to be sung to when they weren’t feeling their best. Anything to get them to listen instead of crying made all of us feel better! I would even sing prayers to them as I was petitioning to God to reduce their pain. Just a thought…:0)

Hey guys, I know you are weary & sick of Gainesville. You miss your home, your dogs, your support structure, and the general sense of normalcy. Just know that you are doing the right thing for Ella and God will bless that. This season will pass. God will continue to provide for you each day.
I was struck as I was reviewing some posts and the Map of Love. You guys are so loved. WOW! I can only hope that if we ever experience any type of crisis, that we have half as many people lifting us up and loving us across the miles. You guys are so special and God has His hands all over you. Rest in that and the knowledge that he will never give you more than you can handle. He knows your strong enough the hang on through this storm.
I love you and keep you in my prayers daily. TT

Hi you guys! I am so sorry to hear that Ella is having a rough time today. Can I come over tomorrow? Would love to see “my girl” I will call you in the morning.

Seriously, she is soo cute! I’m sorry it has been difficult for you guys and I know it will only get better over time. She has allot of growing to do and this might be a small cause for her sleepiness. I know Alli has days every month or two where she will eat allo and sleep allot more than normal for 3 or 4 days at a time. I hope this is why she is soo sleepy in which case it will only last a few days and then subside. Also have you tried teething tablets? I don’t know if anyone else has suggested them but they were miracle for Alli when she was teething. They are a homeopathic remedy and they can be found everywhere, including Walmart. I hope she feels better soon so you guys can get some more rest : ) All my love, Dawn