It was our last day of relaxation in Southern California. The weather cooperated all week for us – – it was absolutely perfect.

We spent the morning relaxing and followed up in the afternoon by running errands. We had to make a run to Trader Joe’s for some favorite coffee and wine. Also, we made a run to exchange some oxygen tanks for the drive home.

Then, we went to see Aunt Shannon, Uncle Rick and the cousins. Since Ella can’t be around kids, we displayed her through the patio door. This way, her cousins could take a peek at her. That was a fun time!

Toward the end, Ella was having some good laughs with Uncle Rick. All in all, a great time in Southern California. We miss it!

On a final note, many have asked about Ella’s oxygen requirements at sea level. She is definitely requiring less: about 250ccs at night and 500ccs during the day. At home, she is about 250ccs higher: 500ccs at night and 750ccs during the day. So although it is less overall, I actually thought that the change might be more significant.

Our plan is to head out late tomorrow morning and start our journey back to Colorado. Our first stop is St. George which will likely take about 8 hours total with stops. That is if we don’t run into really bad traffic. After all, it is Memorial Day weekend and we have to take the route through Las Vegas.

We’re hoping and praying for minimal traffic and safe travels. If Ella was half as good as she was on the drive to California, we’re in good shape.

Psalm 62:5 (NIV)
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

Ella sure does enjoy her computer time. I think it’s a genetic thing.

Today was spent visiting with some friends we hadn’t seen in years. Emmit, who I worked with way back in 1994, and his wife Jackie drove up from San Diego for a visit. We had a great time catching up. When they were on their way out, they invited us to see my manager from the same company. So we packed the car and went down the street for a quick visit at Starbucks. Such a trip seeing faces you’ve not seen in over 15 years!

Afterward, we headed out for an early dinner. Then we drove around an took in the views around Laguna Niguel. Love the hills out here.

After returning to “base camp”, some other friends (Paul and Heidi) that we knew from church came over for a visit. Such a good time seeing friends from years past.

Heading back to the great grandparents tomorrow, more time with Grandma West tomorrow night, Ella’s aunt and uncle on Friday, and then making our way towards Colorado on Saturday.

Just trying to soak it all in before the long drive home.

We all had a good day seeing friends and family…and we have the pictures to prove it.

Waking up with Bun

Lunch with our friend Ani

Visiting with the Lazio’s

Visiting uncle Cliff, but only through the car windows because aunt Diane is sick.

Driving around Huntington, Newport, and Irvine

And leaving you with this photo of the Huntington Beach Pier

We all had a great day hanging out with the Snyder family. There were 10 people over for dinner at Aunt Ginny’s and it was a good time for all. Ella mostly behaved herself while being around everyone. She had a couple moments where her stranger anxiety got the best of her, but otherwise she did very well.

We also had some time outside for lunch. We’re trying to hit the restaurants that we’ve really missed since being in Colorado.

Around 8:39pm we experienced a 4.7 magnitude earthquake for about 15 seconds. We grew up out here, so it’s not a totally foreign experience for us, but that magnitude is more on the medium scale. It was a pretty solid roller though and I felt it real good because I happened to be “in the library” at the time of occurance (that was a first for me). It was certainly Ella’s first earthquake!

Looking forward to relaxing with the Bun and catching up with more family and friends this week.

We made it! Once again Ella did great, but we are all just wiped out. The Bun is already sleeping and we’re not far behind her. Looking forward to some rest…

For as long of a drive we had to St. George (12 hours total with stops) the real saint was Ella. She did awesome. Very few fussy moments and did great the entire trip. Shortly after we arrived in our hotel room, she went right to sleep.

First leg down, next leg tomorrow…So Cal here we come!

Enjoy the pics of our journey below. Man…God’s creation is incredible, especially our precious child =).

On Mother’s Day 2008, I posted a series of photos that visually represented Tina’s journey with Ella. The trend starts right where it left off and continues all the way through today. A taste of Tina’s strength, compassion, patience, humor, and love for Ella can be experienced by the images below. Thank you Jesus for Ella’s amazing mother.

Also, I don’t want to forget to honor Tina by remembering our son, who was with us a very short time, but his footprints will leave a permanent mark on our hearts.

Our son’s footprints (actual size)

Above are some pictures of our sweet Ella, however, today’s focus was on Ella’s baby brother.

This morning, when we first walked into labor and delivery, I wasn’t expecting the flood of emotions. We were admitted around 8am and induction started around 10:30am. Tina began to have contractions and cramping around 1pm. Our son was born this afternoon at 2:14pm.

Thank you for all your prayers. We are home tonight and Tina’s recovering well.

During the labor process the Lord inspired me to write the words below.

My Son
Though I won’t get to look into your eyes in this lifetime, I know you’ve been blessed by looking into His.

You are my son, my son for eternity.
I cherish the thought of us meeting some day.

I do wonder, if God’s plans were different, whose eyes you would have, whose smile.

Would you have your mother’s lips and your dad’s nose?

As you grew, would you have a passion for the arts, or would it be sports?

How uniquely our Lord has made you, a blend of your mother and me.

Would we play catch, or go fishing? Go for a bike ride, or fly a kite?

What if….

But God knows. Our Heavenly Father ordained it. He knew that you would only be with us a very short time…at least in this lifetime.

There’s comfort in knowing where you are now. Surrounded by those who love you, and care for you.

Thank you Jesus for this life. The life you created, and blessed us with.

Our son’s footprints (actual size)

Ella slept solid through the night and had a great day today. So much so, that she even tolerated her OT time and had a good feeding.

The little monkey even did her best trying to chew through her O2 cord, “Who says I need oxygen!”

She’s been all smiles this evening too. So glad to have those beautiful blue eyes to stare into.

Personally, I had a lot better day. Thank you for all the prayers. Considering the extreme mood swing from yesterday to today, I’ll take it as the Lord preparing my heart though. Today really was better, even with the news I’m about to share.

Tina had her follow-up ultrasound today. We were able to see a lot more of the baby. Arms, hands, legs, feet, head….but…

…there was no longer a heartbeat. We were not totally surprised, but it was quite a surreal moment. Our baby was gone.

Before wrapping up the ultrasound, we asked the technician if she could tell the gender of the baby. I think she knew already, but wasn’t sure if we wanted to know. She was able to point out on the ultrasound that it was a boy. Ella has a little brother in heaven.

After talking over the options with the doctor we decided to minimize the risk to Tina and have labor induced tomorrow morning. This is what the doctor recommended as well. Hopefully the process will go smoothly, and with minimal physical pain.

We praise our Heavenly Father for this precious life and are thankful for his merciful touch. I know right now that my earthly father, who is with our Lord, is enjoying some time with his grandson right now.

Please pray that the delivery will go smoothly tomorrow without incident. Specifically pray for Tina’s health and comfort as well as the state of our emotions throughout the day.

Thank you all so much for your support during this difficult time. Your words of encouragement and support are so upllifting. We also take to heart those that choose to share very few words, as they mean so much as well.

Continuing to hold tightly to God’s promises…and savoring the life of Ella Renae which is a salve to our wounded hearts.

Revelation 21:4 (NLT)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”