In the Woods

I took these shots while Jim, Kara, Michael and I hiked at Table Rock. This was just hours before she went to the hospital to deliver little Elliana. They took us on a two mile hike in which Kara did amazingly well. Jim and I were the rookies, huffing and pufffng in the 95 degree temps and high humidity. Here are a few pics.



Thank you for looking. ~Jackie

Pics from the Smokey Mountains

Thank you for looking. ~Jackie

Long Drive Home

Well Jim and I headed home last Saturday around noon. We were so sad to leave number one reason was it was so fun getting to know little Elliana but also because Kara was feeling so terrible after her epidural. She was having a severe reaction and just basically had to stay flat or suffer froma terrible headache. Michael actually took her back to the hospital later that day and they did a patch procedure where they re injected her own blood into where the epi was placed forming a clot so that she was not leaking spinal fluid which was causing the terrible headaches, neck problems and even ringing in her ears. I am so happy to report that she is doing wonderfully now. Jim and I took a very scenic routes home so I did take lots of pictures. Here are a few that I liked but honestly I have not had much of a chance to look at them yet. Getting back to work from vacaion is never fun. It takes awhile to catch up.


Thank you for looking. ~Jackie

Michael Made Dinner

Michael cooked out tonight and made the most wonderful meal. A wonderful salad, pasta salad, fresh corn on the cob, a Polish dish that I won't even try to spell but it too was delicious made with cabbage, onions, and noodles. He topped that off with delicious marinated Fillet Mignon with his special marinade. Dinner was just wonderful. The weather even cooperated with a brief rain just before dinner cooling things down. We ate outside in their back yard and it was so relaxing. We celebrated with a little welcome Elliana cake and a nice bon fire afterward. It was a special evening to finish off our trip. We will see them tomorrow morning but then we must leave. It is going to be terribly sad. I get teary every time I think about it.

Anyways... here are a few pics from tonight, also some misc. ones from tonight of Elianas adorable room, first bath, some beautiful roses Kara received, and bassinett.

Elliana is now 3 days old

She is so beautiful and totally precious.

Elliana one day old

Finally they are home. Not many pics today. We left at 2:00 pm and it was a steamy 95 degrees+. Kara is still uncomfortable with a head ache and her neck is bothering her. Her doctor think she may have pulled a muscle in her neck when she was in labor. She is thrilled to be home. Elliana is doing very well nursing and seems to be doing great. Kara is doing great from having the baby but is bothered by the head ache and neck pain. All in all she is really doing very well but did need a nap. Michael made Kara a nice bowl of cereal she wanted with blueberries and a bananna, she fed Elliana, put her down for a nice nap and waved us off to enjoy a dinner at a Mexican Restaurant around the corner.
Jim, Michael, Patrick and I went out to dinner and when we returned they were all thankfully sound asleep. I think that now Kara is home she will be much more comfortable and happier.

Elliana Theresa Arrived

The delivery of little Elliana went wonderfully. Michael and I stayed in the room the entire time. Truely the most unbelievable experience. I can't explain right now the awesomeness of hearing her cry as she was being delivered. Just amazing.

Michael cut the umbilical cord. He is so proud. Once she was born it was just minutes and they cleaned the room and all left. Michael, Jim and I have been able to stay with Elliana and Kara. We have all had turns holding her. She is so little, sweet and perfect.

Her are some quick pics. She was born at 1:22 pm at 5 lbs and 11 oz.

12 Noon

Well it was a tough two hours but things are much better. Kara has an epi in place. She is 4cm dilated and 90% effaced. Kara is so much happier now and WAY more comfortable. She even accepted a sour green jolly rancher. She is permitted a little bit of hard candy to suck on occasionally. She is feeling so much better that Jim Michael and I may go grab a quick bite to eat.

A Welcome Snack

By the way they turned the sound up of the fetal monitor. It is so cool hearing Elliana with us.

10:30 am

The doctor broke Kara's waters about a half hour ago long with upping the pit. Contractions are rolling one on top of another right now. Michael and I are trying to be very supportive. She has decided she will need an epidural. She is in the cue but it maybe a long wait. Its so hard seeing her in pain right now. Brings tears to your eyes. Michael is quick to try to make a joke to brighten her up. Or asks her to make comparisons of pain. For example does it hurt as bad or worse than a fall while snowboarding at Winter Park? I asked her about some old soccer injuries but she is saying nothing compares to this. So we are patiently waiting for the anesthesiologist trying to support her and give her words of encouragement.

Michael Trying To Coach Her Through A Contraction

9:30 am

Not much to update. Kara will be checked by the doctor in about 45 minutes. They may decide at that time to break her water to make things progress a little faster.

Kara and Michael catching a little sleep while they can

July 14th 7:00 am

Kara had a comfortable night with not a lot of progress yet. They are not allowing her anything to eat and she is hungry all ready. I feel so sorry for her. We are not eating in the room so that we don't tempt her.

As you can see in the picture she is stuck in bed but has her cell phone, i pod and a game boy. Her hospital room is beautiful with a window along one of the walls that looks out onto the 2nd floor roof garden. Everything in the hospital is so mellow and perfect for Kara. She loves the outdoors and they have this beautiful theme through out the womens hospital with green leafs and a very natural look.