Sunday, February 14, 2010

The Girls first Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to all. It's the girls first Valentine's day, and we took a few photos of them in their valentine's outfits. They looked so cute in them. Thomas and I had a great trip back to Anaheim where he had served his mission over 13 years ago. I was so happy for him because he was able to see a lady that he had baptized when he was a missionary there. She is a beautiful person, and it meant so much to Thomas to see her and to see the areas he had lived and served in. We had a relaxing time in California and enjoyed the time spent together as a couple. The girls were well while we were away. They were well cared for. We appreciate all the hard work from the nurses and doctors at Woman's hospital and at Texas Children's hospital.

Haley wearing her Valentine's outfit



Rachel wearing her Valentine's outfit



The back of their cute outfits



Rachel continues to grow, she is weighing 9lbs 15oz. She is such a big girl now, and it seems just like yesterday that she was just a pound. We hope and pray she will be able to come home within the next few weeks. The doctors seem to be hinting that way, but we shall see. Rachel continues to tolerate the feedings schedule she is on. She takes 77cc of formula over a 45 minute period. She has been doing great with that. I think the next thing she will get is to replace the g-tube with the button, then she is completely ready to go home. We love our little Rachel so much. It was hard being away from her for a few days, but we are grateful for her progression.

Little Haley has finally started to grow again, she had lost the fluid weight four days in a row after she was admitted. Haley weighs 9 lb 2oz. We hope that what the doctors have done will be what she needed to over come the struggles she had. We missed our beautiful Haley as well very much. We owe a great deal to the Lord for all that He has done for Haley and Rachel. We love our girls with a love that has no bounds. They are our girls for eternity. We are grateful for the knowledge that we do have, that our children are sealed to us, and because of that we will have them beyond this life. We owe everything to our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. They continue to help us and most importantly our little girls. We are ready for the challenges that face us ahead, but we know that the almighty will help us along. We are so blessed to have Rachel and Haley. They have brought so much joy and happiness to our family.

Here are a few pictures from our trip:

Thomas and I in front of the San Diego Temple. This temple is so beautiful!



Thomas walking on the beach in Newport Beach



A beautiful scenic spot on our way to San Diego



The big Ferris Wheel we rode at California Adventures in Disneyland



Us on the Ferris Wheel

18 comments:

  1. Awww how cute the babies look in their outfits :)!They are such beautiful girls,
    I'm glad that you two had fun on your trip.

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  2. I'm glad you enjoyed your little getaway. It seemed to go so quickly. Remember to continue to make time for yourselves because as our daughter's doctor reminds us time and time again, parents like us with special children need to physically and emotionally rest every so often. Thanks for sharing the gorgeous pictures.

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  3. Phew.....this is the first time I have come across one of the vitriolic comments that people have mentioned...and it has moved to leave you a comment for the first time, tho' I have followed your blog since before the babies were born. Because of the time difference you may well still be asleep!! UK here
    Words fail me that someone can take pleasure in being so spiteful and so ignorant.
    I'm glad that you had a great few days away, back now with your batteries recharged. I have loved watching your girls grow and progress and know that you both find strength in the Lord.
    Take care. Ignore the malliciousness of a few.
    Anne.UK

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  4. Seems like you guys had a great time!! I'm so glad for you that you were able to get away for a little while! As others have mentioned, it will get harder and harder as the time goes by, so it's good that you were able to find some time now. Everyone needs a recharge every now and then!!! I love the girls and their Valentines outfits - so cute!!! They are so beautiful and very lucky to have such wonderful parents. I hope they are both able to be home soon!


    Praying for you always,

    Christina McKinney

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  5. So glad you had a great trip. I sure admire you guys. That you continued to write and share your testimony and not even give words to any of the negativity that got sparked. You will never know what seeds will be planted. I am so glad you got to see old mission friends. I hope you found them still active and doing well. I love the pictures of the girls in their valentines outfits and the ones from your trip. The one of the temple is just beautiful. I hope you get opportunities to go to the Houston one every now and then.
    So glad you had a great time. Welcome back refreshed. Can't wait till they get well enough to come home.
    -Melinda

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  6. so glad you had a lovely time and that the girls are doing so well !! they look so cute in their valentines outfits !!
    please make your comments so that you have to approve them before they appear here as i just find it so terrible what is writen. i am sure its the same person writing under different names? kindest thoughts from ireland.....

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  7. I love the valentine outfits, the girls are just so cute. It sounds like you will have both of them home soon.

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  8. What sweet valentines you have. they are just precious!

    i am so happy for you that you could get your batteries recharged! sometimes we drain ourselves till there's not much to offer..

    welcome back! all is well!! keep us posted... we love you all without even knowing you personally, but you are part of our great family and i am so grateful that you keep us in the loop!

    hugs! and lovies,
    Erma

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  9. Awwwww
    They are just precious !!!!
    And look at those hearts on their booties..lol
    What blessed little sweethearts !

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  10. How great to come home to such awesome girls and to have had such a peaceful trip to the Golden Gate State.

    Love all the pictures.

    Frank and Virginia

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  11. Really glad to hear y'all got away for a couple days while the girls are still in the good care of the hospital. I'm sure it can only strengthen you as a couple and as parents.

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  12. Only good thoughts and wishes sent your way Stansels!!!

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  13. Welcome home! Glad to hear you had a great trip! You were both deserving of it and are such great parents. The girls look awesome in their outfits!

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  14. hi guys, this is the real Erma here... i don't know anything about erma1, nor do i want to... i hope she/he/it is just trying to be funny.:-)

    i just checked in again tonight to look at your little girls photos again - they are so dear.

    Erma from Midvale Utah

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  15. They are beautiful. I agree with previous posters; I'd turn on the comment moderation so that you dont have to deal with such meanness.

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  16. Y'all look so rested in the last picture...just what the doctor ordered. And I love the girls' V-Day outfits! Haley's pink glasses even match!

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  17. Thats aweful Erma..(erma1 etc). Just wanted to let you know Amanda that my comment says'profile not available' because I don't have a Blog....just the right profile to be able to leave a comment.
    Your girls are growing sooo fast. I'm sure it won't be long before they can both be home with you......in time for a wonderful summer.
    Take care. Hugs for the girls.
    Anne.uk.

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  18. i love the valentine's outfits! :)

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