February 28, 2011

12:11 p.m.


I snapped these today after a snowball fight with Andrew & John...fun times...the snow was melting (finally!), and then it started coming down again. Heavily.

I know someday I'll miss the snow. But right now...



February 25, 2011

5:03 p.m.


random snow pictures...cannot wait for warmer weather!!!



February 23, 2011

happy birthday...

This day is a celebration of so much more than an annual milestone. For Eleonora, it is a triumph over the odds, a celebration of life, a recognition of a strong fight.
And the fact that the fight was won.

Two years ago, on this day, we were not celebrating. The house was filled with
silence...confusion...and fear. Over three-thousand miles away, an emergency c-section had just taken place. A tiny baby girl was born, weighing only 1 pound, 5 ounces, and she was immediately whisked away to the NICU.

It would be days before her mother could even hold her.


two weeks old
(taken by Philipp)


But Sarah did touch her. And soon, hold her. And every single day that the baby spent in that hospital, her mother was there with her.
And Eleonora grew stronger.

three weeks old
(taken by Philipp)


(taken by Sarah)


8 weeks old
(taken by Sarah)


As time went by, the weeks were filled with ups and downs. The baby grew bigger, battled with infection, went through two surgeries, started wearing clothes, weaned
down from the high amount of oxygen, and then, when she was four months old, Philipp and Sarah took their precious baby home. For the first time.

---

eight months old



nine months old





16 months old



16 months old



16 months old




18 months old
(taken by Elizabeth)



(taken by Philipp)



(taken by Sarah)



18 months old
(taken by Elizabeth)



Eleonora has come so far, and is doing so amazingly.
We all thank God for the miracle that she is.


Happy Birthday, Eleonora Rose Gollner!!!

February 18, 2011