the gifts of Christmas

The biggest gift has been that Dahlia has been feeling much better these past few days, having overcome major issues with her right lung and a potentially serious bacterial infection. Check out Emily's blog for cute pictues of her in her Santa hat and reindeer booties (my camera battery lost power that day).

After our day in the hospital, Jessica and Walter took us for a drive around nearby River Oaks.

Yes, Walter is finally home from the Carribean, and sporting a new hairdo, thanks to him losing a bet that U. of Houston would win the Conference USA Championship. He had to shave his head.



It was magical!

A few more of the older grandkids got to sit at the "big" table on Christmas Eve

while the younger ones had to sit at the kids table. (I should have replaced Super Man with Santa Claus.)

After a Christmas Eve "program" , the kids were excited to open their "secret pal" gifts.

Christmas is always about the children ...

We are so thankful for the gifts of two new precious grandbabies, born 10 days apart, Lorelei and Dahlia. They will be so cute playing together next Christmas.



Laila was so amazed to get what she had wished for

And so, another Christmas has come and gone, with much to be grateful for, especially our Savior Jesus Christ who is with us in our joys and our trials.

quite a week (3rd week of December)

It was a rough week for Dahlia, as she fought a bacterial infection (the risks of being in a hospital). Then, just as things were looking good as far as recovering from the infection, she had to undergo two surgeries within 24 hours. Both involved a serious complication in her right lung involving blood clots. Fortunately, they had to make just an inch and 1/2 incision in her side, and by the end of the week, the doctors were able to feel positive about the recovery of that lung. So the week ended with hope for much improvement next week.

We all love this little angel so very much. It's very hard seeing her have to undergo so much.

On Thursday, it was wonderful to attend the temple to feel of the love our Savior has for us, and to recieve peace and comfort in the midst of trials.

On Friday nights, Brian and the kids come to our home (they live 1 1/2 hours away) so Brian can be with the baby in the hospital and the kids can be with their mom.  What a surprise for the kids, when they discovered that a "secret Santa" had paid a visit.

Thank you so very much "secret Santa"! The kids were so excited and felt so loved. They loved their gifts, as did Emily and Brian.

The weekend was fun for the children as they celebrated Dario's upcoming birthday, made gingerbread houses, and played with their cousins.

Inside & Outside the hospital -- 2nd week of December

"Hello, King Tut!" We see this guy every morning while waiting to hop on the light rail that takes us to the hospital.

"Good morning, Miss Goldfish". She seems to swim through the air instead of her aquarium in this photo I took on the 17th floor family lounge area at Texas Children's, where we take a few breaks during the day.

"Hello, Christmas!" It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Texas Children's.

And this is where our hearts are this Christmas season. We always feel a special spirit when we enter Dahlia's room in the ICU.

Dahlia is recovering from the big surgery she had last week for the Berlin heart. Her big brother Dario said all he wants for Christmas is for his baby sister to get better.

Big brother Aiden calls Dahlia's Berlin Heart her "little glass heart".

"Good Evening, Jessica". It is a pleasure to see your sweet face at the end of most of our days in the hospital. Thanks for putting us up in your Ronald McDonald house that is so very close to the hospital.

And now, for a peek of our life outside of the hospital --
On Monday, my daughters took me to Nikos to celebrate my big fat Greek birthday with wonderful Greek food.

On Saturday, Sharon and Bill hosted the annual Ellis siblings Christmas party.

Stuart is the "baby" of the bunch, the youngest of Maxine and Art's eight children.

After a delicious dinner (Texas style barbeque), we gathered for our "white elephant" gift exchange.

It's no surprise that no one wanted to steal the "present" Donna and Hank brought -- a stunning collection of nature items Hank had gathered from their yard, complete with a slithery guest.

 Stuart got his secret wish -- a Hillary Clinton mask.

Niece Breeana's rockin' it with her new aviator sunglasses -- perfect for her upcoming trip to New Mexico.

Nephews Matt and Justin will love cuddling with their new Christmas Teddy bears. How cute are they?

Presenting all the Ellis brothers and sisters--minus Billy (in Pennsylvannia) and Beverly (in Utah), and Jerry who has passed on (miss you guys!) . They don't look a day older than last year. (Granny would be proud.)

Thanks Sharon and Bill for such a wonderful evening!