Lowry Family

2012 Lowry Family Christmas

This was my attempt at using the tripod and setting the timer on the camera. It took a few takes before I could move my pregnant self fast enough to get in the picture. Everyone was a good sport about it.

The Sunday before Christmas. One of the few times

I've worn makeup during this pregnancy.

Janet and Keith treated us to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory on Christmas Eve. There is nothing more heavenly than food when you are pregnant; esp. when you don't have to make it ;-)

Ellie didn't want to let go of her straw and be in the picture.

Janet and Keith were good sports about it.

Can we say, tantrum time!

Christmas morning we all came down stairs to open presents. Ellie still had no idea what was going on, but once the unwrapping commenced, she was game.

A little time at the park with Grandma & Grandma Lowry. Searching for the perfect stick has become a new tradition. Thanks Grandma, j/k!

Update on Ellie’s Medical status

I figured that posting this would be a quick way to keep friends and family in the loop on changes with Ellie. After being hospitalized for several days this past October, we learned that Ellie is a full-blown asthmatic. Basically, this means she has several inhalers and will be monitored by a pulmonologist every three months. Unfortunately, between the asthma and reflux (which aggravates her lungs and esophagus) a respiratory infection can make it hard for her to breathe, creating the need for supplemental oxygen and monitoring in the hospital. As she gets older, her lungs will get larger and making it easier to breathe when she gets sick. Until then, we need to keep her away from children and crowded indoor areas during flu season. We have pulled her out of preschool and avoid taking her to stores whenever possible. Unfortunately, there is only so much we can do to prevent viruses since soap doesn’t kill them.

The good news is that this won’t last forever and we have knowledge and medical professionals on our side. I am grateful that all her doctors take a conservative approach toward her treatment and look her over with a very careful eye. It is comforting to know that so many people are involved in giving her the very best care.

As an asthmatic, we will need to avoid places with high altitudes and anything else that could trigger an asthma attack. I hope our friends and family can be patient with us during visits, as we will have some restrictions.

Ellie's 2nd Birthday

Here are some pictures of Ellie's b-day. Originally we were going to have a party, but since we need to keep her away from other kids during flu season, it was just us this year. Unfortunately, she vomited twice that day, so we waited 24 hrs before having cake.

Ellie received a Leapfrog Learning Pad 2 from my parents and a bunch of other stuff from us and relatives. She was thoroughly spoiled. In true two-year-old fashion, her favorite toys were the princess balloon and shoe box. Love my girl!

This was after cake on Sunday. I included it because it's rare that I am not the one behind the camera.

Some random photos off my mom's camera

Grammy's Visit

Since Jim had a week long training class in Raleigh, my mom flew in for a few days to help me out. I have been sick as a dog, so needless to say, I was very grateful for her arrival. We managed to squeeze in some fun too.