Update on Taylon

The situation with Taylon changes everyday. I explained to Aaron that it seems like we take one step forward and two steps back. Once one thing gets better something gets worse. The encouraging news (I've heard from many) is that this is the "normal" for premature infants. Taylon is still on is feeding tube but starting to tolerate food better. He now digests most of his food with only a little left over. His feedings were increased to about one ounce. The i.v. was lowered but increased once again when Taylon's feedings increased. (I don't quite understand the reasoning for that.) He is still on oxygen and looks like will be for awhile longer. Taylon started photo therapy for his jaundice on Tuesday.

The good news...yesterday Taylon watched me for an hour while he was being feed. I was amazed that he was able to stay awake that long. You can tell that he recognizes familiar voices. He has a nurse named Nancy that he loves. When he hears her he turns his head to find her. This was hard for me at first, you want your baby to be familiar with you but I have to be glad that he is well taken care of. The nice thing about this situation is- is that this nurse, is friends with Lon and Diane (Grandma and Grandpa Elwood.) Lon and Diane didn't even know she worked there.

I am so excited that today Aaron will be going up to see Taylon. I know that it has been really hard for him not to see him everyday. This will be his first time up there since Sunday. We'll update you with any new information.



Tuesday, January 13th.
You can tell that Taylon's color has changed
from the pictures below. He starts photo
therapy treatment today.

Monday, January 12th.
Taylon starts to open his eyes more and more.

Taylon on Monday, January 12th.

Taylon has started playing and pulling on

all his cords.

Sunday, January 11th.

Daddy with Taylon

A gift to Dayton

I have to tell you that with all that has been going on lately, Aaron and I really needed a good laugh. On Monday we received a package in the mail from Uncle Rob. Enclosed was a letter that said:

DROP THOSE DOLLS RIGHT NOW!
It's not to late Dayton. Enclosed you'll find all you need to maintain you're manhood
till your chest hair comes in. Turn this over for a daily regimen.
1/2 Hour of Rocky
1 Hour Pro Wrestling
15 Minutes with spider. (Remote controlled.)
2 Times Daily. Once to wake up your sisters and once when someone is on the can.
Good Luck and God Bless.
Captain Rob

Every time I need a good laugh I think about that letter and the things enclosed.

Here are some pictures. Already Dayton loves to wear his Champion belt.

Introducing...

Taylon Stephens Elwood


(Picture of Taylon taken on the 10Th. My first time being able to hold
Taylon except for the few seconds after birth.)

Taylon Stephens Elwood was born on Friday the 9Th of January. At six
weeks early, we are all amazed that Taylon weighed in at 6 pounds 2 ounces
and is 19 1/2 inches long. He is a miracle.



(Taylon in the NICU.)

Most of you know that I was having problems with my blood pressure. On Tuesday
my doctor was debating on induction but decided he would give the situation
one more try. He increased my medication for the third time and sent me home.
On Thursday I went to check in with the my doctor and my blood pressure was at an
all time high. At that time he decided he could no longer risk the baby or I.



(First time holding Taylon.)

I was induced at 7:30 a.m. and had Taylon at about 4:15 p.m. The NICU
worked with Taylon for a few minutes in the room and then took him to the
NICU. I was able to see him at about 9:30 p.m. last night and was able to
hold him for the first time today.




Taylon is a fighter. The NICU took him for X-rays shortly after he was born.
At that time they knew his lungs were not quite developed. He struggled all last
night for breath. (I wish I knew all the terms.) He had a breathing tube, IV, oxygen,
and feeding tube last night. They gave him medication that helped with his breathing
and were able to take him off most these things by morning. However, at lunch
his respiration was rapid, again, and he had to go back on the feeding tube.
I'll be able to see him again at 3:00 p.m.

I have to admit that one of the hardest things I have experienced is not being able
to see my son when I want. I can see him every three hours for a half hour. I miss
him so much while sitting in my hospital room! The next hardest thing was trying to
explain to my others kids why they can't see their brother. They will not be able to
see him until he leaves the NICU which could be a few weeks. Abagail doesn't
understand that her brother has been born. We've shown them all pictures hoping
this will help.

I will keep you all posted throughout the next few weeks while Taylon is in the
NICU. Please keep him in your prayers.

Becky

Playtime!

LOL.

For all those out there with boys before girls.
(Be Grateful!)

Our Huge Snow Storm

Just before Christmas we had a huge snow storm in Tooele. It was the first time this year that there was enough snow for the kids to play in. Aaron was home, so I bundled the kids in their winter clothes and sent them outside. Here are a few pics from the storm.

Dayton hiding from the snowfall.

Ellie and Dayton singing in the snow.

Savannah is not brave enough to go out in the

storm but decides to enjoy her hot chocolate on

the porch.

Abbie can barely move all bundled up in her snow

gear.

Dayton helping his dad clear the driveway.

Enjoy the Snow.

Becky

Dayton Turns 2

Happy Birthday to You!

I was sitting here thinking that December is more than half way through and I still have not posted Dayton's Birthday blog. Dayton turned two on November 28. He passed his well baby check with flying colors, although, still not on the charts. He weight 21 pounds and 8 ounces. Abagail and Dayton are two of my children that I actually remember what their weight was past a year old. I remember that I was worried about Abagail when I heard that she was only 18 pounds at 18 months. Those of you who have seen her lately would know that her weight is no longer a concern...I'm hoping that this is the same outcome for Dayton.

Having a boy has been very rewarding and much different than having girls. Dayton is so loveable and likes to be around Mom. His favorite thing to do with Mom is empty the dishwasher and help put away the dishes. He also likes to join in when I'm mixing cooking items at the counter.

I notice the terrible two's creeping in more and more as he wines, says, "NO!" asks, "Why?" or responds with "...cause." He loves stories and listens during Daycare learning time. I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or if Dayton is actually learning, but when I ask the kids the letter sounds, sometimes Dayton shouts the sound before the other kids do. Dayton loves to participate in Daycare crafts and worksheets.

Dayton wants to rough house with Daddy more and more and likes to be around Dad when he's using power tools. The part that amazes me the most is how different boys are from girls. Dayton makes sounds with his food while eating, his toys are often growling or fighting, and he loves to build. These are not things I have seen my girls do.

Being a boy with three sisters may have some disadvantages. Dayton has learned that it's o.k. for a boy to carry around a purse, lipstick is o.k. to wear, and a doll or barbie is a must have item. It cracks me up to watch him play with these things. We went to the store to look for Christmas ideas and Dayton was more inclined to point out the Littlest Pet Shops and the My Little Ponies then he was to point out the "Boys toys." (Hopefully his brother will be able to teach him the ropes when he comes along.)

It was really cute. The other night we were eating frosted cookies and after finishing we asked Dayton to wipe his mouth. He stuck the paper towel in his mouth and was trying to clean out the inside instead of wiping off the outside were the real problem was. Lately if Dayton has nothing to say or the house is quiet he will sing, "We will, we will, rock you!" I'm sure you have all seen the clip! Dayton is a tease. I f you ask him to come up the stairs, he does so, one stair at a time, taking as long as he can to get to the top. (A Bradbury trait, I think!)

We hope Dayton had a very Happy 2nd Birthday! We love him very much.

Thank you to all the family who came to celebrate.

P.s. Dayton (as well as the rest of the Elwood's) would like to wish cousin Brigham a very Happy 2nd Birthday!

Christmas Angel or Angels

 
 
 
 

Usually we let our littlest Angel, (not always Abbie, those of you who knew that this was Grandma B's nickname for Abbie) but the littlest child put the Angel on the tree. However, this year there was quite a bit of fighting over putting the Angel on the tree...Aaron and I's solution, each child had a turn. All the kids loved decorating the tree, although, I would say Dayton likes the tree the most. Each morning he runs to the tree and the first thing he does is plug in the Christmas lights. I usually would not let Dayton plug things in but I love how excited he gets when he has the opportunity.

We hope all are enjoying this Christmas Season. We think about all of you and miss those who are away. Please give all of your little Angels a hug from the Elwood Family.

Love,
Becky

Playing In the Tub

I couldn't find Abbie and Dayton anywhere until I heard some little voices coming from the kid's bathroom. I peeked in on them and couldn't resist grabbing the camera. They had a whole dialogue going on together until they say a camera peeking from the top of the shower. It's pretty cute what these two get caught doing together!!!

Rock You!

I'm not sure where Dayton learned it, but he goes around the house singing, "We will, We will, Rock you!" He claps when he sings...it's the cutest thing ever. With a little encouragement we were able to get him to sing on video. (Sorry my house is such a mess!)

This clip also shows a little bit of Dayton signing.

Hope you enjoy our little boy!

Sumo Baby

Sumo Baby
Uploaded by beckeck

Aaron wrapped Dayton up in his two favorite blankets to look like a Sumo Wrestler, turns out Dayton played the part well!