February 2008 Archives

Arielle: The Early Days

Mary Alice has worked very hard to sort through the photos so that you get the cream of the crop, and I've attempted to beat Picasa into doing what I want with them.  Hope you like the album.

Just a quick note to let everyone know Arielle Elizabeth Kaspar arrived February 15th at 4:49 PM. 6 lbs 8 oz, 19.5 inches via c-section. While we know we're biased, lots of other nurses at the hospital indicate she is, in fact, extra adorable.

Delivery and recovery has been more trying than anticipated. Bleeding problems occurred, prompting a more intense c-section, and a blood transfusion followed. As many of you know, Arielle was diagnosed in-utero with a birth defect that we were warned could impact a wide variety of functions. One of those is sight. An ophthalmologist concluded she is likely blind in one eye, which both didn't form properly, nor does it communicate correctly with the brain, making it something that is not fixable. While such news is tough, we are grateful all appears well with the other eye and she should be able to live life as a "seeing" person. Other than that, all functions are high. And mama can tell you she seems to be eating well, that's for sure!

Once again, thanks to everyone who has reached out with calls, thoughts, prayers, etc. Keeping up with everything is very tough at the moment. Email is the best way to communicate with us for the time being. Thanks!

Mary Alice, Travis & Arielle