New Family Member: Essie Grace! June 4, 2008!

[Montgomery Puppets]

Essie Grace was born on June 4, 2008 at 6:03 PM. She was 8 lbs, 10 ounces and 20 inches long. Her mom has had a rough go at it after the C-section. She ended up being hospitalized again this last Wed and spent 3 days in the hospital which left dad (me) to take care of the two girls. Her blood pressure had went up to 188 / 96 and she was have some serious problems. It turned out she had Preeclampsia (which was a little strange to occurr after the delivery). Along with some other fluid problems. She lost 20 lbs over night on Wed after fluid was drained off of her. (Not a recommended weight lost stragey.). But mom got to come home yesterday and is doing much much better. It has been a VERY VERY LONG last two weeks for me! I apprecaite the many who hav ekept us in prayer and ask that you continue to do so. Mom has to take blood pressure medicine for a while as a precaution now. We'll see what happens as the days progress.

I have attached three pictures below: One of my baby pic, one of my wife's baby pic, and one of Essie Grace. I would like a vote from you guys on which picture she most resembles (It's just for fun!) I know she has characteristics of us both, but what do you think?

Picture of Essie Grace

Dad's Pic

Mom's Pic

Afew more pics of Essie Grace:

[Puppets by Cher]

Wow Dan, I would say the little sweetheart looks a little like both of you, but then again it's difficult to say when their just hatched like that.
So glad Little Mommy is doing better.
Wow.. to lose 20 pounds that fast, she must of been so weak... I'm so sorry.

I know when Gabby was born, we had no idea she was going to be a downs baby & she stopped breathing shortly after birth... she almost passed away.
The doctor left the room.. I was holding her and if it wasn't for a quick thinking nurse and scooped her up from me, and ran to the nursery with her.
She wouldn't be here now.
She turned blue when I was trying to feed her.
So I can honestly tell you that I know what you both had to go through.
But no matter what we endure.
You always come back and say, It was ALL worth it.

I belong to a few forums as well as a few Down syndrome forums.
I can't tell you how so much makes sense after were through our ordeals in life.
It's that.... "OH... now I know why I had to go through that....."
I'm proud to say that I talked a women out of aborting her child because her tests came back that the baby has down syndrome.
If they would of talked me out of having Gabby?
Then I wouldn't have this......

So now all these years later...
I can say... "Oh... now I understand why I went through this."
Without her, I would of never thought I would be helping so many others with special needs children through puppetry.
To be there for others and to honestly say, "I understand... because I'm going through it."

Be well and if there's anything I can ever do for you.
Please.. Please.. don't hesitate to let me know.
You know my email address.

~Always,
Cher

[Tink]

Congratulations, Dan and Carmen! Essie Grace is adorable, and she resembles the best of both of you, but I must admit that to me she favors her Daddy! Let's all hope that we favor our heavenly Father as beautifully as your precious little girl favors you both! Please tell Carmen that she is in my prayers. May God continue to bless your family and your ministries!
With Lots of Love in Jesus' Name,
Tink

[Lesli R. McQuiston Lopez]

Congratulations on your most precious arrival. Your wife is in everyone's thoughts for a speedy recovery. Newborns help us to know the value of each and every moment.

[staceyrebecca]

She's beautiful, congratulations!

[Montgomery Puppets]

Thank you guys!

[David Ebel]

Congrats Brother...

God has placed His trust in your hands in so many ways.. your ministry starts first at home.. so you will be blessed as you bless... I ministered and pastored when my kids were little.. the thing I regret the most looking back was making the time to read for them enough, play with them enough and listen to them enough. I learned too late that our children come before the church members... you love them all... but be careful that your kids have no reason to be jealous over the church's claim on your time..

Be encouraged!

David

[Pickles Da Clown]

Oh Dan! Essie Grace is absolutely precious! Oh look at how proud big sister is! Your wife is in our prayers here at Puppet View. Though she is a combination of you and your wife...I think mommy is the winner here! Come on, us mommies need to stick together!

[biblebetty]

Oh my gosh, she look just like you. she is so beautiful. I will keep your wife in prayer. congrats you have a beautiful family.