home has never seemed so sweet

Tate came home on November 15th. One week after surgery. That is remarkable. Before he was born the doctors told us that babies typically need to be in the hospital 2 - 4 weeks. He surpassed every expectation. I cannot believe what I have felt through all of this - just over 2 weeks of Tate's life. I know he was sent to our family to teach us. I know that Jesus Christ is real and that He lives. I know that the power of the priesthood has been restored to this Earth. I know that those who are worthy priesthood holders have been blessed with power, faith, nobility. I could not be more grateful for Erik. He is a man of God. I know that I have a family that has been sealed together. The faith, prayers and love of the diligent people that surround me has carried me each and every day since we first heard of Tate's heart defect. I know God answers prayers. I know He loves His little children, even those who are adults. I pray with all my soul that I will never forget the thoughts, feelings, moments, and comfort that I feel. I am full of thanksgiving. My cup runneth over. . .

getting closer

He only has that simple oxygen tube left and that is all! He has been eating great - nursing and bottles. Last night we were able to be all together for the first time in the hospital. We are crossing our fingers that he'll be able to come home later in the week. He is unbelievable - a miracle really.

Tate Richards Nelson

Tate was born November 3, 2011. 6 lbs 14 oz. More to come as his precious life unfolds. We love you Tate.

Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood. . .

Had a great Halloween Party this year (if I do say so myself). Bennett couldn't get enough of the gigantic pillow that his costume is stuffed with. He would run full speed and belly flop on the ground. Ate a few doughnuts as well. There is something so fun about dressing up.

quick update.

 day at the zoo

 34 weeks

 watching conference

 cutest face.

 she is so little

bare chested under snow pants is the way to go - NO it hasn't snowed yet in Minnesota - thank goodness.

Bennett is 2

Bennett turned two on the 6th of September! It took a little while to realize that the presents were for him, the party was for him etc. But by the end of the day he was walking around singing "Birthday to me!" He enjoyed his first time camping the weekend before his birthday, and then a great little get together on Sunday night with the Albano's and Ohlson's. These people truly are his best friends. He was spoiled with a basketball hoop, a dinosaur that moves and makes noise and a "choo-choo train". He is the happiest the little boy. We love you Bennett.

3D ultrasound

It has been fun to get so many ultrasound pictures this pregnancy. This is a 3D ultrasound picture that was taken on Tuesday. I'm almost 30 weeks! Crazy. I cannot believe what they can do with technology.

Out West

We began our trek around the 7th of July. First stop was Salt Lake City to see friends and family but most importantly to say farewell to my brother and his family who were on their way to California for a job. We loved having them in Utah for the past two years. When we were in town the time spent with them was some of our favorite. After Salt Lake we were off to Flaming Gorge with the Nelson crew. I loved Flaming Gorge. Being somewhere new with the Nelson's was a great experience. The surroundings are beautiful and the cabin was a perfect set up for such a gathering. Our weekend there was quick. I could have stayed a whole week. The kids loved it. We packed it up again and started the drive to Hebgen. The 7 hours seem to go fast and be ever so worth it when we pulled into that dirt road. What is it about Hebgen? The rest of our trip was spent sitting at the lake. Darla was brave and tried both the knee board and rode on the tube. I love that our kids can run free in these open, natural environments. I feel like they actually get to be kids simply by exploring and building relationships with the many cousins around them. I was so grateful this trip for such a supportive family. The love is endless. It is something we carried back to Minnesota with us.

underbite any one?

Baby Nelson

Dear Family and Friends,

Approximately two weeks ago we went to have an ultrasound performed for our third child.  We entered the room with the utmost excitement, confidence, and happiness to see little hands, little feet, and a cute little facial profile.  After a few minutes of that, we quickly noticed the urgency in our ultrasonographer as she began to focus on our baby's heart.  She then brought in a doctor and another technician to review what she was seeing.  We were told that there could be a potential problem with our baby's heart and were referred to see a perinatal cardiologist.  

After an excruciatingly long two weeks, we went to that appointment this morning.  We have learned that our baby has a congenital heart defect, or birth defect, called transposition of the great arteries.  What this means is that the two main arteries coming out of the baby's heart are switched.  It would be like hooking up an 'in' into the 'out' and the 'out' into the 'in,' and our baby won't be able to get the oxygen and other nutrients it needs from the bloodstream.  In terms of what it means for us, we will have some more ultrasounds, we will closely monitor this pregnancy, and we will continue to help Jenny carry this baby to full-term (she is due on November 1st).  Depending on how healthy the baby is at birth, the physicians will opt to perform a corrective open-heart surgery (called an arterial switch) about 3 days after birth to switch the arteries to the way they should have developed.  

During the past few weeks we have had some very tender and personal interactions within our family, with priesthood blessings and with the Lord Himself.  We have felt a constant peace and guidance amidst such cloudy circumstances and fears of the many 'what ifs.'  We know that regardless of any outcome, that there is a Father in Heaven watching over us and that He is in charge.  We have felt so blessed as so many have united with us in prayer, fasting, temple worship, and kind words.  We have felt so supported, cared for, and loved.  We offer you the most sincere thank you for this. 

We know that the birth and ensuing surgery will be something that seems near impossible to face.  We will continue to pray that this baby can develop and grow and be born under conditions that will make the surgery a success and grant our child the opportunity for a full life.  How grateful we are for such technology and trained persons who can aid us at this time.

Again we thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  We just wanted you to know what we know.  We will keep you informed as we learn more.

All our love,

Erik, Jenny, Darla, and Bennett

If you would like to learn more about this condition, here is a link to the best (and easiest) site to understand: 

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/TGA.html

Beauties of the Earth

 Darla and Erik went camping this past weekend. A group of Dad's and children had a good time enjoying the great outdoors. Darla loved it. Yes, she was exhausted when they returned home, but that's expected. She said her favorite part was seeing three purple butterflies right when they got to the camp site. Erik told me that they saw a lot of fireflies and when she saw them light up she said, "We've found Pixie Hollow! This is a magical forest!" If you aren't familiar with Tinker Bell that is where she lives - Pixie Hollow. Erik's hoping to get all of us to go camping sometime soon. I'd be happy to, but a little part of me is saying . . . let's just wait until we get to Hebgen.

For Family Home Evening we drove to the St. Paul Temple. We were planning on spending some time there but of course 5 minutes after arriving Darla needs to go potty. So that cut it short. That's the update for now. I believe we are off to Utah next week! Can't wait.