Seriously So Blessed

I think my new little grandaughter is so beautiful!  She has brought so much happiness and healing to our family. 

Crystal has asked me to share the following with family and friends.  Little Ellie was born with six fingers on her left hand.  All will be well, of that we are confident, but they just wanted to put "it" out there because it will be 2-3 months before the plastic surgeon can operate and by then most of you will see it anyway. 

They took Ellie to the Pediatrician this morning and one woman in the waiting room actually "gasped" out loud when she saw her hand.  So after some discussion it was decided to just put it out there so people can be prepared and informed.  Since Ellie's birth we have learned that this is very common and in fact her surgeon said he operates on an average of 5 babies a month with the same condition.

Another reason we decided to share is because we hope that if this should happen to you or somebody you know that by following "Ellie's Journey" you will know that all will be well and perhaps Ellie's story will help bring you comfort and peace.  It's funny how losing a child strengthens you so much that when something like this happens all you can say or think is, we are "seriously so blessed"! You can't grow a new finger so an extra one is okay.  Her heart is beating and everything else is healthy what more can you ask for? We know it can be so much worse.

Here is Spencer with Ellie at the Plastic Surgeons today.

Giving Ellie a little kiss

Ellie's extra pinky finger- it really is tiny and quite cute

The surgery will be simple and quick. They will put a mask on her and knock her out just long enough to give her shots in her hand and fingers to numb her up.  Then they will take the mask off.  She will only be under a matter of minutes.  When she is all numb they will remove the finger.  The entire procedure will take 15 minutes tops.  Some people have asked us why we don't leave it alone.  There is no bone attaching the finger to the hand it is held on by a thick core of skin.  Because of this it moves around with no control and is at risk of being ripped off.  There is a blood source to the finger and if it were to be accidently torn off she would be at risk of heavy bleeding and infection.  So because of this the decision has been made to remove it.  Plus there is cosmetic reasons too we don't want Ellie growing up and dealing with "gasps" like Crystal had to deal with today...this world is hard enough.

We are very grateful that this is a simple fix and we are certain she will be fine.

Our family is so blessed by the sweet spirit that is "Ellie Mae".  Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.