Grace's Plaque

Hi Everyone,

Kuku (Ian's mom), Nana, Papa, Ian, Eli and I went to Sick Kids Hospital yesterday afternoon to meet with our fund manager and take pictures of Grace's Plaque being put up in the Donor Hall of Honor. Her plaque is currently in the section recognizing those who have contributed up to $50,000 but it will move in the spring since shortly after the cut for this years calculation and once all of the funds from the walk were submitted, her fund jumped to $55,009.68. WOW! Our fund manager told us that it takes many families 5 to 10 years to reach these levels of fundraising that we accomplished in under 2 years. I told her that we were so fortunate to have a wonderful network of support, friends and family who are aware of how important it is to Ian and I to continue to "parent" Grace in her physical absence via fundraising for the hospital and volunteering via BrianChild. I want to make sure each and everyone of you are aware of how much it means to Ian and I to have your support. It is only through your generous contributions that we have been granted the opportunity for our baby Grace to be forever remembered via her plaque at the hospital where she courageously battled for her life for 11 months. Thank you so very much. We are forever indebted.

Mama misses you baby.
L~

Update

Hi Everyone,

Just a very quick note to let you all know that we are doing well. Eli, like his big sister, loves to eat but has a sensitive tummy so I'm on a restricted diet to accommodate breast feeding him. It's a bit of a challenge but it helps him sleep better which helps Dada and I sleep better and also helps my extra weight come off a bit quicker. Even with my change in diet his tummy causes him to be restless and he does not settle for more than 90min at a time. I'm sure with time things will settle but for now it's a sleepy yet very grateful Mama and Dada. He's starting to stay awake during the day more now (he never has had a problem staying awake at night :-)) and his little personality is starting to show. He's bossy (again like Grace) never wasting an opportunity to let me know when things aren't exactly the way he likes them but such a snugly little bundle and loves to lay on your chest under a warm blanket for as long as you can stay still. He's truly a blessing and we never loss sight of this even at 3am when he's fed 3 times in the last 45min. Good thing is that he is gaining a ton of weight. From his 4 day old apt. to his 14 day old apt. he gained a pound and a half. The doc was shocked... said he needs to see newborns put on 20grams a day to not be concerned and Eli has put on 52grams a day. He's going to be a big boy I'm sure!

I mentioned in a previous blog that the hospital put up Grace's plaque without notifying us and I was disappointed because I wanted to be there for this milestone. Well we came to discover they did put up the plaque but it was engraved wrong (they put my name on it instead of Grace's) so we contacted them and they have ordered a new corrected plaque. As a result Ian and I will be able to go down on the day that they are going to replace the incorrect plaque with the correct plaque. Seems like everything here worked its self out.

I'm missing Grace as I did prior to Eli's arrival if not more. Eli has brought new joy in to my world but new sorrow in being constantly reminded of what Grace was doing at his age as well as acknowledging her absence during every special moment. I will die with a broken heart for I've come to acknowledge it's repair is too tall of an order for anyone or thing to take on. However, I have promised my self to share the world with Eli, but never to share my broken heart... he deserves more and I will give him more.

Have to run... Eli's calling.

Mama misses you baby.
Les

Welcome Eli!

Hi Everyone,

Eli Compagnon Stanley arrived on Monday Oct. 29 at 12noon. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 1/2 ounces and is 21 1/4 inches long.

We are home, doing well, wishing Grace was here to share in the joy her little brother has brought to our lives.

Mama misses you baby,
Les