July 11, 2011 - What a great day!!

It has been soo nice to have Ellie home and the stress of surgery behind us.  Even though she is recoperating from major surgery you really can't tell by looking at her.  She looks just as happy as she did before surgery.  The only way I can notice is when we move her certain ways or when she coughs.  It really hurts her to cough.  I wish there was some magic pill I could give her that would take the immediate pain away from movement and coughing.  Tylenol seems to keep the bulk of her pain away but she gets a dose of loratab at night before she goes to bed so she doesn't move the wrong way and jolt her self awake in pain like she did the first few nights.

Life is getting back to normal.  Yesterady we went to chirch and then out to dinner.  Then we went for a walk in the evening.  FYI - for those who do not know...ELLIE loves to go for walks.  At the hospital she wanted to be in the wagon because it was kind of like talking a walk in her stroller at home.

Today she went to the pool and got her feet wet and then went for a walk in her stroller this evening.  Our neighbors are amazed at how well she is doing and can not believe she had open heart surgery just 2 short weeks ago.  Praise the Lord everything went smoothly and she is healthy and we are able to continue on with our lives.  I pray the families who are still at Kosairs or who just got there continue to do well.  I pray a blessing on them and encourage them to draw near to you for strength.  Through you all things are possible, Ellie is my proof.  Thank you lord for all you have done for the Ashton family...

Twp days before surgery we have family portraits taken...here are some...