Elise joined our family of two on April 4, 2005 - during General Conference weekend. I was in the hospital while Elder Bednar spoke so eloquently about the "tender mercies" of the Lord. Aaron and I watched some in the hospital while we waited for the real contractions to begin.
She almost became Alana Elise Mahealani Auna but we (I) kept forgetting the first name. We took it as a sign. After a grueling night of pitocin, pain, epidural, she entered the world quickly. I gasped as I saw the blueness of her skin and realized she wasn't breathing. They wisked her away and our hearts froze.
After a breathless, eternal minute, she cried! We were overjoyed and relieved. She had seizures that first day and had to spend her 1st week in the NICU. However, she recovered and never had another one since.
She was the most beautiful little person I had ever seen and our lives have been changed for good! I can't imagine life without "my Elise," as Elijah affectionately calls her. I shall write more of her virtues later.
Day 1, less than five hours old. Isn't she lovely? : ) As I write, I hear that song playing over and over in my head.
One year old in Chevy Chase, MD amongst the Cherry Blossoms in Livingston Park.
Two years in Disney World - Orlando, FL.
Three years old in Ellicot City MD in the fall at a farm wtih Auna cousins.
4 yrs old in Kona, Hawaii, visiting LDS Temple.
1 1/2 days before turning 5 years old in Hilo, Hawaii.
1st and 2nd verses to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't she Lovely." What a great song!
Isn't she lovely
Isn't she wonderful
Isn't she precious
Less than one minute old
I never thought through love we'd be
Making one as lovely as she
But isn't she lovely made from love
Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I can't believe what God has done
Through us he's given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love
