Baby Ricky

I got a call from Casey (Ricky's mom) yesterday at around 5 telling me that they were at the hospital again and Ricky had been placed on C-PAP to force O2 into his lungs because he was having difficulty breathing. Casey said that once Ricky was on the O2 and C-PAP he perked right up and got his personality back. He had gotten a little cold and for this little guy a little cold is never just little.

Unfortunatley, although Ricky fought valiantly he died this morning at 8:30 a.m.

It is hard to imagine the impact that this tiny little boy had on people but he truly was a miracle. The first time I held him he looked up at me with such wisdom - he took my breath away. I had looked forward to running up to the hospital today to plant myself in the rocking chair next to his crib and hold him. I would have had to wrestle him out of Casey's arms but she respected the compassion and love that Ricky brought out in people and she is a really good sharer. My heart is breaking for Casey and Rick who thought that this was going to be a short hospital stay followed by their much anticipated move to Ohio next Friday. Compared to what Ricky fought off last time he was in the hospital this seemed minor - a blip on the screen. Please pray that God gives Casey and Rick the strength to face the loss of their beloved son over these next few days.

Ricky - that sweet smile could melt anyone's heart!

Richard Essiks 10/6/09 - 2/27/10

Thank you all for letting me share Ricky with you.

GNM - ILY!

It's been a long time!

I had trouble uploading photos so this post took a bit longer than I had hoped. It is a long one with lots of pictures and videos so I'll keep my comments short and sweet! Or at least I'll try!

Bob made waffles the other night and the fruit looked so pretty all cut up that Molly took a picture.There are a few videos of Molly and Peter singing at their concert today - I only got one picture of Julia but I think she looks adorable!Auntie Kake came over to hang out with Aunt Renee and to watch the UCONN game.Auntie Renee and Ellie enjoying some time together!Papa hanging out on the floor with the girls.Papa got everyone playing on the floor with him - Lizzie thought it was the best thing ever.Peter took a break to read some of his new book. He loves the Harry Potter books.The girls getting a ride from Papa.Dessert time.Grammy and Auntie Kake with their favorite guy(other than Papa) - Geno Auriemma!Lizzie looking adorable!Ellie can not get enough of Papa since they got back from Florida! It is so cute - she is stuck to him from the moment he comes in the door.Kk brought her photo albums for Aunt Renee to look at - they had a great time.I love this picture of Aunt Renee with Peter and Ellie - you can definitely see a family resemblance. Bob and I took Auntie Meg and Uncle Tim out for dinner last week as a belated celebration of the twins! We all got a bit dressier than usual so I took some pictures. Annie was still up when we got home and wanted in on the action!Showing off the baby bump!Daddy and Annie cuddling.When you have Molly for a sister there is a lot of dress up going on. None of the little girsl complain at all about it!Molly loves her new jacket from Auntie Eileen.I think she loves it more because Auntie Meg has one just like it!The twins being very uncooperative but looking adorable in their matching pajamas.My beautiful blue eyed girl.Ellie Bean loving being the center of attention once Lizzie got up!My little angel bathed in light!Lizzie was getting a haircut - Grammy is threatening to report me to the hair police - she thinks I did a pretty terrible job but there wasn't much to do with it!Hat Day - Molly got everyone wearing hats! Annie loved her Easter bonnet!My sweet girl loves to be fashionable - she loved this hat so much that she got her cousin one.Daddy and Molly in their hats!Those gorgeous blue eyes get me everytime!Entertainment can come in all forms in our house - even the Dora blanket provides lots of fun for the babies!I got Ellie sneakers and she was thoroughly confused by them. Look at my petite little dolly just hanging out checking out her new shoes. The H-W Dance Party! Does it get more fun?Peter and Ellie playing.Molly loves dancing with her Daddy!

Sister cuddles!

Peter wasn't much into singing but it was a beautiful version of the Battle Hymn of the Republic with some of the kids reciting the Gettysberg Address in the background - it was very moving if you were there. I, for one, enjoyed thoroughly, sitting in the middle of a Hartford Public School listening to these beautiful children sing about God's Glory! I don't know who chose the music and I hope they don't get in trouble but there was no seperation of church and state in that auditorium as the kids belted out one of my all time favorite songs - "His truth is marching on!"

I had a bad seat for Molly's song but she belted it out as only Molly can do!
GNM - ILY!