A new adventure

Dear friends and family,

We want to share with you how our life recently changed course and hopefully bring you along with us on a journey that we never anticipated. Of course, life is about journeys we never expected to have. Those are adventures - and we are embarking on one at this moment.


A proud big sister



On November 18th, 2011, we welcomed a beautiful new life into our family, Elizabeth Piper Dale. Elizabeth is special and unique. She has Down’s Syndrome. We did not know during our pregnancy and were told about an hour after her birth by Dr. Smart, one of her pediatricians. Until meeting my daughter, I had not met a person with Down's Syndrome. As I said, this will be an adventure.



Quick family photo before transport took her to NICU

 Our hospital stay was difficult, which is an understatement. Lizzie was born at 8am on the 18th, and one hour later transferred to NICU at a hospital in another part of town. Elliott rode with her in the ambulance but I was left at the original hospital for the next 24 hours due to no beds being available at the other hospital. Being apart from my newborn was agonizing. The next morning, I was finally transported (in my first ever ambulance ride).



A father's special love



Papa Terry in NICU with Elizabeth

 Elizabeth spent 48 hours in NICU due to respiratory distress. Her lungs were full of fluid, her oxygenation levels were low, and her blood sugar was low. Her doctors also performed the karyotype test to confirm the Down Syndrome diagnosis. It's hard to describe our feelings - they ranged from fear to intense responsibility. Every moment required us to think about how we could be doing the best thing for our new angel.




Grandma Lynn in NICU at 2am



 We owe a huge thank you to my mom, grandma Patti, mother-in-law Barbara, Madeleine, and Elliott's father Terry and step-mom Lynn. Lizzie was never left alone in the NICU - not even at 2am. A loving family member was always by her side with kisses, massages, and the warm touch that only a relative can impart.

In those first few hours, Elizabeth had x-rays, echocardiograms and ultrasounds. We are extremely fortunate that all tests of her heart, brain and digestive tract came back showing no abnormalities - this is rare for a Down Syndrome baby. She is a healthy, strong little girl who has blessed our family.

In recent weeks, we have felt joy and sadness, but most of all we have come together as a family excited to provide Elizabeth with every resource and ounce of love to help her thrive. We have learned that Elizabeth has enormous potential with the support of family, friends and our community.

Some TLC for the big sister

Despite the challenges ahead, we are excited to celebrate this precious new life with you just as any other baby. She truly is a blessing, and she knows it!

Just look at this shot from an ultrasound when she gave us a thumbs up!!

We are home now, and Lizzie just turned four weeks. Wow, the time flies but we are happy to be home as a family and begin our adventure.We wish you a very happy holiday season and look forward to sharing with you all the new experiences in store.

Lots of Love,
The Dales (Elliott, Jenn, Maddi and Lizzie)