My grand-niece, Elizabeth, was born about 8:45pm on Tuesday night.  She weighs 7 pounds and is 18 inches long.  My nephew Travis and his wife Sara are proud parents of this sweet little girl.  Sara was in labor for nearly 24 hours, 12 of which they spent at the hospital.  The last part of the birth was a tough one; they had to use a special type of forecips and almost had to do a cesarean. 

We had a scare because they discovered a "tail" on her lower spine and it was leaking fluid.  They rushed her to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake to find out what was going on.  The first thought was spinal bifida but with an MRI and further exploration, it is a cyst that is connected to her spinal column and goes up about three inches in her back.  They are building a surgery team to do surgery next week.  She also has a cyst on her front gum it looks as if she's sticking her tongue out) but that will be removed sometime today with no expected issues.  Apparently the gum cyst happens a lot with baby girls (I never knew that). 

She is such a beautiful little girl and we're all so happy she's here.  It about killed Sara and Travis not to be able to hold her in their arms last night.  Travis stayed with "Ellie" all night and the hospital where Sara is let her out for six hours today to spend some time with Ellie.  Sara will be released today and can be with Ellie again.  

My brother, J Dee, the proud grandpa, called me last evening and said, "Sara's family has cleared out so if you want to come down to the hospital, now is a good time."  It didn't take long for my parents and me to get in the car and head south.  Dad was so excited and I know it meant the world to Travis to have him there.  Dad and Travis have always had a special bond, just as Travis and I have had. 

J Dee and Patti (my SIL) were at the hospital when we arrived and J Dee was just beaming.  Travis was too, of course!  Travis was going to sleep in Ellie's room last night - it isn't likely he'll leave her anytime soon.  I felt bad that I couldn't see Sara but by the time we left Primary Children's, the visiting hours were over and too late to drive to the other hospital to see her.  Ellie looks a lot like Sara but I can see Travis in her as well, especially her little nose. 

I will see her again soon - very soon.  She's such a sweet baby.  Travis said that she fusses but it takes just his voice and a touch to calm her.  She also soothes herself at times.  I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful family.