At home at last! And again.

After an emergency return trip to Primary Children's Hospital in SLC to resolve an intestinal infection following surgery, Luke finally came home August 23. We're not out of the woods yet, but things are finally settling down. We're so grateful for all of the love, support and prayers offered by so many friends, family and strangers worldwide. Thank you!

Players from the Bees, Salt Lake City's minor league baseball team, autographed this baseball for Luke while he was at Primary's.

Luke loves his mobile!

Utah Valley to Primary Children's Hospital

After being diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease, Luke was ambulanced to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City for surgery. Erin got to ride shotgun - lucky!


Luke's new pad at Primary's.

Utah Valley NICU

Luke spent the better part of the first two weeks after his birth in the newborn intensive care unit at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo. He was diagnosed with a developmental disease known as Hirschsprung's disease. As the intestines develop in the early stages of the pregnancy, nerves cease to develop at some point along the bowels. These nerves are what push waste down and out after birth. Surgery is required to remove the underdeveloped portion of the bowel. It is called a pull-through as it removes the bad portion of the bowel and reattaches the good portion. We've attached pictures of Luke's time in the NICU at Utah Valley.

Luke had to have a cape placed on him to keep him from pulling out his tubes and wires. With the addition of the mask to protect his eyes from the billi-light he reminded us of a luchadore. NACHOOOOO!

This is one of Erin's favorites!

The Blackhurst's

Luke Tyler Blackhurst

Luke was born at 6:22 pm Tuesday, July 22, 2008. He weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and was measured to be 20 1/2 inches long. A good, average size despite Erin's belief during the last few months.

Ty Graduates!

Tyler finally graduated from BYU with his BS in Mechanical Engineering ... only to start graduate studies and a double masters the next day! Just when you think you're finished...

Ty & Erin

So in love!