Ella’s doing alright this evening. Tina and I left the hospital at 9:30pm EST tonight, and the photos above show our baby girl at that time.
Dr. Kays replaced her ventilator tube with a larger one late in the afternoon today. He did so because her stats were not as good as he wanted and he thought maybe the tube was partly to blame. The larger tube will help with the volume of air moving in and out of her lungs, plus the older one can become obstructed with a buildup of secretions.
Ella was stable for awhile, but around shift change she really started fussing. She was teetering on going one way or the other, and she began to stabilize, but then it was time for nurse Jim to do his “hands on”. This involved turning her, changing her diaper, changing out some meds, giving her subcutaneous shot, getting blood from her heel*, etc.
After nurse Jim turned her, she started fussing real bad. Her stats really dropped. Dad’s stats really dropped too, so much so that I had to step away for a moment while she calmed down. She finally recovered, and then he had to give her the shot. I once again took a break, but she took it like a champ this time (stronger then dad!).
Finally got her to settle down, and this is the picture your seeing now. Sweet little Ella sleeping. Tell you one thing, you can’t even think about leaving her when she’s awake. Just too hard to do. Gotta wait for her to zonk out, then we can sneak off. =)
We did get some hopeful news. It looks like (maybe) her fluid output is decreasing. We’ll know better tomorrow, but at the moment it looks like she on track for a lower output number. Thank God. We’re really hoping and praying that this is true. It’s so key for her to get over all the fluid retention so she can move forward.
If she can progress enough, Dr. Kays may consider moving her to a standard ventilator next week. No guarantees on this, we’ll just have to be patient.
We’re also having some friends come visit us from Atlanta (Brendan and Lesli). We got to know them through the church we attended in California. They had planned to be here around 9pm, but traffic is slowing them up quite a bit. Excited to spend time with some old friends.
Please continue to pray for our baby girl, specifically for her fluid reduction. Thanks to all you prayer warriors out there!
God Bless.
*I found out that they need to take blood from her heel because if they were to take it from her arterial line it wouldn’t be as accurate. Her blood sugar has been stable so they’ll be reducing the frequency of these.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Laura Blackwell on August 31st, 2007 at 9:15 pm #
Thanks again for taking the time to update. Praying those fluid levels show progress tomorrow!! She looks SO beautiful in the pictures. It’s hard to believe she’s going through so much.
Adrienne (Melissa's sister!) on August 31st, 2007 at 9:16 pm #
Josh/Tina, The first/last thing I do each day is check your update as I’m sure many do… Yesterday we had church here (our weekend is different than yours)and our class is lifting you up in prayer. Like I told you before – we got the “night shift” over here so I am praying that you guys find some rest and know that Jesus keeps your precious little Ella in the very palm of His hand – and there’s no safer place to be. Since you aren’t able to hold her, I pray a lot for the arms of the Lord to do that part.
Joel Snyder on August 31st, 2007 at 9:32 pm #
Ella, You look great “Gator Girl” the headband is terific. I am praying for good news on the fluid reduction. T&J hope you have some good times with your visitors. Thanks for the update. Love!!!!!!! Grandpa
monika on August 31st, 2007 at 9:45 pm #
josh, tina, ellasweetbaby, 2 of my wonderful neighborfriends here are gatorgals, we are cheering and praying for you. best love, GOD’S BLESSINGS, monika
Cristy Overholtzer on August 31st, 2007 at 10:05 pm #
Ella is so cute! I love the pictures of her hugging her pink monkey. She continues to be in our prayers every day. You were added to the prayer list at church…sleep good little Ella!
Melissa Morris on August 31st, 2007 at 10:12 pm #
What a beautiful picture. She really is gorgeous. Looking at the picture it seems like the swelling in her head is down. I can only pray that this is true and that the results you receive tomorrow will be in that direction. One step at a time and one foot in front of the other. Keep on keeping on!! That is all you can do at this point. You all are amazing. Love, Melissa
kristin on August 31st, 2007 at 11:37 pm #
Sweet Baby Ella! You look awesome in pink! That little monkey looks so comfortable!! Check out those fingers…they are as perfect as your Mama’s!!! Josh and Tina, I am glad that you will have some more familiar faces around you this weekend. I know how much the church in OC meant to you. I will be spending the weekend with my parents and celebrating with family, some that I have not seen in 20 years!! We all have battles to fight…Ella will be made known to all them. Get some air, some sun and some fun. You are all so loved. Kristin
Jan Mark Caila on September 1st, 2007 at 12:33 am #
Hi guys! Sweet, precious Ella, it doesn’t get much cuter than this picture. You all are always just a thought away and forever in our prayers, we pray for peace and comfort to surround you and for Ella to just keep getting better. Thank you for all the updates, be safe,and always know that God is cradling you all right now. Luvs and Hugs, Jan:)(Stay strong Mommy, Jesus is holding you tight!:)
Dana Chambers on September 1st, 2007 at 5:45 am #
She looks so snuggled up and ready for the gators weekend. I feel your pain all the way to Texas when you talk about how hard it is to watch them move her around and do the medical procedures we know need to be done. Thanks for always sharing your heart. We hold your hands from a distance! Love, The Chambers Family
Williamsburg on September 1st, 2007 at 8:08 am #
So glad you have friends coming to visit – sometimes we need Jesus “with skin on” to hold and hug us with human arms – hope the time is enjoyable and blessed. As adults sometimes I think we forget how important our ‘pink monkeys’ were to us as children for that very reason – something real to hold and comfort us; that sense of touch is sooo important, which is why it’s hard for us to be so far away but I know you know the cyber hugs are sent with all the love in the world. XOXOXO
The Rainey Family on September 1st, 2007 at 8:38 am #
Such sweet pictures of such a sweet little girl. We are praying for Ella everyday!
Melissa Morris on September 1st, 2007 at 9:20 am #
By the way…. I love her new bow. Have a great weekend!! Go Ella, Go!! Post a comment
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