Nov
03
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on November-3-2008

Ella had a good day.

We think that the extra diuretic might be helping to send her in a good direction. Her baseline is 105-120 beats per minute in a deep sleep. Her heart rate last night in a deep sleep was 140ish. Tonight it is 130ish. At least it is going the right way. Clinically, Kelly said that she had a great day and that it improved as the day went on.

On another note, Kelly is doing a great job of making sure that Ella has her exercises each day and it is already beginning to show. Plus, a dedicated physical therapist is making a huge impact. Can you believe she is sitting on her tummy with no assistance, with weight on her elbows? Just to give perspective, that is huge for Ella!

Also, you cannot see from the photos but Ella has two teeth that have broken through on the bottom (you might be able to tell from the first picture at the top of the post). Her left one came in first and now the right side has joined! We’re hoping we can overcome some of the oral aversions so we can begin to take care of the pearly whites!

In case you were wondering, I had no issues going to work today and leaving Ella with the nanny. My challenge came from the job that I feel God has called me to. It was a rough first day: it is going to take a lot of hours and extra work to do a great job. I am ready for that challenge, but it left me feeling exhausted. Please pray that regardless of the obstacles that are before me, that I can be reminded of truth: God has put me in this place and my job is to honor Him in my work. I need to work as if I am working unto Him.

Some of you commented that maybe I would be posting earlier and going to bed earlier. Not sure that is really going to happen. And that is another concern of mine: I felt like life was crazy and busy in the first place. Now, I am even more concerned about balance with it all. Just pray for me – If nothing else, this reminds me of the past 18 months. I cannot fathom being able to do everything I need to do and be everything I need to be – wife, mother and employee. I literally have to rely on Him. This is the same lesson from all these prior months. Leaning on Him for wisdom, guidance and direction. Above all else, obey and leave the consequences to Him.

This morning, I was reminded by a devotion that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are His crown creation – human beings are the most important of all of God’s creations. He loves and cherishes each of us.

As I wander off to slumber, I’m thankful for all He has provided and continue to praise Him for our baby girl. She is evidence in my life that we are each fearfully and wonderfully made and that there are no accidents with God. He has a plan and purpose for all of it.

Psalm 139:14-16 (NIV)
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.



Laura (Saudi Arabia) on November 3rd, 2008 at 11:55 pm #

Last night at AWANAs the Sparks and I were singing “Our God is so great, so strong and so mighty there’s nothing our God cannot do FOR YOU!!” Praying for you all. Laura and gents

Joel Snyder on November 4th, 2008 at 3:03 am #

Ella, It is so exciting to see you making slow and steady progress. I am praying for you to keep up the good work. Tina I am so proud of you and Josh this has been an amazing journey the past few months. I am also so thankful for Kelly and the great job she is doing with Ella. I am also glad that you are being challanged with your new job and I am also confident that it will all work out for you. I will check in with you after the dust settles and you have a chance to adjust. Love,Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John & Estela Williams on November 4th, 2008 at 7:19 am #

Glad to hear Ella is doing great and that your first day went without any issues. It will be tough balancing everything, but with God anything is possible. Love ya and have another blessed day!

megan on November 4th, 2008 at 8:03 am #

Tina my advice just take one day at a time. Balance in life is often hard to find because there is always something coming our way. I am keeping all of you in my prayers. Hugs to the doodlebug…

Jennifer Harris on November 4th, 2008 at 8:32 am #

Ella bright smile just warms our hearts. What a beautiful gift from GOD. Please know that your storm will end and you’ll know that power of HIS hand. If you have concerns/doubts, pray for HIS guidance and know that HE will direct your path.

Dawn Franck on November 4th, 2008 at 10:19 am #

Tina, Good luck with your first week back to work. I’m glad you have found a wonderful nanny to help you so at least you are not distracted at work by wondering about Ella’s care. She is such a cutie, I just love the photos! Take care, Dawn

Laura Marold on November 4th, 2008 at 11:04 am #

I love the picture of her on her tummy with the weight on her arms. How fantastic!! Keep up the good work Kelly and Ella!! Love, Laura M.

Fran Jarrett on November 4th, 2008 at 11:37 am #

Tina, Megan’s advice is right on…take one day at a time. Having worked with you, I feel that once you get through the “newness” of your job you will be fine. Sounds like Kelly and Ella are working hard and the results are showing. Good job!Ella you are so adorable and I can see those teeth! Haven’t forgot you Josh….glad to hear that you are feeling better!

Lisa Richmond on November 4th, 2008 at 12:18 pm #

One thought…that girl is going to grow up to be a model! She is so used to posing for the camers…how could she do anything else?

Joan and Steve Odell on November 4th, 2008 at 4:07 pm #

Love those teeth – and how wonderful that the PT is going so very well thanks to Nanny Kelly and the PT. Tina, it will all come together for you, Josh and Ella. Get rest and know that prayers continue – hugs – Steve and Joan

Kara on November 5th, 2008 at 10:00 pm #

The first two weeks are going to be the hardest on your body. You will adjust, God will provide, has already provided you with all the resources you need to get everything done. You are going to do great and just remember that it’s only through trial that we grow. It’s just time for new growing pains.

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