Sep
29
    
Posted (jooosh) in All Posts on September-29-2007


It’s 7am EST. Shift change time at the NICU. I was hoping to catch Michelle before her shift was over. She was gracious to give me the 5 minute rundown right before she handed things over to the next nurse.

Ella did well last night. Her cO2 fluctuated, but kept within an acceptable range. Her PH level was down (more acidic) without being related to her cO2 level, so they’re giving her some sodium bicarbonate to bring it back up. Her potassium is a little high, possibly from the couple doses of vecuronium she received for her procedure, so they’re managing that by reducing her feeds that contain potassium.

Her chest tubes have not drained that much, but so far she has had no episodes like we saw yesterday, and overall looks a lot more stable (Praise God).

Tina was able to give Ella another manicure last night. Dr. Kays was getting ready to do her chest tube procedure, when another critical baby needed his attention. While he stepped away, we figured it would be a good time to take care of her long nails. It’s a lot easier to file a baby’s nails when she’s heavily sedated and been given a dose of vecuronium (a paralytic). =)

If you didn’t get a chance to read the heavy post yesterday morning or the evening update, you should do so. Be sure to catch the comments as well.

Yesterday was an incredible roller coaster ride of emotions. Seeing our baby girl not do well throughout the day, and having the visual of her suffocating was the toughest thing I’ve ever experienced. We were so raw throughout the day, and the tears flowed constantly.

The Lord’s peace was known after reading your comments on our blog. It fell upon us like an afternoon rain, washing our anxieties away.

The value of your prayer support is beyond measure and I can’t imagine going through this without the support of friends and family.

Thanks to all of you who write the comments, who send us encouraging emails, and to those prayer warriors who may not post comments, but are doing incredible battle on their knees for us!

God Bless you all!

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.



Loren L on September 29th, 2007 at 6:39 am #

I love Good New!

Kelli Billman on September 29th, 2007 at 6:50 am #

SO happy to wake up to read this post today. Praise God for steps in the right direction!

Kristen on September 29th, 2007 at 7:21 am #

“Praise Him, Praise Him all ye little children. . . God is Love, God is Love”. . . a song I learned as a babe. . . and yet it still rings true! Enjoy your day with your daughter!

Joan and Steve Odell on September 29th, 2007 at 7:40 am #

Oh HAPPY HAPPY DAY!!! We are overjoyed! Sometimes it is inches forward and a few back but all things work to the good of our Lord. Ours thoughts and prayers are never far away – day or night. Hugs —- we’ll be checking later today — many smiles – steve and joan

Joel Snyder on September 29th, 2007 at 9:27 am #

Ella, Nothing like a manicure after a rough day and night. I am so happy that you are feeling better. I am praying today that things stay stable for you and you can rest. Josh and Tina thanks for the updates. I Love You. Grandpa!!!!!!!!!

Gloria & Red Jacobsen on September 29th, 2007 at 10:24 am #

Steady in prayer and thanksgiving for little Ella. Always,Gloria & Red

Lisa Weir (a friend of Adrienne's) on September 29th, 2007 at 11:01 am #

THANKS be to God! His Mercy showers upon us in our hour of greatest need. Isn’t He so amazing?! What a glorious Father we worship. I just can’t stop praising Him today. His LOVE and His faithfulness astound me!

Your picture is so sweet today. It reminds me of the many moments to cherish as a mother.

What a wonderful community of faith that God is gathering through your family. It reminds me of the verse about when two or more are gathered, Christ is there. He IS truly manifesting Himself as we gather together with you in prayer and faith.

Lord, may those who do not yet know you, be awakened to your presence and love through this family’s life. Thank you for your tender hand of care that rests upon and shelters your precious daughter, Ella. We anticipate with utmost trust and confidence that wonderful day when this family will return home together. We see little Ella with pigtails toddling through the house. We see her sitting in her highchair with food smothered across her face — all those wonderful (and messy 🙂 moments yet to come!! Lord thank you for your faithful servants -the nurses and doctors who care for these sweet children. May your blessings rest on them and their households as well. Loving and mighty Father, we give you all glory and honor. Amen!

Grace and peace to you Josh and Tina 🙂

Eusey Family on September 29th, 2007 at 11:19 am #

God bless you all. We are praying very hard for you.

Christina DuHart on September 29th, 2007 at 11:41 am #

So happy to hear Miss Ella is taking steps in the right direction. Before you know it she is gonna reach the top of one of those 14ers and you’ll b headin home to Colorado. Where she’ll be able to see the real thing. Go Ella! Go Ella! We Love You All & Stay Strong.
The DuHarts

Clay Brantley on September 29th, 2007 at 3:02 pm #

We are still praying every day. Glad to see that Ella had a good day!! Let us know if there is anything that we can do for you!!
Love,
The Brantley Family

Williamsburg on September 29th, 2007 at 3:41 pm #

I love knowing that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groans too deep for words – feel like my words have run dry, but you know our hearts never will. Praise you, God, for the life of Ella Renae West and for her precious mother and father and family all over the globe – You are so good to us and for us. Maren will be glad to have another picture of baby Ella to look at – now she’ll want her nails done, too =) All our love. XOXOXO

Adrienne (Melissa's sister!) on September 29th, 2007 at 3:48 pm #

Won’t it be fun when you can take her to get a manicure when she’s older and can really *enjoy* it!

I feel as if a weight has been lifted! Not that I won’t continue to pray for her, but knowing that she is improving step by step with His grace is just so refreshing!

God is so GOOD – ALL THE TIME – GOD IS GOOD!

Geoffrey on September 29th, 2007 at 6:44 pm #

I’m so glad to hear she’s turning this corner. My thoughts are with you all every day. Be strong!

Char Snyder-Jordan on September 29th, 2007 at 7:35 pm #

I am hoping that things are going better today. I feel the Holy Ghost close to Ella every time I read the comments posted.Continued love and constant prayers for success soon. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

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