Dec
27
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on December-27-2007


Praise God – Ella’s chest xray was much improved this morning and her labs from later in the day checked out well.

The convert of the lasix to IV seems to have worked. Ella was on 1 liter of oxygen until about 6:45pm when Dr. Kays came to check on her and decided to wean it to 750ml. If she can continue to improve over the next 24 hours, he will look to wean it down to 500ml.

Her feedings of Portagen (30 calories per ounce) at 120ml/k/day continue. They are infusing feeds over 1 hour, 5 times per day and continuous g-tube feeds for 8 hours at night. Venting the g-tube is still at 10 minutes prior to feed and 30 minutes after the feed. If she can continue to improve over the next 48 hours, Dr. Kays talked about a slow introduction of breast milk with the Portagen. This would be really good for Ella to get the nutrients, so we hope that her body can tolerate the breast milk (in the past, it caused issues with fluid accumulation around her lungs).

Most of the day, Bun was sleeping. For whatever reason, she seemed tired. But it was still nice to spend my day bedside and rock her while she was resting. And of course, the awake times where I caught a grin or two made all my worries seem like nothing.

By the time I reached the NICU, Par had left for home in Birmingham. Ella misses him already, but he will be back in 6-8 weeks to see Dr. Kays for a visit. We look forward to that time.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers for our girl. She continues to take small baby steps in the right direction. And of course, each day she is a clear reminder of how we always need to look to Him for our needs.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.



Gloria & Red Jacobsen on December 27th, 2007 at 6:05 pm #

Wow what a picture of Ella she looks so happy! Keeping up the prayers on this end.

The Lizotte Family on December 27th, 2007 at 6:35 pm #

OHHH Joy to the World!!!
I love that smile. I will pray for you. I hope to see you guys soon.
XOXO
Loren

Jim and Char Jordan on December 27th, 2007 at 6:56 pm #

What a wonderful picture. I can see how well she now feels. She will be sure to be a character. Just you wait. When she starts feeling good all the time you will have to hold onto your hat. We are grateful that things are going in the right direction. Our Love to all. Jim and Char

Dawn Franck on December 27th, 2007 at 7:29 pm #

That has to be the cutest picture I’ve ever seen of baby Ella!!! I love it. She looks so happy. I’m glad they have figured out what she needs to be comfortable and to continue her progress towards going home with you guys. What a great day. Miss you guys, lots of love, Dawn

snyder family on December 27th, 2007 at 7:31 pm #

she looks so happy!!!!!!!!
i don’t know how you keep you’re look you are sooooooooo pretty and so is ella
you’re a beautiful family
xoxox
deanna

Racheal Morris on December 27th, 2007 at 8:35 pm #

What a cutie patootie!
We have been following you guys on your website since we left NICU II.
I have rejoiced and cried many times. You all are in my daily thoughts and prayers and I can’t wait for that “We are home!!” post.
Love,
Racheal, Brian, Thomas and fellow CDH Daniel

Laura Blackwell on December 27th, 2007 at 10:37 pm #

Just checking in on the girl and you. The picture is so sweet. Prayers for you.

Joel Snyder on December 27th, 2007 at 11:20 pm #

Ella, You look so happy today and it is great to see you taking those baby steps forward. Keep up the progress and I will check on you tommorrow. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Melissa on December 27th, 2007 at 11:38 pm #

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
I’m so glad to see that you all had a Merry Christmas.
Ella just looks so sweet. I can’t believe all of her smiles. They just don’t stop. That is awesome that she is feeling so much better. Nice to know that they are taking it slow with Ella.
It’s great that Dr. Kays is back and able to get things back on track.
Your New Year is going to be an awesome one. Lots of exciting things will be happening. This will definitely be a New Year with a whole new you.
I remember going home from the hospital after Nadia was born and thinking…. wow!!! I have a baby. You leave the house and it’s just the two of you and you come home with a baby. That will be such a welcomed day for you all. It’s right around the corner. Keep taking small baby steps forward and before you know it…Ella will be home with you.
What a priceless and precious gift you are able to give Ella, in your breastmilk. Hopefully you will see lots of added benefits now. That was hard work for you and I hope that it pays off now.
I am excited to hear that Par went home. I pray that they have a safe trip home and that the transition is smooth.
Have another great day.
Love, Melissa

Chambers Family on December 28th, 2007 at 7:30 am #

What a great grin she has! I am glad you and Dr Kay’s were able to connect. You know it is true… Mom knows best!

Motherhood looks good on You.

Joan and Steve Odell on December 28th, 2007 at 7:47 am #

Love that great smile — she looks so very good – Glad you had the day together and that Dr. Kays is back. One day at a time will do it!!! Hugs and prayers – Steve and Joan

Steven and Terri Trainer on December 28th, 2007 at 8:54 am #

Ok, I must admit that I never understood internet realtionships and how people fell in love without ever meeting…now I get it! We love that little girl so much and can’t wait to see that grin in person. I am so proud of both of you and one day Ella will understand the power of her heavenly Father and how He strengthened her mom and dad. 2008 is going to be an awesome year for you guys!!
Much love – T

Laura Marold on December 28th, 2007 at 1:34 pm #

Merry Christmas!!!! I just got caught up with you three and it’s all looking good. My computer died and Santa brought me a new laptop but couldn’t get it up and running right away. So glad to see the happy faces!! Love, Laura M.

Felix on December 28th, 2007 at 3:20 pm #

Love the pictures! Merry Christmas! Wonderful to see God’s work in action!

Ani on December 28th, 2007 at 5:03 pm #

I love the pics of Ella…she is so cute. I also just noticed that http://www.tinawest.com is also http://www.ellawest.com…so cute!

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