Aug
28
     
Happy 5 Weeks Ella!(Day 36 – Morning)
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on August-28-2007


Ella had a good night – – we were at the hospital until 12 midnight just hanging out with her and nurse Janet. She was peaceful and sleeping most of the time. I had a great time just holding her feet and having her grip my hand while she was sleeping. I could have stayed there for hours just staring at her beautiful little face.

We called to check in on her this morning and she continues to do well today. Her stats remain stable and blood gases have been in the acceptable range, given her stage of recovery. We are still waiting to see if her fluid reduction will decrease by the end of the day along with the swelling in her head, based on her SVC procedure being completed. She is continuing to receive heparin to thin her blood and prevent clots in the superior vena cava.

As we mentioned in an earlier post, I was pumping every 3 hours for Ella. During that time, the NICU collected and froze my breast milk. So, starting today they will be inserting the feeding tube and beginning to try feeding some of that initial breast milk from the frozen supply (1 ml every 3 hours). Hopefully, her little body will be able to handle the minimal amount.

Unfortunately with 2 rounds of mastitis, I have lost my milk supply and will not have the opportunity to continue to provide breast milk to Ella. However, at least she will have some of the initial breast milk which is better than nothing!

Ella’s next milestone is steady fluid reduction. Currently, the fluid is filling up the space in her chest which is hindering her lungs. Without continual fluid reduction, she won’t be able to progress forward.

By the way, Grandma headed home yesterday right before Ella’s SVC procedure, but she sure enjoyed her time while she was here!

Thanks again for all the posts. They provide such encouragement, love and support during this tough time. And of course, without your prayers, we know Ella would not be making the progress that she has made so far.

Thank you Lord for our friends and family. Thank you for their tremendous support and encouragement during this time. We ask that you hold Ella in your hands and continue to heal her body.

We also want to lift up a special person today that is receiving surgery. His name is Georgie. Lord, you are the great physician. We ask for no complications and perfect techniques by all the staff performing surgery at MD Anderson today. We pray for complete healing and quick recovery. We thank you for this brother in Christ – he is such a blessing. We lift up his family too, especially his Mom. She has traveled to be with him at surgery time and we pray that she would be surrounded with your love and comfort throughout today.

Once again, we praise you for the blessing of Ella Renae and the opportunity to glorify you in the midst of this storm. Thank you Lord.


Joan Odell on August 28th, 2007 at 10:03 am #

Such wonderful news!! Glad your Mom was able to be there – I am so sorry that you were suffering during all of this as well. We pray for your healing and the wonderful progress Ella is doing. Our Lord is certainly a wonderful Lord. Our prayers continue for all of you – will check in tonight for more news. Prayers, Lord Bless and hugs – Steve and Joan

Laura Blackwell on August 28th, 2007 at 10:06 am #

What a beautiful picture! Sleep well Miss Ella. Holding you up in prayers.

Melissa Morris on August 28th, 2007 at 10:12 am #

She is such a blessing! Little Ella just looks so content and peaceful. I will pray that her fluid continues to be reduced and that her body would be healed. I am also praying that you and Josh get rest so that you both have the strength that you need. Ella is just so beautiful and I am so pleased that things went well yesterday. I pray that she has a good day today and that she is able to handle Tina’s milk. Not only that she is able to handle it but that it will help in her recovery. Breast milk is amazing stuff. The most amazing stuff though is our GOD!! Thank you God for leading and directing Josh and Tina each step of the way.
Continue to press in and get the strength that you need from Him. What a lucky little girl Ella is!!
Love, Melissa

Char Snyder Jordan on August 28th, 2007 at 10:33 am #

Steady as we go Ella. Your family and friends surround you in prayer. Best Wishes for a wonderful restful day. Love, Aunt Char and Jim

Adrienne Go on August 28th, 2007 at 11:02 am #

Ella’s progress and strength continue to inspire me. Am thinking of you all. Adrienne

Stacey Haygood on August 28th, 2007 at 11:11 am #

Thinking of you and your family. What a beautiful sweet girl. Please let me know if there is anything that you need.

Daphne Hollowbush on August 28th, 2007 at 11:35 am #

Ella Renae looks so calm and peaceful in spite of all she has been through. We praise God for the successful procedures and for the medical technology available to Dr. Kays and his staff to perform these procedures. Our God is truly an awesome God–so mighty and powerful and yet gentle and caring. You are blessed to have the such faith and a blessing to others for sharing your faith.
Love, Daphne & Ron

Joel Snyder on August 28th, 2007 at 12:07 pm #

Ella, Grandpa,Manny,and Taco just woke up from our morning nap. We are saying our prayers that you might start your fluid reduction and hope all goes well with your new diet. Tina and Josh hope you are getting enough rest.I Love and miss all of you. Grandpa

Adrienne on August 28th, 2007 at 12:17 pm #

Josh/Tina,
I’m Melissa’s sister – we met quite a few years ago and I rejoiced to hear of your pregnancy and now I will lift you up in prayer as we rally around the world and stand in that gap when you are feeling weak. Our pastor here has put you (ELLA) on our prayer chain and so will my friend from South Africa so we should have you guys covered at all hours. It’s kinda cool to know that while you are sleeping (hopefully) people across the world will be lifting you up to our Lord faithfully. HE *is* the great physician.

tamara tessmer on August 28th, 2007 at 12:18 pm #

I look at the picture of Ella and she is just so beautiful. I have such peace inside. She is a fighter. I know that all of this is overwhelming but He will see you through. Tina, I hope you are feeling better. Hate to think that you are suffering physically along with this emotional battle. I know that as a parent we will endure anything and everything for our children, to know that they are safe and healthy. Still I hope that you both get the rest and care that you need to keep on fighting. I am so proud of the both of you. You are so faithful, and He will reward you. Ella is such a blessing to many people. Please know that all the Tessmers are praying for Ella (if Evan could talk I am sure he would join right in) Thank you for sharing your little miracle with us.
Tamara

John & Estela Williams on August 28th, 2007 at 12:44 pm #

God is awesome and I am so glad to hear that Ella is doing good. We love you guys and know that God is with all of you.

God Bless you!

Amy Barr on August 28th, 2007 at 1:12 pm #

My family hopes Ella will continue doing well. God be with your family.

Heidi on August 28th, 2007 at 4:26 pm #

Happy 5 weeks, precious baby Ella!

Lesli Richards on August 28th, 2007 at 6:29 pm #

I’m going to sleep early tonight. Here is a virtual kiss goodnight from the Richards family..we pray that Ella had a good day and that fluid is leaving her body. We’ll be checking up on our sweet Ella in the morning.

Love, Lesli

Becky on August 28th, 2007 at 6:37 pm #

Ella, goodnight and God Bless You.

Shelly on August 28th, 2007 at 7:08 pm #

Ella, you were put on our prayer list at church in MISSOURI CITY TEXAS! I just wanted to tell you and your mommy and daddy that I pray for you everynight! GOD BLESS

Bart on August 28th, 2007 at 7:56 pm #

My thoughts are with your family, and most especially Ella.

Angie on August 28th, 2007 at 8:50 pm #

Aww! She looks like she is resting so peacefully! Can’t wait to check in on you guys tomorrow. Sweet dreams baby Ella ~Nurse Angie

The Brittain Family on August 28th, 2007 at 8:56 pm #

You guys, she’s looking GREAT. Her coloring is so nice and she looks so peaceful. She is getting the rest she needs to get rid of that fluid and develop those lungs. Keep hanging in there. You’re doing just what you’re supposed to. Keep up the good work. We keep praying for both of YOU that He will strengthen and sustain you even as He has been faithful to little Ella.

Laura Marold on August 28th, 2007 at 10:07 pm #

Praying for Ella tonight for Jesus to hold her in his hands and continue to heal her body tonight. Tina, that is a beautiful prayer and so heartfelt. May he protect her and defend her against any possible setbacks and hold her close tonight. Love, Laura M.

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