So, we went to visit Ella early this evening. When we walked in, her stats were pegged at 100. She was sleeping peacefully with her pink monkey. We did not want to disturb her, so we waited off to the side and got an update from Nurse Andrea.
She behaved well all day long. Sometimes she can be touchy and have episodes real easily. Not today – – her body was turned every 4 hours, they cleaned her, changed her bed, etc. Ella’s stats did not fluctuate at all; she tolerated it.
We asked about her blood gases. When they took them at 2pm, the cO2 was 33 and the pO2 was 188. The numbers were so good that they ran them a second time 5 minutes later to make sure it was reading correctly. When they ran it a second time, the cO2 was 35 and the pO2 was 190. Wow!
While we were there at 6pm, they did another blood gas. The cO2 was 57 and the pO2 was 198. As soon as Dr. Kays was paged with these stats, the phone rang and he asked them to turn down the FiO2 on the ventilator to 60 (if you remember, it has been 70 since yesterday morning). Even her brain oxygen level was way higher (in the 70’s) than it is normally (the 50’s).
I asked about the sudden change in Ella’s stats – – they seemed to be so good. Nurse Andrea thinks it is from all the fluid reduction.
Finally about 15 minutes before the shift change of nurses (when parents have to leave the NICU), Ella decided to wake up. She looked amazing! Her eyes were wide open, looking around. It was such a fun time to see her so alert and responding to our voices.
When we did have to leave, it was tough. We hate to leave when she is awake! But it was such a blessing to have those 15 minutes or so with her.
This journey is such a roller coaster. Ella has good days and bad days. It is so tough emotionally, tougher than anything else that I have ever experienced.
But, the Lord knows what we can handle and He seems to time these precious moments with Ella just perfectly. When we are feeling vulnerable and weary, He gives us these unforgettable times with her. It is these times we feel truly heaven blessed to have created this little life and to have been chosen as her parents.
Knowing that you are in the center of His will is not something that comes along in life too often with such clarity. Yet, we know that right now is one of those times; this truth helps us to keep going on this journey.
Please continue to pray for head swelling to reduce, fluid reduction and overall strength for her lungs.
Lord, we thank you for Ella Renae. We thank you for your grace, mercy and your faithfulness. We cling tight to your promises.
Psalm 118:1: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
For those of you with a high speed Internet connection, enjoy the video below. =)
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."
Joel Snyder on September 2nd, 2007 at 9:53 pm #
Ella, You look so good tonight. Just keep up the good stats and things will get better one day at a time. I am saying my prayers for continued fluid reduction and swelling coming down. Just talked to your crazy parents on the computer and they are looking good. I Love You and have a good night!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grandpa
monika on September 2nd, 2007 at 10:12 pm #
dears, we praise and thank GOD so much for giving you deep joys hope and relief. i hope all of your sweet family has healing sleep and more strength. prayers and love, monika
Laura Blackwell on September 2nd, 2007 at 10:15 pm #
THAT IS THE COOLEST VIDEO!! You can tell how much Ella is following you with her eyes and listening to your voice! The interaction is terrific!!What an amazing God we have! More healing God- You’re blowing us away! Praise Jesus!
Melissa Morris on September 2nd, 2007 at 10:25 pm #
Sweet baby Ella!! You look so strong and so alert! God is good. I am so pleased to hear about the good stats and that you were able to lie on you sides today with no complications.
Eli Brown on September 3rd, 2007 at 6:40 am #
I haven’t written in awhile but I still read your post twice a day. Ella was so sweet in your video and looking much better today. I can imagine how such sweet moments can sustain you.
Eusey Family on September 3rd, 2007 at 7:42 am #
AMAZING! Way to go Sweet Ella. We cannot believe how great she looks. What an absolute blessing. With her swelling down now, she really looks like her cousins baby pictures!
Williamsburg on September 3rd, 2007 at 8:11 am #
It’s true, isn’t it – life is such an incredible gift, and being given the gift of being a parent to such a precious life is indescribable. We grieve with you for the unbelievable challenge you’ve had as parents (and that Ella has had as a baby!) but also rejoice over the profound gift of life, love and faith He has bestowed. Thanks for letting us share in the journey – love you so very much. XOXOXO
Lesli on September 3rd, 2007 at 8:56 am #
She looks so good. It must be Uga the Bulldog whispering in her ear “Go, Ella, Go!” Hmmmm, Uga arrives, and her stats go up… I’m thinking there is a connection! We loved watching the video…that was such a treat this morning. Brendan and I watched it first thing and we were just praising God for those big alert eyes. You can really tell the fluid is going down. She’s so beautiful! Love, Lesli and Brendan
Char Snyder Jordan on September 3rd, 2007 at 10:46 am #
I am so glad you suggested we visit this page. Somehow I missed it yesterday. I am so priviledged to see this beautiful baby. Thanks be to God. Post a comment
|
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||