Ella had another great day. Her stats (high 90’s) and blood gases (cO2 = 47, pO2 = 114) maintained so well that Dr. Kays reduced the FiO2 on the ventilator to 55 earlier today. As of late tonight, she was still maintaining quite well.

Another change: Dr. Kays increased the amount of octreotide (the medicine given to reduce fluids). Originally, he was giving 3.5; he doubled the dosage to 7. This is the maximum amount that a baby of her size can receive.

Although we have had really good results with the fluid reduction so far, he still wants to see her fluids way less. His immediate goal is to have her fluid output under 300 per day. As of the last 24 hour period, it was 340. The results for 9/2 will be available at 7am tomorrow morning.

It will take a few days to see the maximum impact from the highest dosage of octreotide. From there, we will be able to tell if the fluid reduction has been sufficient enough or if we need to consider other therapies.

Within the next few days we also expect to hear from Dr. Kays on whether or not he is recommending another “balloon” treatment for her collapsed superior vena cava (SVC syndrome). Our hope is that the head swelling has reduced enough that we can skip that procedure all together, but we will have to wait and see.

One side note: when we first saw Ella today, we noted that she had inadvertently scratched her cheek. Her nails were getting so long and due to the blood thinner, you cannot clip her nails. But, we found out that we could file her nails.

So, yes, Ella had her first manicure in the NICU as Mom filed down her nails! She was alert, looking around and staring at her monkeys while I worked on her hands. The pictures did not turn out well, but trust me, it was pretty cute.

Thanks for the continued prayers for Ella – – they are working! We are seeing God slowly restore her strength and heal her body.

It has been an amazing journey…we thank you for participating with us.

P.S. I know many were gone for the holiday weekend, so if you didn’t get a chance to see Sunday’s post, you’ll want to check it out. The video is cute and really shows Ella’s progress =).

Our baby girl had another good night and her day is starting off on the right track. Her daily fluid output continues to reduce, from 390 to 340cc’s. She hasn’t needed as much suctioning and her blood gases look great (cO2 = 43, pO2 = 114). Keep going Ella! If you didn’t get a chance to see yesterday’s post, you’ll want to check it out. I know I’m biased, but the video is just a little cute =).

Also of note, today is an anniversary for Tina and I because on September 3, 1990 I asked her to be my girlfriend. When I asked, I committed that we would have to make God number one in our lives with communication second. Tina was getting ready to start her senior year in high-school. The picture above is us at her prom, and the other was taken since we’ve been out here. 17 years later, here we are. What an amazing journey.

Lord Jesus, we praise You for this incredible life You have ordained for us. You are such an awesome God. We rest in You, trust in You, and thank You for an extraordinary 17 years together. We ask that You continue to guide us forward so that we may become the husband, wife, and parents that You desire us to be. We know You only want the best for us Lord, therefore we surrender completely to You. May we be a witness of Your love to all we encounter. We love you Lord. Amen.