It’s been more than seven weeks since we arrived in Gainesville. It feels like a lot longer though. We’re missing Colorado, both for the weather, and the familiar places. We’re trying to rest where we are, but are growing weary, and we still have a ways to go.
 
Ella continues her good streak. Her gases looked good this morning (cO2=50, pO2=143) and her stats are stable. Her fluids are still high for where we want them to be (115), but some of that could be attributed to her being moved around so much. With her being turned side-to-side more fluid is expected to come out. We’re hoping that her fluid progress has plateaued for that reason, and not another.
 
Ella still has a lot of hurdles to overcome. We thank God for how far He has brought us, but the journey may only be half done. We still need her chest fluid output to drop to zero before her chest tubes can be removed. Then, a slow and steady weaning process of the ventilator and meds need to occur. This is the point where Ella needs to breathe on her own.
 
After success in this, she will then move to the NICU II where we will work through any feeding issues, and prep her for the journey home. With all this remaining to do, we’re still going to be here awhile. Another 6 to 8 weeks? Nothing is for sure, but I’d like us to be home for Thanksgiving.
 
BUT…
 
We know that God’s timing is perfect, and we continue to rest in His sovereign plan for our lives. Not our will Father, but yours be done.
 
Please continue to pray for our baby girl, the nurses that take care of her, and for Dr. Kays. God has blessed us with incredible hope through these individuals and I pray that the Lord will be glorified through them and our baby girl.
 
God’s peace and love to all.
 
P.S. Tina is starting back to work today. Having the “Fab Four” take care of our baby girl as much as they have, has enabled us to focus on other things that need to be done. Tina and I are both blessed to have the ability to work remotely, and we thank our employers for providing us the opportunity.