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.
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."
Joan Odell on September 10th, 2007 at 7:37 am #
The three of you have walked such a long and incredible journey these past weeks. I’m sure at times it has been so overwhelming. Your depth of faith and trust is inspiring. Many miracles each day. We will pray for her continued successes and that you take precious Ella home for her first Thanksgiving!! Remember to rest and eat so you both remain strong and healthy for her. Have a special day of continued improvement for Ella – Lord Bless, love and hugs – Steve and Joan
Char Snyder Jordan on September 10th, 2007 at 8:35 am #
What an eye opener. It has been 7 weeks. It could be years and would still be worth the effort. It has been ONLY 7 weeks. Gird up your loins, fresh courage take, your God and Savior will not forsake. Do this and JOY your heart will tell, All IS WELL…ALL IS WELL. We are here if you NEED to vent. LOL Aunt Char and JIM
Lesli on September 10th, 2007 at 9:06 am #
We will keep praying for sweet Ella and for you…for endurance and strength…for the ability to focus on your work responsibilities when your heart is tugged elsewhere…for the time to fly by until you are home…for God to multiply your ministry to those in the NICU there in Gainesville and to use your time there to grow his kingdom…for God to heal Ella fully and completely. Love, Lesli
anna moccia on September 10th, 2007 at 9:24 am #
hi my name is anna moccia , i am the wife of sal , the restaurant on newberry rd i met your husband a few weeks ago , i work at shands in the or department , pharmacy , i pray for your baby to get well , and i know she will , please let us know if we can help , ps my daughter name is also ella.
Laura Blackwell on September 10th, 2007 at 10:14 am #
Wow, you’ve been away from home for quite a while. You will have SO MUCH to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. It will be incredible if it’s in FL, CO or on Mars! Keeping my dad, one amazing prayer warrior and grandpa, updated on Ella’s condition. She looks great in the pix.
Joel Snyder on September 10th, 2007 at 12:44 pm #
Tina and Josh, Good to hear that my little “Gator Girl” is still making progress although not as fast as we would like. I am praying for her to make bigger gains in the fluid reduction battle. God bless Dr. Kays and the staff for the knowledge and skill to give Ella the opportunity to heal. Tina, happy to hear that you are getting back to work. I am so proud of both of you and can’t wait to get you home. And as you say that will be when God decides. I Love You and miss you. Grandpa!!!!!!!!
Loren on September 10th, 2007 at 12:46 pm #
I love her little yawn! AWWW
Kelli Billman on September 10th, 2007 at 2:44 pm #
Great job Ella. We pray for more fluid reduction and continued healing. Welcome back to work Tina! Ani has done a great job keeping us on track so you can focus on your little girl! It’s cold and rainy today in Colorado, and Colorado will be waiting for you very patiently until it’s time for you to come home!
Williamsburg on September 10th, 2007 at 7:25 pm #
Oh little Ella, what a precious face – good to see your smile, too, Dad =) Michaela (who started hers a few months ago) said, “it looks like she has headgear for her head” – lol. You know you can’t get back soon enough to please those of us here in CO who miss you so much, but we pray for patience for ourselves as well as continued strength and endurance for you, beautiful West family. Tina, good luck going back to work – it is an incredible blessing to be able to tele-commute, but also one more thing to juggle. We know God will provide in this area as He has in all others. Love and hugs always. XOXOXO
Mollie Rosing on September 10th, 2007 at 9:01 pm #
Still praying for strength and perseverance, not only for sweet Ella, but her amazing parents. All our love, the Rosings
Shelly on September 10th, 2007 at 9:33 pm #
Still praying in TEXAS for this STRONG GIRL! GO ELLA GO!!! GOD IS GOOD, GOD is GREAT!! You have a strong little girl, and most of all she has him with her at all times!! SO with that said GO ELLA GO!!
monika on September 10th, 2007 at 10:25 pm #
keeping faith with you, sweet tina, darling josh, blessed baby ella, i think you will taste and share the cranberry recipe with the world one day. i love and miss you. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU. xomonikaxo Post a comment
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