Sep
25
    
Posted (jooosh) in All Posts on September-25-2007


Our 9 week old bun is hanging in there. Her gases at 4am were fair. Her cO2 is a bit on the high side (67), but her pO2 is looking ok (85). Ella was bit fussy for the nurse this morning, but some suctioning, head stroking, and talking to calmed her down.

Her total fluid output for yesterday was 27ccs which may indicate some increased fluid retention in her left chest cavity. This has to be uncomfortable for Ella, so we’re not surprised when she lets us know about it.

How are Ella’s parents doing? We’re hanging in there too. God is using every moment of every day to stretch us, comfort us, and draw us closer to Him.

I woke up the other day with 6 words from a “classic” Christian song in my head: Walk by faith, not by sight

Click here for an audio flash back snippet (Petra – Not by sight).

How awesome to find comfort in God’s Word, from an 80’s Petra song that was drilled into my head so long ago! =)

Tina and I have also drawn closer to the Lord while listening to Dr. Charles Stanley. What an incredible man of God. Every day it feels like his message is tailored specifically for us. The Lord has used these studies to shower us with peace, convict us of our transgressions, and draw us into a deeper fellowship with our Creator.

I’m also finding that as we’ve drawn closer to Jesus, He is giving me words of encouragement throughout the day.

One example occurred when Tina and I were heading out to lunch last Friday. I was sitting an intersection, waiting to turn left onto the main road outside of our community. Traffic can get pretty crazy at this location sometimes, which forces you to wait for a break in traffic.

There are times when I’ve gunned it pretty good, trying to be conservative when Tina’s in the car ;-), knowing that if I didn’t make that break I’d be waiting another minute for the next opportunity. Those of you who know me know what a patient person I am when it comes to driving. (Insert massive amounts of sarcasm here)

On this day, I was waiting for a good bit to make the turn, and I started thinking about ALL the time I’ve wasted in my life “waiting” in traffic. I was stewing over this for a bit, and started to ask, “What could I do during this time so it’s not wasted”. Before I could even get the “What” out, God replied:

Time is never wasted praising God.

Wow…I had to laugh…and I did. God can be funny sometimes in his convictions. His timing was perfect from a comedic standpoint. His point was well taken. Time is NEVER wasted praising God, and we can do it ANYWHERE!

Praising God in the car also makes for a much more enjoyable driving experience overall. Just ask my wife. =)



Lesli Richards on September 25th, 2007 at 12:05 pm #

So was the vein collapsed on the CT? Just curious!

Love, Lesli

Tracy Mitchell on September 25th, 2007 at 12:27 pm #

Ella you are just so adorable – I smile every time I see your beautiful face! Josh and Tina you two are such faithful warriors for Christ – being able to continue to praise GOD and witness to others during this time. GOD is already saying “Well Done”! We love you all and are praying constantly!
Love The Mitchell’s

Becca Richards on September 25th, 2007 at 12:57 pm #

Wow! She is doing much better! She is SO cute. We will all be praying for you and Ella. 0:-)

Kelli Billman on September 25th, 2007 at 1:57 pm #

God, we praise you for this wonderful gift of Ella West.
We praise you for Josh and Tina, we are all witnesses of their worship, and proud ones at that.

John & Estela on September 25th, 2007 at 2:27 pm #

Praise God… wow 9 weeks. What an amazing accomplishment. Ella looks so beautiful. God continue to heal her body and allow The West family to come home to Colorado soon. God Bless – The Williams

Teresa on September 25th, 2007 at 2:39 pm #

Happy 9 weeks Ella…You are so beautiful…I love your Big eyes.

I check on you everyday. I havent written in awhile, but I always think and pray for you…you are a very special girl. Tell your Mom & Dad “hello and we send our Love” I really miss them so much! You are so strong and help them be strong too!!

Love, Tersa & Family

p.s I have been in the car with your Dad…Hold on to you bottle…its a fast ride =) It looks like he may be learning from you though…paitence Josh lol 😉

Kelsey Rupert on September 25th, 2007 at 3:19 pm #

Hi, my name is Kelsey Rupert and my son, Ben, was discharged from Shands on July 19th, just before Ella was born. He was born on April 13th, so after 97 days, we came home. I became really good friends with Tracy Mitchell while in the NICU and she has been telling us to keep your family in our prayers. Your daughter is adorable! She is such a little fighter too. I hope the best for all of you and if you would like to chat, my MySpace page is http://www.myspace.com/kelcemer.

Joel Snyder on September 25th, 2007 at 3:22 pm #

Ella, You are looking terrific today. I am hoping you and Dr. Kays can resolve the fluid problem tommorrow and move on to bigger and better challanges. Josh and Tina I am glad to hear that you are hanging in with the ups and downs. I Love you all. Grandpa!!!!!!!!

Williamsburg on September 25th, 2007 at 3:52 pm #

Happy 9 week BD, precious CinderElla – even with the journey you’ve been on, time still seems to move quickly when it comes to babies growing. Sorry for missing your birthday, Dad – we’ll make it up to you when you’re 50, if you can be patient that long – lol. Seriously, isn’t God good in the midst of our junk? I’m overwhelmed with how much He loves the West family and with his hand of grace and provision in the midst of your challenges. Thanks for allowing us to share them in this way. We love you so very dearly. XOXOXO

monika on September 25th, 2007 at 7:28 pm #

dear ones, wow, 9 exciting faithfilled weeks for your blessed little family already!!! your TRUST IN GOD is contagious. i love charles stanley too; his work helped me deepen my bond with OUR HOLY SPIRIT and complete my faith in OUR HOLY TRINITY. you 3 are surely living the SPIRIT filled life mindful of praise in trials. ella is growing all of us…such a gift and miracle. we claim Hebrews with you that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. we sure hope for even bigger miracles as we boldly pray thanks, AMEN. i love you. monika and family

Joan and Steve Odell on September 25th, 2007 at 7:32 pm #

Happy Birthday Miss Ella – congratulations Momma and Daddy. The Lord is so good to each of us. Father, thank You for Your precious love and and the joy you give us in sharing this journey of faith and miracles with Ella, Tina and Josh. Our love and praise to You always – Amen. Hugs to the West Family – Steve and Joan

Grandpa Jack on September 25th, 2007 at 7:38 pm #

I have gone to level with Sweet Ella and with God’s help Ella will be healed. I cannot rememember when God has commanded healing for his creation as he has for Sweet Ella.

I command in his name for Ella to be healed… Amen Amen Amen

Love to you allllll!!!!

Grandpa

Char Snyder Jordan on September 25th, 2007 at 9:03 pm #

I saw this blog last tonight instead of this morning. What a wonderful group of people attending Ella each day. Heavenly Father hear about her alot. I know he cares. lol Aunt Char

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