Oct
22
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on October-22-2007

Praise God – – Ella’s fever is gone. We certainly don’t want any curve balls before extubation.
 
On that note, Ella’s blood gas at 7:30am was excellent, blood gas, ph=7.46, cO2=42, pO2=107.
 
When we walked in last night, her room looked a bit different. They switched Ella to a crib. We were pleasantly surprised! And apparently, Ella loves it. They placed a mobile right above her head and every time she is awake, she loves to watch all the animals move around. I can imagine that it is more exciting to look at than the heater in the top of her other bed.
 
Then, nurse Kathleen had to take her out of the crib to weigh her, so she asked if we wanted to hold her….uhh, YEAH! That did not take too much thought. I was able to get some great pictures of Ella in Daddy’s arms.
 
Ella lost weight and is down to 7 lbs, 9 ounces. This is actually a good sign right now, since Ella has had such a problem with fluid retention. We think that Ella is slowly moving toward her “real” weight.
 
Grandma West arrived yesterday afternoon and had her first opportunity to see Ella in person. She loved her time.
 
Today is another HUGE milestone for Ella and we’re really excited for her. The extubation is supposed to happen sometime after 3pm EST today, so we will definitely be doing more than one post today!
 
We know extubation may not work the first time for Ella, but we are so hopeful that it might and that she can be ET tube free. It has been so tough to watch her gag the past few days.
 
Thanks to everyone who continues to lift Ella up for her daily needs. Please pray throughout today that Ella’s extubation will go successfully and that she can breathe on her own.
 
Psalm 9:10
 
10 Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

 
UPDATE (6:45pm EST): Dr. Kays just walked in and talked to us. He was still dressed in his business suit and tie. He had a meeting out of town earlier today and just returned. He was expecting to be back around 2:30pm, but his meeting ran late.
 
Since it is so late and there are less staff here at night, he wants to wait to extubate till tomorrow morning at 9am. We were a bit bummed, but know that God has perfect timing.
 
Please continue to pray that Ella will remain stable throughout the night and that she will do well with extubation tomorrow morning.



Williamsburg on October 22nd, 2007 at 8:49 am #

Love the sweet pictures of you with Daddy and Grandma, Ella, and how cozy you look in your crib! We’re praying fervently for the extubation to go well and succeed. Love and hugs always. XOXOXO

jan Costas on October 22nd, 2007 at 8:51 am #

Last night I was saying that this should be a big week for Ella. Wow! Extubation scheduled, and a crib!! Holding her again…it just keeps getting better. I pray that everything continues to go well. Oh, and losing some weight—in my book, that’s a good sign. 🙂 Praying for showers of blessings throughout these next days.
jan

Lesli Richards on October 22nd, 2007 at 8:57 am #

Praying for sweet baby today. I love her new digs! I’ll bet she loves the mobile! Have a wonderful visit with Grandma, Ella….this is the beginning of a lifetime of spoiling, enjoy it, little one! And Josh, you so look the part of the perfect daddy with the burb cloth thrown over you shoulder. We’ll be looking forward to the afternoon update and praying that God propells Ella through the procedure with flying colors and that she exceeds everyone’s expectations. Love love love coming from the Richards.

Dana Chambers on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:00 am #

Less tubes – holding her – and a snuggly little crib… It doesn’t get any better than that! Onward and Upward she goes. I can’t wait to see a little smile with out the ventilator!!! I am praying that all goes well and NO pulling!!! I am sure you are enjoying every moment of her. Everyday seems to be a new little miracle. Ella Renae Miracle West. You might have to add another middle name. 🙂

Julie Kirk on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:07 am #

How precious is that. Praise God Almighty

Lisa T on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:07 am #

You look beautiful, Ella! And I love your new crib.

The Brittain Family on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:11 am #

Poor little boo with that tube down her throat…the good news is that she’s at a place to realize that it’s not supposed to be normal : ) We’re thankful her fever is gone, her fluids are resolving and that her stats are all going well. We’ll be praying throughout the afternoon…definitely keep us POSTed! ☺

Laura Blackwell on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:15 am #

Looking forward to your next post!! God is so good!

Kristen on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:27 am #

Ella, congrats on your new “princess” bed as my girls would say. I am praying for a smooth extubation this afternoon! Thank you Lord Jesus!

JoAnna King and Kids on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:29 am #

We’re all on pins and needles here praying for a successful extubation.

Joan and Steve Odell on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:51 am #

Oh my goodness – how wonderful – prayers are with all of you for the procedure this afternoon. Talked with Kelli a few minutes ago and we are both so excited for her and the two of you! She looks wonderful — hugs – Steve and Joan

Loren L. on October 22nd, 2007 at 10:08 am #

Darn it! I’m a mess again, and I was doing so good for a while there. I’m at at a loss for words. It seems that for so long things move in slow motion and then all of the sudden we’re in 6th gear! It’s madness I tell you! How absolutly exciting, and I can’t get an online update because I have to leave at 3 for my doctors appt! OHHH the suspense is killing me!
XOXO always,
LL

Jenny Talbott on October 22nd, 2007 at 12:21 pm #

The peanut is absolutely in my thoughts today with the impending extubation… I will keep all of my crossable parts crossed in hopes things go smoothly the first time around…

Laura Marold on October 22nd, 2007 at 12:49 pm #

Ella looks just right in Daddy’s arms. Thank God for no fever!!! P.S. Have heard through the grapevine that Mary and Jack are O.K. and the house has survived the fire.

Taaryn Holbrook on October 22nd, 2007 at 12:59 pm #

What a happy day! Lesli Richards asked us to pray for you all and we have been all this time. My heart is overflowing with joy for you- isn’t it amazing what a change of scenery a real crib and mobile can do! I LOVE the picture with Ella looking at her mobile. Precious! Love and prayers continually to you- The Holbrook Family.

The Spivey Family on October 22nd, 2007 at 1:00 pm #

Praise the Lord! I am praying for a smooth extubation and no relapses. She is looking wonderful and I know it was a blessing to be able to hold her again. Can’t wait for the next update!

Roxie (Adrienne's friend) on October 22nd, 2007 at 1:24 pm #

Such Wonderful News is coming from the West family!!! We are praying that the good news just keeps on rollin!! 🙂 I can hardly wait to wake up in the morening here in Arabia to check your newest post and see Little Ella without the ET. I’ll go to sleep tonight dreaming about a big toothless grin on Ella Bun… our hearts and prayers are with you celebrating each step to her independence from all the equipment and medication. Love to you three, Roxie 🙂

Melissa on October 22nd, 2007 at 1:34 pm #

Well, I went to bed praying and woke up praying. Praise the Lord!!
Her fever is gone. She is such a fighter. When we move back and let God move He sure does.
Ella is skipping the baby steps and starting to run.
Lord, be with Ella as they remove the tube. Be her every breath. Help her body to be strong so that the tube can remain out. Be with Josh and Tina as their little miracle reaches this huge mile stone. Give them peace!!
Thank you Lord, for the path that you have set in front of this family. What an exciting time for them now. Thank you for guiding them and directing them. We praise you in the midst of all of this. Right now we are in the calm and we thank you for that. We thank you for exactly where they are. Be with them today as you are each and every day.
ENJOY!! How awesome that Grandma is able to be with you at this exciting time. I hope everything goes well. I can’t wait to hear.
Love, Melissa

Avery Kronz on October 22nd, 2007 at 2:49 pm #

Every night we pray for little cinderella. we are so glad you got to hoid her and that she is in a crib! WAY TO GO ELLA!

Loren L. on October 22nd, 2007 at 4:57 pm #

OHH the suspense!

Carl and Cathie Firestone on October 22nd, 2007 at 5:25 pm #

Yea Yea Yea!! What an amazing sight to see your little girl in a real crib…God is so very good!! We are praying for a super smooth extubation in the morning!

kristin on October 22nd, 2007 at 8:16 pm #

Oh Ella your new bed looks soooo comfy! Don’t you love being held by your Mommy and Daddy? They sure love holding you!!! You are making such grand strides Sweets!

We love you,
Kristin, Marques and Lauren

Angie on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:10 pm #

Aww she looks great in her “big girl bed”! I’ll be praying she does well tomorrow. Stay strong Ella. Sweet dreams! ~Nurse Angie

Joel Snyder on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:19 pm #

Ella, Looks like things are going great today. I like the new crib and I am so glad that your fever went away. You look great and the same for your Dad and Grandma. I am praying tonight that the extubation goes well for you tommorrow. I will check on you in the morning when I get home from work. Love You, Grandpa!!!!!

Felix on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:35 pm #

Ella is definitely looking good in the crib! Keep it up!

Roxie (Adrienne's friend) on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:47 pm #

Your right God’s timing is perfect. She may need one more night to be ready. We will wait patiently and with grateful hearts on His timing. You sleep and we will continue to pray today.. this is Ladies Bible Study day here. Can’t wait to share Ella wonderful progress with our group.Sleep well Josh, Tina & Baby Bun
XOXO Roxie 🙂

Betty May & Gene Pickett on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:56 pm #

Ella: Keeping track of you from day 1 to day 92, witnessing God’s miracle, hss so strengthened our lives! What a blessing, such a wee one influencing so many, leading us closer to God.

Jessica Morgan on October 23rd, 2007 at 12:09 am #

This is so awesome! Arissa looked a little rabid when she came off, didn’t really know what to do with all of her spit, lol but it was something else to finally hear her little hoarse voice, I’ll never forget it. It was such a pleasure and a privilege to meet all three of you last week. It’s hard to believe that little Ella is even more beautiful in person, she had Joe and I grinning all the way home. Tina you are such a pillar of strength and Josh your positive attitude is truely infectious. At the end of only 61 days we came home and realized just how emotionally exhausted we were. Make sure to take care of yourselves, Ella is going to need her parents in tip top shape to keep up with her when she gets home. I have a feeling that she’ll get as much (I mean as little) time down as Arissa does. We’ll be checking back all through tomorrow to see how she’s doing!
Many prayers and well wishes,
The Morgans

Post a comment

Name:  (required)
Email:  (required)
URL: 
Comments: