Oct
28
    
Posted (jooosh) in All Posts on October-28-2007


Ella Renae continues on her steady track forward. She’s taking her time, but she’s looking better every day.

As I type this, she is resting her her mother’s arms. Fidgeting here and there, falling asleep, waking up, looking at mom. So wonderful to have this peaceful time with her.

And it remains peaceful, except for the times when we have to adjust the CPAP cannulas. What a pain the tuchas! They just tend to work their way out of Ella’s nose while she’s awake and moving.

Overall though, Ella has really tolerated CPAP. We’re looking forward to stepping down to the regular oxygen cannulas, something that can’t happen soon enough for us. =)

Ella’s meds continue to be weaned too. In fact, the Octreotide has been DC’d today. No other major changes though on this front.

On another note, Tina and I had a great time with some new friends last night. Liz, Rusty, and Barbara (Liz’s mom) joined us for dinner at a local pizza place. Liz is about to have a baby boy with CDH here at Shands, and we thank our Lord for the opportunity to share some of our experiences with them.

Please pray for God’s perfect timing in their son’s birth as well as patience, strength, and peace for Liz, Rusty, and their entire family. We also thank you for your steadfast prayer for our baby girl’s continued progress.

I’ll leave you with this thought the Lord has been affirming in my heart over the last few days:

God’s truth never changes, but our lives are changed in every way when we embrace it.



The Brittain Family on October 28th, 2007 at 4:53 pm #

ya know, there’s nothing wrong with marathons…only the toughest can handle them : ) Praying for your strength and healing. God bless.

Williamsburg on October 28th, 2007 at 5:20 pm #

Yea for DC’d meds! Such a blessing when they’re needed but so nice to leave them behind when they’re not. I thought about all the times St. Paul talked about sticking with the race, but that passage in Hebrews esp: “…let us run with endurance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Heb 12:1-2) Yours and Ella’s story is such a vivid reminder of that image – I’m bold enough to pray that the whole rest of her precious life will be an example of enduring faith, both now and when she comes to know Jesus for herself, thanks to the love and faithfulness of her fab Mom and Dad. We are blessed to know, love and be journeying with you.
(P.S. I’m not crazy about CPAP either, girl – hang in there!)

Lisa Correia on October 28th, 2007 at 6:28 pm #

Hi Guys,
I love the close up of Little Ella’s eyes! What a sweet little face. You can tell just by looking in those beauties, she is wise beyond her days!! So happy to hear you are getting snuggle time with her. We will keep praying for our favorite Marathoner…Go Ella West Go!!!!!!

Julie Brantley on October 28th, 2007 at 6:40 pm #

We understand your excitment and it will not be long before you are in NICU II and Ella will be on the cannula. We are so happy for you guys! We continue to keep praying for Ella’s health. Mary Lou, my mom, and I will be there on the 6th and hope to see you. – Julie

The Chambers' Family on October 28th, 2007 at 6:44 pm #

It is great to be off the ventilator but the CPAP is kinda tough too! They have a way of finding the canulas an pulling them out! Can’t wait to see her at the next level of 02 assistance… Then finally off! What a journey little Ella… You are a tough little girl.

Char Snyder Jordan on October 28th, 2007 at 7:34 pm #

Such a beautiful child. The Lord is Good. We are so happy with baby steps. We will be praying that all keeps going well that you can come home with your baby at Christmas if not before. All our love, Jim and Char

tamara tessmer on October 28th, 2007 at 8:31 pm #

She looks so good. Praise God for all He has done. How is Ellas bilirubin? Haven’t heard you mention it in a while. Still praying.

Angie on October 28th, 2007 at 8:35 pm #

What a beautiful picture! I’m glad she contiunues to take those baby steps in the right direction. Still prayin’ for you guys. Hugs & Kisses Ella! ~Nurse Angie

Gloria & Red Jacobsen on October 28th, 2007 at 8:42 pm #

We are thrilled with Ella’s progress! What a beautiful child of God! How precious!! The Lord is surely blessing Dr. Kay’s and his staffs efforts and He is hearing all our prayers! God bless! always,Gloria & Red

Heidi Anderson on October 28th, 2007 at 8:50 pm #

She’s just so beautiful and it is wonderful to hear all of her good news! I love to see her eyes open and looking around… you must adore that time with her!

Eusey Family on October 28th, 2007 at 9:13 pm #

AHHHHHH, I could just come through the computer and give her a great big kiss. She is so beautiful and her eyes are amazing! So happy for the small steps forward.
XO
Rick, Shannon, Megan, Richard, Claire and Ryan. 🙂

Joel Snyder on October 28th, 2007 at 9:35 pm #

Ella, Good work my little “Gator Girl” just keep those small baby steps coming. I went and saw your Avalanche play today and they won. Can’t wait until you come home. I am praying that you soon will be free of all the breathing gear. I am getting ready for work and will check on you in the morning. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!

Felix on October 28th, 2007 at 10:13 pm #

Praise God for all the work He is doing. Ella is looking great!

Adrienne - Melissa's sister on October 29th, 2007 at 6:00 am #

Although I’m sure you’ll miss the nurses and that great doctor, it’ll be great when you can DC the NICU! 🙂

Joan and Steve Odell on October 29th, 2007 at 6:32 am #

Prayers of thanksgiving for these days of steadfast progress – praying for a ‘Colorado Home Christmas’ for sweet Ella and the two of you. Will certainly keep this ‘new’ family in our thoughts and prayers and they start their journey. Please give Ella a little hug from us – Prayer and hugs – Steve and Joan

Mike & Debi Van Eps on October 29th, 2007 at 8:25 am #

What a miracle to watch!!! Ella blowing bubbles, watching you hold your precious baby girl for the first time and then over and over again the past days. Moving from a dependence on tubes and medication to a greater and greater independence. To watch God knit together this beautiful girl before our very eyes is a miracle beyond description. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. We love you and continue to pray for you.

Loren L. on October 29th, 2007 at 8:26 am #

How beautiful she is. Her progress is wonderful, may god bless you with more gifts.
xoxo LL

Roxie (Adrienne's friend) on October 29th, 2007 at 11:06 am #

I’m sure like so many others….. I look at Ella Bun’s pictures for a long time and marval at how far she has come. She looks SOOO GOOD now! Her color is pinking up so her liver must be doing its work more efficiently. Hopefullly that is the case. She is getting so big and her edema looks to be decreasing. She is so patient. God Bless Dr. Kays and all his staff. Love to you three, Roxie

Jenny Talbott on October 29th, 2007 at 11:47 am #

Love the pointy pink hat… what a sweet little gnome she is… so glad to see the boxing gloves have been retired as well… she’s a hall of famer for sure… thinking of all of you and so very happy to see Miss Ella wide eyed and just as beautiful as ever…

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