Nov
27
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on November-27-2007


It is hard to believe that it has been 18 weeks.

Nurse Andrea had a great day with Ella. She was a bit fussy this morning, but apparently they were trying to place a new IV line and Ella was not appreciating the hands-on treatment! I don’t blame her!

When they drew her blood this morning for labs, her hematocrit count was low (the hematocrit count calculates the percentage of red blood cells per micro liter of blood). So, they ordered some blood for her and needed a new IV line to deliver it, thus the bandage on her head.

Ella’s food continued to be increased last night and throughout the day. They are capping her feeds at continous flow of 20ccs per hour and she will be at that volume by 10pm tonight. So far, she seems to be tolerating the feeding well. This is a blessing.

You can tell that having the nissen surgery was the right move for her. Even though she is almost at full feeds, I have not seen any reflux symptoms and she is in a great mood.

Apparently, a couple of staff members were trying to get her to smile today. After several unsuccessful attempts, Dr. Kays approached the bed to check in on her and she gave a HUGE grin. Nurse Andrea said it was just priceless.

Dr. Kays thought about extubating Ella today and asked the nurse and respiratory therapist. After collaberating, they opted to wait until tomorrow morning, get a chest x-ray and make a decision from there. Please pray that her chest x-ray tomorrow looks better. We are hoping that her lungs are no longer “wet” and that she is ready for CPAP.

Par took another huge step today – – he is off CPAP and is breathing via the nose cannulas. So far, so good. We’re so happy for the amazing progress that he has made. Thank you for all the prayers. I have not seen Jasmine today for an update on Jonathan, but either way, please pray for Jonathan. He is scheduled to have his repair surgery on ECMO tomorrow, which is very risky.

Finally, please pray for Josh’s grandma (her name is Kathleen). Ella wants to meet her great Grandma some day, so we lift her up and ask for the Lord to heal her body. She is in the intensive cardiac care unit at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA (heart and lung issues currently). She went in the hospital this past weekend and is having a tough recovery.

Thank you for all the prayer support. We couldn’t do it without the love of the Lord guiding us each day in His truths as well as the support from all of you out there. You minister to our hearts each day with your thoughtful words and prayers (even those of you that don’t post – – we know you are with us too).

Psalm 103:1-5
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.



Joel Snyder on November 27th, 2007 at 10:29 pm #

Ella, It is great to see you looking so much better. I am praying for good chest x-rays in the morning and back to CPAP and more forward progress. I am also saying a special prayer for your greatgrandma that she gets better soon. Go Par and Jonathan my prayers are with you. I will check on you babies tommorrow. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!

Char Snyder Jordan on November 27th, 2007 at 10:32 pm #

Ella you look so very cute and I might add, fashionable in your cute Jammies. It helps that you are feeling better because it shows in your eyes. We are praying for Kathleen and of course Par and Jonathan. Good to see you so perksy. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

Roxie (Adrienne's friend) on November 27th, 2007 at 11:38 pm #

Good morning Little Sunshine Ella, You look so pretty! It is 9am in Saudi Arabia and is a beautiful crisp morning. I will pray today that your little wet lungs will be improved..how about perfect..yes, we’ll ask for perfect, that your blood count will be back up, your tummy will continue healing beautifully, the nissen surgery holds well, and for Grandma Kathleen to recovery quickly. Praising God’s name for Par progress. Special watch over Jonathan your little buddy. We’ll pray for the Lord God to shower him, his parents, Dr. Kays and all those hands involved in his care with the blessed Holy Spirit to and guide every step they take. This is my prayer today for you.
Josh and Tina I hope that you two are feeling better.
Love to you, Roxie

Rick & Shannon on November 28th, 2007 at 12:09 am #

Bonjourno,
Our prayers to all of you. Much love from Rome. I had a chance to say a special prayer for sweet Ella at the Vatican.

God be with you all-

Rick and Shannon

Joan and Steve Odell on November 28th, 2007 at 7:25 am #

Oh you are soooo precious — so glad you are doing better but sorry you needed to have some blood. I’m sure that Dr. Kays loved your special smile for him. We are very glad that Par is doing well and pray for Jonathan’s safety and strength. Happy that your feeding is going so well – Momma and Daddy how are you feeling? Prayers for Great Grandma Kathleen, Par, Jonathan and of course our dear West family. Many hugs to all – Steve and Joan

Lizotte Family on November 28th, 2007 at 7:40 am #

I love your pretty outfit Ella. She is getting so big It’s nice to see her doing better and smiling for those who work for her everday.
Big Hugs

Kristen on November 28th, 2007 at 8:24 am #

Ella, use today to get those lungs strong and ready for the morning. Enjoy a little lift from your new infusion. You will be feeling better in no time! Where can I get a pair of jammies like that? 🙂

Kelli Billman on November 28th, 2007 at 9:10 am #

Good morning Ella! You look so beautiful! Can’t wait to see you in Colorado!!

Becca Richards on November 28th, 2007 at 10:00 am #

Good Ella is doing much better. I am planning on sending her a monlkey for Christmas. We are visiting my Grandma in Seattle for Christmas. Happy Holidays! 🙂

Kara Snyder on November 28th, 2007 at 11:16 am #

I am so curious to see what quirks she develops because of all the poking and prodding as a baby. Kailee had a monitoring wire placed in her head while I was having her and is still sensitive in that one spot. I also have a friend that had IVs in her feet as a baby and can’t stand to have them touched even today. Ella’s head bandage made me wonder how this will all effect her later. It will be interesting to see. It’s also a good thing she doesn’t have a lot of hair or it would be harder to get at those veins. We love you and continue to pray for you.

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