Dec
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Posted (Tina) in All Posts on December-10-2007


Yep, it came as a total surprise…they moved Ella to the NICU 2 today around 3pm!

Actually, they were running out of bed space in the NICU 3 (normally, they do not send babies down while they are still on CPAP). So, it was not quite a graduation, but we know she would not have been moved if they did not think she was ready for it.

Fortunately, I had taken today off work as a vacation day so I was able to assist with the transition and get Ella used to her new space. On another good note, she was placed on a quieter, more private area of the NICU 2 right next to Par. The day consisted of lots of holding, rocking, cuddling and talking to Ella. It was a good time.

Nurse Marla took care of Ella this morning in NICU 3 and mentioned that she saw her do some “retching” about 30 minutes into her feeding (set at 60ccs continous over 1 hour). This might mean that we need to go a bit slower on the feedings to let her tummy expand some more (maybe try 60ccs continous over 1.5 hours).

Also, she was weaned down to a pressure of 3 on the CPAP machine. Steps in the right direction!

Dr. Kays came around this afternoon. We talked for a few minutes and he examined Ella, mostly by talking to her. He let me know that he is very happy with her progress and thinks “she looks great”. That is never a bad thing to hear!

When I left at the NICU at 6:30pm, Ella was fussy. She seemed over-tired. I trusted that the nurse would be able to calm her down. Apparently when shift change occured, Ella was still upset and had her lovely bluish tone to her skin.

Nurse Linda who took over for the night figured it out – – she picked her up out of bed and talked and played with Ella. Then, she calmed down. That was all she wanted.

By the time I brought Daddy back to see her tonight, she had just fallen asleep. She was very comfortable and sleeping hard. Her stats looked great (heart rate around 150, saturations at 100 and breaths per minute around 65).

Seeing her stats look this good was very comforting. We think it means that maybe she will be able to tolerate breathing without CPAP later this week. That maybe she is really getting stronger.

Dr. Kays wants her at a CPAP of 3 through Wednesday. If she can maintain her great stats through the next 3 days, he wants to try the nose cannula on her this week. We feel confident that she will stay strong to take that next step. We just don’t know if she will be able to maintain on just the nose cannulas with oxygen support. We hope so…what a perfect holiday gift.

Par seemed to be doing good today – – just working on his feedings and enjoying his mommy for the majority of the day. On the other hand, Jonathan does not look good. Although I talked to Jasmine this morning and she still seemed hopeful, the tone changed this afternoon. A nurse from NICU 3 came down to the NICU 2 to look for the “comfy” chair since Jasmine was going to get to hold Jonathan for the first time. Normally that would be exciting, but under the circumstances, I am sure it was tough for Jasmine. She is still trying to remain hopeful that Jonathan will defy all odds and that God will provide a miracle. Please pray for her and Chris as they endure this incredibly painful time.

Please pray that Ella will remain strong and be able to reach other milestones this week.

Also, Ella’s great grandma was admitted back into the hospital on Saturday morning. Please pray that she can regain her strength. Finally, Ella’s grandpa Jack has been very sick since the fires in San Diego. He has had trouble breathing from the smoke inhalation. This week, he went to the hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Please pray for the Lord to heal his body and restore his breathing.

We thank the Lord for this time and we trust that He has a plan.



Gloria & Red Jacobsen on December 11th, 2007 at 12:22 am #

We pray Ella keeps up her amazing strength snd comtinues to graduate soon through the rest of the phases of her full recovery! She is a sweetheart! Glad to hear Par is better and we’ll pray hard for Jonathan and his parents. I’am so sorry to hear Jack has pneaumonia,so he is right on our prayer list too,along with great-grandma. So lots of love and prayers,to you too,Tina & Josh. Sincerely, Gloria & Red

Tracy Mitchell on December 11th, 2007 at 5:55 am #

We are praying Ella stays strong ~ NICU 2 YEA!~ Now she can hang out with Par ~ I’m sure she has missed him. It’s really different over there. My heart is heavy for Jonathan and his parents – extra prayer today for all of their family. Also praying for great-grandma and Jack!
Love you guys, Tracy

Lizotte Family on December 11th, 2007 at 7:12 am #

I LOVE that face! Ella you are making great progres thank you Lord! I will pray for Johnathan, Great Grandma and Grandpa Jack to get better too. Your mom looks great too!
XOXO

Joan and Steve Odell on December 11th, 2007 at 7:39 am #

My prayers are focusing on Jonathan, Jasmine and Chris. Dearest Father – Hold Jonathan close and touch him and his parents. Help relieve their pain and his suffering. If it is Thy will, please strengthen him so he can take the tiny steps forward that he needs so he can heal. Touch Jasmine and Chris with Your loving touch and let them feel the nearness of You, Your love and strength. Thank you for the many blessings Ella has received and further strengthening so she can go home to CO. Thank you for Tina and Josh and their constant faith in You and the sharing of Your word and works with others. In Christ’s name – Amen. Hugs and love – Steve and Joan

Joel Snyder on December 11th, 2007 at 8:09 am #

Ella, I am thrilled to hear that you are making those baby steps forward. I am saying my prayers today for all of you and your Great Grandma, and your Grandpa Jack. Lord please be with Jonathan and his parents help guide them through these difficult times and give them strength. I will check on you later tonight. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Angela And Brian Rowe on December 11th, 2007 at 9:24 am #

We just want you guys to know we are praying for all of you and all the people God has put in your path to bless.You are an amazing family. We are blessed to see the strength God has given you 3 in this journey. We love you guys!!

Kara Snyder on December 11th, 2007 at 2:45 pm #

She is such a cutie! Glad things are progressing well. You all deserve it.

Laura Marold on December 11th, 2007 at 3:24 pm #

This is all so much good news–and it’s a wonderful time of year to hear it. Who needs presents?? Glad to hear she “looks great” and also glad to hear she has a buddy (Par) to hang out with. Keeping you all in my prayers. Love, Laura M.

Char Snyder Jordan on December 11th, 2007 at 4:07 pm #

We love you and are here for you. Great to hear good news. We will continue to pray for Jonathan and his parents. Blessings on your day. LOL Char and Jim

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