Jan
01
    
Posted (jooosh) in All Posts on January-1-2008


Our girl didn’t have a fever all day and she looks good clinically. Her numbers seem to be going in the right direction as well.

Dr. Kays wants to see her maintain this stability over a couple days before he makes any changes. He’s also ordered a CT scan to evaluate the current state of her SVC. If you recall, her superior vena cava collapsed after being removed from ECMO and this contributed to her overall fluid issue. The idea now is to asses the current state of her SVC and decide if any action needs to be taken to help her move forward.

The procedure is scheduled for tomorrow or Thursday, but we’re hoping for tomorrow because Tina will be off work and with Ella. The Bun isn’t a big fan of any kind of medical field trips and it’s best if someone who knows her can be there. We’re not sure if a core nurse will be available on Thursday, so tomorrow is our best bet.

Earlier today Tina and I did a little BBQ with a family we met in the NICU. It was a beautiful day here in Gainesville, a little windy, but great for being outside and playing some touch football with the boys. The weather is supposed to change though: 40 degrees for the high tomorrow and 20 for the low. Sounds a bit more like Colorado than Gainesville, and I’m looking forward to it.

Tina and I are doing OK these days. I think the idea that was posed a couple weeks ago about taking Ella home “soon” has made the current rate of things even feel slower. At this time we don’t know when she’ll be discharged. Maybe in a few weeks, but only if Ella behaves herself. If history is any indicator though, it could still be awhile.

It’s really tough to think that way, because selfishly we want her home now. Our only peace at this time comes from trusting in our Lord’s perfect timing. We know He’s there and in total control of the situation.

My flesh constantly wants to convince me otherwise, and does not want me to let go, and in recent weeks this has intensified. On some occasions I’ve been able to convince myself that it’s going to be OK, only because a core nurse is taking care of Ella.

Tonight at dinner, the Lord reminded me that He is there with my girl ALL THE TIME. Hmmm….OK…so knowing that the Creator of the universe is at my girl’s bedside constantly I think I can trust Him and find peace in that (heh).

You would think considering all that we’ve been thorough, I would know not to get anxious in the things I cannot control, but even in these things that are less critical to my girl’s health, I can tend to get worked up.

The bottom line is the only way I have been able to consistently overcome any anxiety is by drawing close to Jesus through His Word and in prayer. This is true in all life situations and is what our Lord desires of us as well: a personal relationship with Him. He’s always there for us, we just need to be obedient.

Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.



Jim and Char Jordan on January 1st, 2008 at 10:09 pm #

In an effort to renew my journey with Ella I returned to the days before her birth and took several hours today to review all that has happened since Ella’s conception. Oh my has time wisked by. You have done well little family. Hold your head high. Don’t hurry to be away from Ella’s saftey. She is still very fragile. You and Tina are great parents. She is so blessed to have you. You should be proud that Father trusted you to give such a special spirit into your care. We can say nothing but admiration a love about your little family’s journey. LOL Jim and Char

Kristen on January 1st, 2008 at 10:14 pm #

If you have a leaf handy, a real one, grab it. There have been anxious times in my life and my mom taught me this one. . . take a look at the leaf, study it’s construction and reflect on the intricate way the Lord supplies all of its needs through the amazing network you see reaching from the stem. He is not only in the big picture, He has a heart for the details. And His heart is very tender towards His children.

Another funny thing I do to help focus on the Lord when I am anxious is to gently, as softly as possible, rub together my first finger and thumb. This forces me to become aware of my own fingerprints. Same idea as above. The Lord of the Universe attended to the making of these tiny lines, even smaller on the Bun. This is a powerful reminder of Psalm 139 . . . He knits us together. His handiwork always reflecting His love and care of us.

May you be acutely aware of His sovreignty and provision even in the details we often overlook. And may He strengthen your sense of peace as you abide in Him. Blessings, Kristen

Gloria & Red Jacobsen on January 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm #

So glad her fever is gone! Praise God! Your right about God’s perfect timing,it is good that the Dr. Kays is making sure all is perfect with Ella before she comes home. Glad you two and a little rest and relaxation today. May 2008 being a happy,healthy blessed year for the West family! Steady in prayer for Ella,always Gloria & Red

Joel Snyder on January 1st, 2008 at 10:27 pm #

Ella, I am so happy that you kicked that fever. I will be praying for continued small baby steps forward and good test results. Taco and Manny had a good New Years but are waiting for you to celebrate this summer. Tina and Josh just keep on truckin and all will be well. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!

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