Jan
21
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on January-21-2008


After sleeping overnight in Orlando, we had breakfast with the Boemler Wareings before making the 2 hour drive back to Gainesville. It was nice to hang out and visit with friends.

The Bun had a great day hanging out with Nurse Marla.

Over the past day or so, her congestion has flared up a bit again. Hopefully it will be gone completely in a few days.

Aside from that, Ella looks great clinically. She seems so much more relaxed. It is almost not believable that she is doing so well. I think we are just so used to seeing her sick and not feeling well.

They have not moved Ella out of NICU 3 yet. We don’t think it is because she is not ready; the NICU 3 is just not busy and the nurse practitioner that has her case is not back until Wednesday.

Ella is having an abdominal ultrasound tomorrow (Tuesday). Please pray that all goes well. They will be checking to see if she shows any signs of clotting around her IVC, where it was partially occluded. We would really love to see her low molecular heparin treatment discontinued (clotting medicine that has to be given via subcutaneous shots). Her poor legs are all bruised from being pricked with a needle each day.

Although we did not capture an image, Ella really liked the Minnie Mouse that we brought back from Disney World. We can’t imagine the day when we can take her there for the first time.

Speaking of first times, we are looking forward to our first time of leaving the hospital. Although we have not been given a final date, it seems around the corner and could be as early as sometime this week.

Along with that comes the anxiety of being new parents…and being new parents with a baby that has special needs. Please begin to pray that we can continue to trust in Him, and fully rely on Him for our needs as we learn to take care of Ella each day.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.



Williamsburg on January 21st, 2008 at 8:51 pm #

I can’t share much more than tears from the beauty of these pictures and joy for you two and Ella Renae. What a life, what a journey, what an incredible God. We love you so much. XOXOXO

Char and Jim Jordan on January 21st, 2008 at 8:54 pm #

Oh my what a wonderful thought. You will be at home with your baby. You and Tina will be perfect. It is so pleasing to see Ella happy and content, not just for the moment. We are praying that all things will work together for the West Family. We anxiously await future posts. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

Mollie Rosing on January 21st, 2008 at 9:54 pm #

Josh and Tina…Ella bun looks so so so cute and we’re thankful to hear that she is doing great clinically! Your strength and resolve over the past six months has been beyond amazing, so of course, you will be more than capable “at home” parents. However, we will continue to pray for you and sweet Ella in the days and weeks to come.

All our love,

Jim and Mollie and fam.

Joel Snyder on January 21st, 2008 at 10:19 pm #

Ella, You are looking fantastic and it seems that you are really making those baby steps toward home. Say hello to your new Minnie Mouse for me. I will be checking on you and your Mom and Dad later. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

laura blackwell on January 21st, 2008 at 10:43 pm #

Praying for that trip home. I always enjoy her pictures.

Matt, Abby, Austin & Caed on January 22nd, 2008 at 4:48 am #

Ella looks prettier every day! I love her smile in the first picture – what a sweetheart. Abby and I continue to pray for you three and for God’s love to surround you.

Joan and Steve Odell on January 22nd, 2008 at 6:25 am #

What joy it brings my heart to see all the pictures and hear your rejoicing. The Lord will prepare the way for the next steps. Hold tight to His love – He is always there. Hugs – Steve and Joan

Lesli on January 22nd, 2008 at 6:51 am #

She looks so terrific. I am so excited for you three to finally get to go home! We can’t wait until you are settled in for a while and we can come for a visit where we can hold her! Try not to worry too much about the future with Ella. You are terrific parents and God hand-picked you for Ella. He does not make mistakes. He will give you wisdom as each day comes. I do remember the feeling, though, when it came time to take Rebecca home from the hospital….I couldn’t beleive that they would actually let someone so inexperienced leave the hospital with someone so fragile! But you have at least had a few months to get the diaper changing and care aspects down! You’ll do great! We will keep praying!
Love, Lesli and the rest of the Richards clan

Fran Jarrett on January 22nd, 2008 at 8:36 am #

Another beautiful picture for my special Ella picture file. You will do just fine when you take your precious Bun home. As Lesli said, you were hand picked by God and He doesn’t make mistakes!

Kelli Billman on January 22nd, 2008 at 11:06 am #

She looks so happy!!! We want to see some pictures from Disneyworld!
I can hear it now…”When the West family was asked what they were going to do after they won the Superbowl (aka impending release of beautiful daughter Ella from the hospital), their reply was, “WE’RE GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!!” So glad you guys had fun!

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