Dec
23
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on December-23-2008

Ella had a good day with occupational therapy. She is still taking food, albeit a bit slower, from our fingers and tolerating the spoon. This past week (since OT session last week), Ella worked her way through 6 jars of baby food. Not too shabby.

The OT asked us to keep everything up (including the z-vibe on her cheeks and mouth area) and to try introducing orange veggies, like sweet potatoes. We’ll try it and see how the Bun responds.

Also, we will be trying to increase the density of her food tomorrow from 24 k/cal to 26 k/cal. Since I have the day off from work and will be hanging out with her all day, I figured it was a good day to try it. Thankfully, she has progressed to bolus feeds without issue. It has taken us 3+ months since surgery for her to work back up to bolus feeds.

One of Ella’s CDH buddies recently graduated from using her g-tube for the past 2 years. I cannot even fathom the day when that will be the case. Her friend is now device free.

Kelly said that Ella had a great day overall. When I left for work this morning, Ella was happily playing on her mat while Kelly was signing, talking and playing with Ella. She seemed to be having a good time.

Manny and Maggie did a little bit better tolerating each other today. That made Grandpa happy! I’m excited to see them and hang out for Christmas in a couple of days.

Grandma West arrived here safely today. Thank goodness there were not any weather-related delays. No snow in So Cal and none in Denver today, so it went smoothly.

When Grandma arrived, they went upstairs to play with Ella in her room…and Daddy could not resist tickling the Bun.

Looking forward to celebrating our Savior’s birth on Thursday with family, food and gifts. We have just so much to be thankful for this time of year.

Luke 1:39-45 (NLT)
A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”



Julie on December 24th, 2008 at 12:54 am #

So great that you’re having a nice long stretch of good days! Yay!

Joel Snyder on December 24th, 2008 at 6:07 am #

Ella, Wow!!!! you are doing so good and you look great. I am glad to see that Grandma made it safely and without trouble. Maggie and Manny had a great day. Manny decided that he was over his grief and has been playing with Maggie non-stop. Maggie is making great progress with her training. Grandpa is so happy to see Manny back to being himself. Give all those folks at the house a big hug for me. I will see you on Christmas. Love,Grandpa!!!!!!!!!

The Brittain Family on December 24th, 2008 at 7:31 am #

Butternut squash is a fav. here. So glad you are home for your holiday, little Ella! Merry, merry christmas!

Kelli on December 24th, 2008 at 7:36 am #

Merry Christmas West Family!

Kelly "Supernanny" on December 24th, 2008 at 8:45 am #

Yay Ella! It is sooo great to see her having so many good days lately… her progress has been phenomenal! I can only hope she’ll take the increase in density as well as she’s been taking the bolus feeds, and we can really start to push forward even more 🙂

Josh, I made it back to the Springs safe last night, but got caught up in some stuff when I got home and didn’t get to bed til late. Sorry I didn’t call, but all is well! 🙂

I hope you guys have a wonderful Christmas with Grandma, Grandpa, Manny, Maggie, and the Bun. It should turn out to be a great, warm holiday I hope! I love you guys, and miss you lots! Give Ella big kisses for me 🙂

Eve Johnson on December 24th, 2008 at 9:30 am #

A joyus Christmas and our Lord’s peace to all who gather here to share Ella’s journey. She is a gift; bless the Wests for sharing with us.

Katy Nilsson on December 24th, 2008 at 4:15 pm #

Have a very Merry Christmas! It does my heart good to see Ella so happy.
Love
Katy

Laura Marold on December 24th, 2008 at 6:52 pm #

Merry, merry Christmas!!! Things are going so well for all of you–what a wonderful, happy Christmas. Love to all of you. Your new puppy is so sweet!! Laura M.

Lesli Richards on December 24th, 2008 at 9:18 pm #

Merry Christmas sweet West Family! To all a good night!
Love,
The Richards

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