Oct
16
     
Happy 12 Weeks Ella! (Day 85)
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on October-16-2007

Yes, today Ella is 12 weeks old! The last time they weighed her, she was 8 lbs, 2 ounces. She is still battling edema, so some of the weight could be from fluid retention. But she was born at 5 lbs, 6 ounces, so that is tremendous progress.

Speaking of gaining weight, we found out that Ella was removed from her IV food this past weekend (HAL & lipids) and is now relying on her feeding tube of Portagen for all her nutritional needs.

A side effect that they see in some babies is an elevated bilirubin count, as the body adjusts, causing jaundice. So, Ella is sporting a bit of a California tan the past couple of days. Maybe she is just missing Uncle Rick and Cousin Megan? In any case, they expect that this will go away by next weekend or they will investigate further.

Since Ella’s 2 chest tubes were removed yesterday morning, she is responding well clinically. They are holding off on a chest x-ray, unless they absolutely feel it is necessary. Instead, they are just using her saturations, blood gases and overall behavior as an indicator of how well she is doing.

Her saturations have been high throughout the night and day so far. The last blood gas at 8am was excellent, pH level=7.41, cO2 = 53, and pO2=95. So Dr. Kays went ahead and weened the vent a touch more, down to 24 breaths per minute.

They are still changing Ella’s position every 4-6 hours: belly, right side, left side, mid-line on her back. She seems to be tolerating all the positions fine, which is a HUGE indicator that she is feeling better and not struggling as much to breathe.

We are thankful for her recent progress. When looking at her, Josh and I still marvel about all that God has done and continues to do in our lives through our baby girl. It has been an honor and a privilege to see God’s hand working in the lives of so many.

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.


Auntie Shannon on October 16th, 2007 at 12:00 pm #

Glad to see she is tolerating things well after the tubes were removed. We are praying today that she continues to maintain and progress. Megan had a really good time with you guys and has told me several times she wants to go back. Rick said she cried herself to sleep on the plane as she didn’t want to leave you – what an impression you and Ella made on my sweet girl.

Hugs,

Shannon

Joan and Steve Odell on October 16th, 2007 at 12:03 pm #

Happy Birthday to YOU!!! I love to watch the two of you with Ella – such sweet touches and depth of love. What a beautiful blessing and privilege we have been allowed to share in – which reminds me of ‘to every season…….. – Our Lord brings everyone into our lives for special purposes that only He knows. I praise and thank Him every day for the presence of the three of you in our lives. What a privilege to share this with you – thank you both for giving all of us this very special blessing through our Lord. Enjoy these moments – hugs, love and prayers, Steve and Joan

Heidi Anderson on October 16th, 2007 at 12:03 pm #

Such a precious little bundle… I am sending her a gentle hug all the way from California.

Loren L. on October 16th, 2007 at 12:09 pm #

WOW! How what a fabulous bow. She’s a full Floridian with that tan. I will keep you in our prayers to help move this progress in the right direction.
God Bless

The Dirirm Family on October 16th, 2007 at 12:13 pm #

We too want to wish Ella a happy birthday. We are in awe of the work God is doing with Ella. Thank you for letting us be a part of this journey. We will continue praying for no more fluid and that Ella will soon be breathing totally on her own. We will also pray for you and Josh. May our God sustain you in the valleys and the moutains.
The Dirrim Family

tamara tessmer on October 16th, 2007 at 12:39 pm #

So glad to see those numbers all going in the right direction!!!!!!! God is so good!. Keep up the fight Ella. Can’t wait to read the post “We held our baby girl” Tears of joy flowing for you both as you enjoy this time of victory. Still praying and praising our Lord!!!
Love,
Tamara

Rachel & Ava on October 16th, 2007 at 1:49 pm #

I can’t wait till you can hold little ella, I know what a tremedous joy and comfort it will be for all of you. Faith and love are the best medicine, along with God guiding the hands of her caretakers. She looks amazing, and i love the pics of Tina looking lovingly at her beautiful Ella. I pray she continue on this path of growing strenght and health

Angie on October 16th, 2007 at 2:10 pm #

Happy 12 Weeks Ella! You’re lookin’ great! 🙂 Hugs & Kisses ~Nurse Angie

Joel Snyder on October 16th, 2007 at 2:29 pm #

Ella, Happy B-Day you look marvelous “Gator Girl”. I really hope and pray that your stats and fluid reduction keep progressing. Your Mom sure looks good. I am going to work a party this aftenoon and will check on you tonight. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!

Lisa Wilson on October 16th, 2007 at 5:44 pm #

Beautiful Cali tan for a beautiful baby girl!!.We knew all along she was a California girl at heart and we can’t wait to see her when she comes to visit Grandma Lynn and friends (that would be us along with many more) out here in Irvine CA. We are praying diligently that the day for trips to CA will come soon. Our best to all of you.

Tammy on October 16th, 2007 at 7:13 pm #

Happy 12 week “belly button day” sweet Ella. We check on you at work each day and marvel at the strength the Lord has given to you all!
God Bless

Kelsey Rupert on October 16th, 2007 at 7:20 pm #

I hope Ella likes her little hippo! I think “Tubby” will be a good name for her soon… 🙂 I will be by soon to give her a hug in person! Stay strong and congrats on 12 weeks of a powerful life.

monika clark on October 16th, 2007 at 8:26 pm #

ella baby dear you are getting even prettier and more precious each day if that is possible. thank you tina and josh for sharing photos and details and prayers. you 3 are truly blessing so many. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU. love and hugs, monika and family and friends

Char Snyder Jordan on October 16th, 2007 at 9:38 pm #

Lovely girls, Ella, your 3 month birhtday. You are stylin now! What a cute headband. Your mom looks geat too. Someday she will be able to hold you and kiss your sweet little lips. What a day of celebration that will be. We are holding on tight. We will stay the course. We pray several times a day for your complete recovery. We are thankful for your progress to your Heavenly Father. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

Gloria & Red Jacobsen on October 16th, 2007 at 10:27 pm #

Ella is one spunky little gal! That fancy bow is adorable om her.How very thankful we all are to be part of Ella’s prayer team ! God is good! Praise Him! Ella’s progress shows the power of God and her faith-filled parents and family and friends. Offering prayers and thanksgiving always, Gloria & Red

Rainey Family on October 17th, 2007 at 6:00 am #

We are happy to hear that Ella is doing so well. You guys are amazing parents, and your strength and faith are a wonderful example to the rest of us!! We continue to check in and pray for you all daily. Allyson, Jeff & Michael

Anne on October 17th, 2007 at 7:00 am #

What great pictures! Ella looks so comfortable and so happy! She’s sure come a long way from a couple of weeks ago! Does give one pause to appreciate the power of prayer. Josh and Tina – you two are incredible examples of faith in God and you have given us so much with your postings. How do we thank YOU?

John & Estela Williams on October 17th, 2007 at 7:46 am #

Awesome… great to hear that Baby Ella is doing so well. Love you guys!

Brendan on October 17th, 2007 at 9:11 am #

AWESOME!!! I’m so glad to hear that Ella is doing so well. Praise the Lord!

To Josh and Tina; I know y’all are working and making trips back and forth to the hospital, but one post a day ain’t cutt’n it. You’ve spoiled us all with two posts a day (some spilling into the next day) and the occasional update or two. You need to step it up. (To the thousands reading this, I’m kidding, of course). I always love to hear about how my very dear friends and Brother/Sisters in Christ are doing.

Peace be with you.

Lesli Richards on October 17th, 2007 at 9:41 am #

glad he said it, cause I was thinking it. 🙂

Dana Chambers on October 17th, 2007 at 1:02 pm #

Okay… I have to admit that I miss the double posts.

I was thinking it too!

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