It is so wonderful to see her doing so well! We are thrilled and continue to pray for Ella and now Baby Par, too! It is Samuel’s 5th birthday tomorrow and it seems like just yesterday he was 15 weeks…enjoy those baby snuggles! She’s beautiful. Love, the Richards

I was going to say – looks like Miss Ella is pretty well attached to that binky! Not only is it an encouraging sign of the sucking reflex, but I always liked them for their ability to help a baby soothe herself when needed, at least to a degree. Can’t wait to see Ella posing just like Jordan. 15 weeks does seem like a long time in some respects, but then again, any time spent in our Daddy’s arms is so much better than time spent anywhere else, and we know that’s right where you all are. Sweet dreams to all of you tonight. XOXOXO

Dear Ella!
I say thank you everynight for all the little children and I’m praying for you to continue your recovery through this process so you too can go home with mom and dad.
XOXO, LL

That is a great picture. Sorry, I couldn’t be there today. This is a really hectic week back home. I am so glad to see that Ella is getting closer to going home. Jordan, Julie and Mom really enjoyed their visit with you guys today. Wish I could have been there. Take Care.
Clay

Happy 15 weeks Ella! You’re doing amazing! Another beautiful picture. 🙂 Hugs & Kisses. ~Nurse Angie

Baby Ella, You are doing everything right!! I know you’re in love with the binky!! I’ll be saying a little prayer for you and your Mom and Dad tonight!!

You all look awesome!!
I know it must be hard to not get discouraged when you see babies coming back and you haven’t even left the first stage. Steadfast….
Ella is making such great progress and soon you will have a picture like the one above but it will be with Ella. You guys look so natural.
Ella is really looking great she just needs time to gain more strength. You will be home soon and look back at this time like it was nothing. I know going through it right now it doesn’t seem that way but believe me…the time flies!! I can’t believe that my “baby” is already 8 years old. It seems like it was just yesterday when Josh was asking me if I was pregnant. Do you remember that? It was so funny. He started to ask me and then thought… maybe she isn’t pregnant so he inserted foot in mouth.
Anyway, take one day at a time and enjoy the snuggle time. It really won’t take long and you will be so comfortable and it will all come naturally to you.
Lord, I pray for continued strength for the West family. With each day that Ella gets stronger, Josh and Tina are feeling weak. Give them strength and perseverance to continue on this journey. We thank you for the blessing of Ella’s life. What a sweet girl. Please strengthen her so that she may come home. We look forward to the day that they are able to take Ella home from the care of the awesome hospital staff that you have placed her with to their own home where they can care for her and love on her.
We pray that her reflux would continue to subside.
We also lift baby Par up to you and pray that you would continue to strengthen him so that he is able to avoid the ECMO.
We thank you and praise you for your grace with these sweet babies.
AMEN!!

Love, Melissa

It is wonderful to see a baby that has reached the outside life away from the NICU. What a cute baby. You and Josh look great Tina. We are so impressed that Ella can use a “Binky”. Just as long as Ella is taking baby steps forward we are really pleased. All our love to you. Char and Jim

Was that Cracker Barrel? Yum! Oh you guys, Ella’s story could not be more incredible. . . actually it is another story about the goodness of our great God! We celebrate these milestones with you. Every day, little by little, wow!

Wow, every day she seems to get better and better. What a blessing ! I pray for a Christmas at home for all 3 of you.

Ella, I just woke up from sleeping all day and what great news that you are doing well. I am excied for both you and Par it seems that both of you are taking those baby steps forward. Give your Mom and Dad a little snuggle from Grandpa. Love You and will check on you tommorrow!!!!!!!!!

Little Ella you are doing so well!! That Binky looks good in your mouth! You little cutie!! Praying for continued growing strength in your lungs and the reflux to subside. Blessings on Par and his family.
Have you guys looked at the Map of Love lately? You will never know when someone may come up to you and call you three by name, saying they have been praying for you. Your lives have touched hearts around the world. Your are a part of the mission field, sharing the love of God. God bless you, Roxie

Ella seems to get cuter with every passing day! I’m so happy to hear that she is slowly but steadily being weaned from the medicines and machines. But most heartening is knowing that you are holding her in your arms on a daily basis.
My prayers go to you and Ella.
Katy

We thank you Lord for such precious blessings – large and small, seen and unseen. We pray for continued strengthening for Ella and Par and humbly thank You for those babies who have gone home and come back – such encouragement they are for those who wait that special day when they too will go to their homes. In Christ’s name we pray, Father – Amen – continued blessings and prayers are coming your way – our love and hugs – Steve and Joan

So happy to hear the update… happy 15 week Ella. You look so beautiful baby girl.

Ella looks so precious and peaceful, I’m so glad she making such great progress. All three of you are inspirational 🙂