Ella had a great day.
Nurse Andrea said that Ella spent a good amount of time sitting up in her chair and being social. She even fell asleep while sitting upright in her chair!
By the time we arrived this afternoon, Dr. Kays had reduced her ventilator settings down to 8 breaths per minute and 40% oxygen.
Also, Dr. Kays decided to start feedings of the Portagen via the g-tube (2ccs/hour of continuous feeds). This is the first time that the Bun has had any food in her belly since her surgery (they have just been giving her IV fluids the past few days).
Ella’s nose seems to be healing quite well. We really wanted to see the swelling and inflammation decrease before she is placed back on CPAP.
When we first approached Ella’s bed, she was asleep. Then, she must have heard our voices. All of a sudden, she opened her eyes, recognized Mom, and then gave a big smile! It was so cute.
We had a fun time hanging out. Dad sang improv tunes to her which made her grin (there is a video below for your viewing pleasure). Then, Mom read her stories and talked to her. She was full of smiles which means that she has to be feeling better. It was the first set of grins and giggles that we have seen in several days.
We are not sure of when Dr. Kays plans to extubate Ella. If not tomorrow, I’m sure it will be sometime over the next few days. We’re not in a hurry to have this done because we feel like it is just giving her extra time to gain her strength.
Par is progressing along just wonderfully – – praise God! Please join us in praying that he will make huge strides forward, so that he can take on the next challenge of feeding. Jonathan still needs prayer for his liver and kidneys. They continue to not function at a level where Dr. Kays is willing to perform the repair surgery. Please pray for this need specifically as well as providing strength to Jasmine, his mom. Finally, pray that Ella’s lungs get stronger and that she tolerates the feeds via her g-tube.
Father, we thank you for sweet little Ella. We praise you for the successful surgery and the progress she has made over the past few days. Lord, you know exactly what she needs to heal and get stronger. We pray for wisdom for Dr. Kays and staff.
Also, we lift up Par and Jonathan to you and ask that you watch over their parents and that you continue to work out your perfect will in their healing process.
Lord, we thank you for Ella’s smiles…they are a reminder of your unfailing love for us. We trust in your timing of all the details on this journey.
Thank you for loving us…in your precious name, Amen.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
The Morgans on November 25th, 2007 at 8:06 pm #
She made me cry too! Sending lots of love and prayers your way! Jessica and Joe (Arissa’s mom and dad)
Jim and Lisa on November 25th, 2007 at 8:06 pm #
That is a great video! I’ve been looking all day…waiting for an update! How much I look forward to them! What a great miracle she is! I love the part where she seems to look right at mom video taping the whole thing…but then…wait, dad is still singing at me…”that crazy daddy she must have!” You guys are an inspiration! You are always in our daily thoughts and prayers! Jim and Lisa…and girls
Zandra on November 25th, 2007 at 8:29 pm #
It is wonderful to see your precious girl smile!! Thank you for sharing with all of us who are praying for her every day!! It absolutely made my day!! Zandra Morris (a friend of Liz’s)
Anne on November 25th, 2007 at 8:33 pm #
What an awesome video! Makes us feel like we’re right there with you guys! A perfect way to end a Thanksgiving weekend… what a gift! Thanks for sharing!
The Laz Fam on November 25th, 2007 at 8:49 pm #
ella’s so cute! the video made me laugh!
Lisa (Ms. Texas) on November 25th, 2007 at 8:51 pm #
What a gem! Josh it wasn’t quite “Love Shack” but what a great impromptu love song for Ella! Love to all!
Sheila on November 25th, 2007 at 9:12 pm #
A perfect ending to a Thanksgiving weekend. The video was great. Ella is a beautiful little girl. Still praying.
Char Snyder Jordan on November 25th, 2007 at 9:22 pm #
She looks so aware and able to smile after all. We love you and are praying for everyone. LOL Aunt Char and Jim
Kristen on November 25th, 2007 at 9:30 pm #
Ella is absolutely “Bun-derful!” Thank you for the vidoe, I love to see her smiling, oh my word she is incredible!
Lisa Correia on November 25th, 2007 at 9:43 pm #
WOW!!! That was awesome!!! She is just adorable and can we all say, “Josh West, our next American Idol!!!!” Thanks so much for letting us see that!! Ella looks fantastic and you can tell from the pictures and video, she must be feeling better. We’ll be praying as usual for Ella and the rest of the gang!! Love,
Joel Snyder on November 25th, 2007 at 10:23 pm #
Ella, You are looking so good today and I am loving those smiles at your Mom and Dad. I will be praying for more great progress and for Par and Jonathan. Have a great night and I will check on you tommorrow. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!
Kara Snyder on November 25th, 2007 at 10:23 pm #
I love your hu-mi-na song. They’re the best kind of songs ever! I have one that I made up for each of the girls when they were babies. Every once in a while they will ask me to sing their special song to them. And I think daddy songs are the sweetest. She’s such a lucky little girl.
Roxie (Adrienne's friend) on November 26th, 2007 at 1:05 am #
Oh, Thank You Lord, for the progress in Ella and Par. We acknowledge Your Hand and thank You for Your Hand in their lives. Thank You for Jonathan, we know that You are with him also. Please continue to bless these babies and their parents with the strength they need to keep their eyes on You as they stand in vigil by the cribs of their children and as they go about the duties of life. Please bless Little Ella’s lungs to be well…breathe Your holy breathe into her lungs to inflate them properly like no machine we can invent can do, drying any inappropriate fluid that might be there. Also, we ask that you would heal Ella’s little nose and make it well before she moves on to CPAP again. We are greatful for the CPAP and thank You for it.
The Brittain Family on November 26th, 2007 at 5:56 am #
praise God for such great progress! the video was a hit especially for 2-year-old Lily : )
Carl and Cathie Firestone on November 26th, 2007 at 6:45 am #
Thank you so much for letting all of us share the miracle of your daughter with you! Ella looks fantastic! We are praying for a great week for all of you…specifically for extubation and increase of feeds through her tummy tube! You guys are at third base looking at HOME!! We are so excited for all 3 of you!!
Julie Kirk -Saudi Arabia on November 26th, 2007 at 7:43 am #
she was loving that singing dad. she is so so sweet and she does look so good. Thank you Lord Jesus for Ella
Laura Marold on November 26th, 2007 at 8:49 am #
I’m so happy to see her when she’s feeling better. Ella is such a pretty baby with a GREAT smile. Still prayers for more of the good stuff. Love, Laura M.
Adrienne - Melissa's sister on November 26th, 2007 at 11:40 am #
Jeff and I just got teary watching your cute little bun.. so sweet to see her interact with you. Wow…. this was so great! thanks for sharing.
Todd Sheridan on November 26th, 2007 at 12:24 pm #
That video is just awesome, and I need to stop watching these at work cause you’re making me cry, too 🙂 Continued good thoughts and wishes, miss you guys and sending the good vibes to Par and Jonathan, too :).
Lizotte Family on November 26th, 2007 at 2:34 pm #
LOVE IT!!! It makes me very happy to know you are all smiling!!!
Tammy on November 26th, 2007 at 3:08 pm #
What a sweet moment between daddy and his baby girl. Ella’s smile speaks volumes. Thank you sharing a tender moment with us! The kleenex box was ready and waiting!!
Gloria & Red Jacobsen on November 26th, 2007 at 5:48 pm #
That’s was so precious to share that special time between the Daddy and his little girl! She just kept looking at him and listening for every loving word and the then those smiles!! Prayers always for Ella,Par and Johnathan.Gloria & Red
John & Estela Williams on November 26th, 2007 at 7:09 pm #
That was incredible… I loved the video. Josh thanks for singing to your beautiful girl and US. We love you guys and Ella looks wonderful. God Bless
Lesli Richards on November 26th, 2007 at 8:46 pm #
That was wonderful to watch…our kids watched it several times today…they are so captivated by her. Rebecca said today “Mom, you just HAVE to take me to see her.” When the restrictions ease up there just might have to be a girlie road trip! We are praying for you and can’t wait to hear what fabulous progress she makes next! Trusting God with you. The Richards
Teresa & Family on November 27th, 2007 at 3:54 pm #
Watching this video brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart! She is so beautiful…I can’t wait to meet her! Love you all! XOXOXO Post a comment
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