Feb
29
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on February-29-2008

Nope, I’m not talking about ice cream. Last night was rough for Ella…and Mom. We got very little sleep.

Unfortunately, the lack of beauty sleep led to a cranky Bun throughout the day. She sounds congested again, so she may have caught another cold.

Ella did take lots of little naps today in between trying to work on her feeding. She took around 90ccs total out of the bottle. She has such a desire to feed via the bottle and is doing really well getting the hang of it. If it weren’t for all the air she swallows and the grief it causes her each time, I think she would be further along. Even though we vent her g-tube at the same time, it does not eliminate the episodes of pain that she has to endure.

When we get a chance to go to the pediatrician next month, we are going to ask about other foods we can introduce for Ella. We have to be careful because of her fluid issues, but it just seems that the oral stimulation from her taste buds is so enjoyable to her. Maybe foods with more texture could also provide more calories and not cause the gas pains.

We were supposed to have an appointment today with the OT to work on feeding issues, but the therapist was ill. But we did discuss the strategies of what we have been doing. For example, I asked about other types of bottles. He told us that the one we are using is one he normally recommends and he doesn’t want us changing it on Ella while she is making forward progress. We are hoping that we can get some more hands on training next week.

I’m excited that it is the weekend. This means that I might be able to get more sleep!

We pray that Ella’s weekend will prove to be restful, that she will gain strength and that her health will improve. We’re so blessed to have our little Bun.

Psalm 119:148
My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.



Jennifer S on February 29th, 2008 at 8:37 pm #

Does Ella still thrust her tongue? If not, is spoon feeding an option? There is no other food that has as high a fat or calorie content as breast milk, but since the air is an issue… could you try making a breast milk slushie and spoon feeding it to her?

Char and Jim Jordan on February 29th, 2008 at 9:50 pm #

It seems so natural to be a mom. I see all these Mom’s out there in the world giving advice about how to try this or that for Ella’s feeding issues. God Bless Them! So many hearts loving Ella from a far. You are so very lucky to know through family and good friends that you and Josh and Ella Bun are not alone in this task. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

Lesli on March 1st, 2008 at 5:00 am #

Oh, the sleepless nights! Praying for you as you walk through this. Know that someday, you will be able to sleep in with Josh, as Ella gets her own cereal and turns on “Barney” on her own. We always use Avent bottles, but I’ve heard that people who have problems with air like those Doc Brown bottles and swear they are miracles. We also went through a period of (Brendan’s idea) of putting Mylecon drops into the bottle when we fed the baby, instead of after. That seemed to help. Here is a verse that I am praying for you today:
Psalm 68:35

35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God!

I pray that you would have power and strength, even without sleep. I pray for rest for you today, and comfort and a happy tummy for the Bun.

Love, Lesli and the rest of the Richards

The Lizotte Family on March 1st, 2008 at 8:51 am #

It’s not always a bed of roses. You guys are doing great! And if you care to know… I have always preferred the Playtex disposable nursers. To me they are the only bottle that eliminates air.

Joel Snyder on March 1st, 2008 at 8:57 am #

Ella, I hope that you can get your schedule turned around and start to let your Mom and Dad and Grandma all get some rest. Maybe this weekend will be better. I am excited that your feedings are progressing. Just keep those baby steps going and things will get better. Have a wonderful weekend. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!

Post a comment

Name:  (required)
Email:  (required)
URL: 
Comments: