Sunday, November 28, 2010

Fresh Breath

We have really been amazed at this little girl of ours.

It seems that every time we visit her there is a change of device or medication that reflects her progress & is meant to allow her body to continue moving forward.  The C-Pap only lasted a day.  She was so fussy with it on, yet showed such good progress & stability, that they quickly moved her on to a cannula.  She is much more comfortable with this & has continued to have good numbers.

"I just love my new breathing apparatus!" 

The fact that we have now both been able to hold her already is simply unbelievable.  Because of how delicate she was, we figured it would be weeks or months before we would be able to do that.  She used to get almost unstable in her heart rate, blood pressure & oxygen levels when a nurse simply turned her head.  Now she is acting more & more like a normal little baby who could be at home with us.  We were even planning a covert Thanksgiving day escape for her before coming to our senses. :)

Papa Time

There are, of course, still plenty of concerns.  Although the blood clot in her left ventricle hasn't enlarged at all, it is still there - which means there's always some risk of it causing a major problem, such as a stroke, if a piece breaks off & blocks blood flow.  She has also continued to lose weight a bit beyond where the doctors would like to see her (over a full pound since birth).  It was good for her to lose the excess fluid she was retaining, but at some point she will need to start putting weight back on.  However, they can't just increase her feedings abruptly because her digestive system can only handle a slow, gradual workload and it has been one area where she hasn't progressed as quickly.  So there is basically a continual adjustment in all areas as the nurses & doctors look to maintain a balance while at the same time nudging her along toward sustainability.

Overall, we feel extremely blessed with her progress.  She continues to defy the odds by showing tangible improvement with a heart that really should have no business (from a medical standpoint) supporting the rest of her body - to the credit of the One who gives & sustains life.

13 comments:

Chic Mama said...

SO beautiful and amazing! She is such a little fighter- evidence of miracles and a great God! We love you guys and her! I love to see you guys holding her- precious!

Coby said...

Praise God! I don't know what else to say! Thank you, Jesus, for the small victories, for the might that is on Ella, and for your sustaining anointing!

Jessi said...

Coming from a mom whose son went from ventilator, to C-Pap, to Nasal Cannula over a span of 4 months... this is truly a miracle! I just don't know what else to call it. Continuing ot pray for sweet Ella...

Linda said...

We are So excited for Ella and you both! How wonderful and precious our Lord is in his continued faithfulness!
Thanks for continuing to share your updates and Ell'a progress with us! Its the first thing I check every morning!!
Blessing upon blessing to you all!
Love, Bob and Linda

Anonymous said...

With Tears in my eyes I can feel God's blessings on this little girl. She is a beautiful reflection of you both (mom and daddy!). Praying minute by minute for your family! Loves to E and A also.

Cami A. said...

Her smile is adorable!I have our church praying for baby Ella too. God is hearing these prayers.
Chad and Cami Anderson

Jen said...

Praise the Lord!!! We continue to pray for your family! Little Ella is adorable & we love the daddy-daughter picture!
Love, The Snider Family

Jenny said...

She looks so alert in these pictures! It looks like her little personality is starting to emerge--is that a little smirk I see?

I love her new Christmas sheet. Did she redecorate over the weekend? :)

Lora May said...

YAAAAAY!!! Thank God! What a beautiful miracle... the light just shines through her! I'm so happy and uplifted to come into work today to hear such great news... Lots of Love, more prayers, and Blessings to you and the whole family :) Go Ella!

karene said...

Eric & Family,

I shed tears as I read your blog today. It saddens me that you are going through this, but at the same time, overjoyed that you know Him and His peace.

I've truly been where you are. I delivered my twins at 28 weeks. The milestones are amazing. The first time I got to hold them is still as real today as it was in 2003.

I don't know which hospital you're at, but I know NICU nurses and doctors at both and I can tell you that Ella is receiving the absolute best care possible.

And of course, as you know, the #1 doctor is lifting up your family and all that touch you.

I pray that He will continue to give you the strength, grace, mercy, and peace that can only come from Him.

Karene Loman

Unknown said...

I have missed reading Ella's blog for a few days and was delighted to hear of the progress she has made and that you all got to hold her. She is beautiful and such a fighter. I continue to pray for her daily.

Love,
Cheryl Dobson

Marianne said...

I just read your blog about your beautiful baby girl!! Please know that there are total strangers (such as myself) that are offering up HEARTFELT, sincere prayers for your baby girl AND her family and will continue to do so for a long time:) The power of prayer is AMAZING, the peace and gift of LOVE is amazing and I pray it will all be with you and your family!!
Love,
Marianne

~Sue said...

Just heard the report on the echo! Our amazing God is showing His handiwork! Praising and thanking Him with you. What a testament and I cannot not fathom the plans He has for her life-- Miracle Baby Ella!