Eventful, but not

We have, for the most part, been hanging out with Ella and waiting.  We are waiting for her to gain some weight and waiting for next week when the doctors and surgeons will take a look at her belly again.  In all this waiting, we have really been enjoying Ella.  To just look at her.....hold her......bathe her......nurse her......to just "be" with her.

She had her first bath a couple days ago.  She did not make a sound, but instead soaked in the experience.  Her eyes got instantly huge (like they always do) and she started moving her limbs around slowly and fluidly.  It was such a special time with her.  The nurse said, "I had a feeling she would enjoy this."

That little Ella is so curious with those eyes of hers.  She doesn't fuss much probably because of all she has had to endure.  We have seen this as a great blessing that she has a great temperament since her heart would not have been able to handle much.  She is so pleasant and just likes to observe, interact, and visit.

She also was able to try "nursing" for the first time last night.  The doctor said to try nursing her right after I pumped so that she wouldn't get too much milk.  Plus, if she does get a little milk then we can see what her stomach will do.  Kind of a mini test.  Ella has always rooted and tried to nurse when I hold her so this was kind of a treat for her.  She did ok....I could tell she was getting frustrated because this was the most I've heard her cry and grunt.  Luckily, our nurse for the night was a former lactation specialist and she helped Ella latch on.  It was wonderful.....I can't express in words how close it made me feel to Ella.

A couple more events while we have been waiting include Ella being moved to a crib and she had a big visit on Christmas day in the viewing room.  Family was able to see her all together including far away family over Skype from Olympia, Norway, and Hawaii.  It was great to be with family and Ella at the same time.

So really, we have been doing a lot while we are waiting.  Kind of seems to be the case....when Jesus has us "wait"  He is doing a lot in us to help us grow.  Amazing.