Thursday, February 3, 2011

At home and loving it.

I have to admit that it has been so busy being home, in a good way.  These are blessings not burdens.  ;)  We love being under one roof and not feeling 'torn' between our children.  The boys have mentioned many times that they are so glad we are all together as a family.  Amazing how even at a young age they want to feel that 'togetherness'.  I really love that they love being a family so much.  Or is that too much love in one sentence.  Anyways, we have been having fun adjusting to Ella being home.  There are many things that this entails....let me just list what comes to mind:
medications, kisses on her forehead, washing bottles and syringes, dry dry hands, cuddles, running Elijah to preschool, enjoying Ella's smiles, walking her in the night bouncing back and forth, washing burp cloths and baby girl clothes, sanitizing everything, sitting on our own couch to feed her, washing my hands and little boy hands, listening to baby squeeks, making bottles and normal food, sitting at the dinner table as a family of 5......I really could go on and on.  Like I said, it's a good busy.

We had our first cardiologist appointment (is that what those are called?) yesterday since being out of the hospital.  Ella's heart is doing well.  It is still functioning at a normal level and they have no reason to believe that it will deteriorate.  The walls of the left ventricle are still thick.  Time will tell if it is scar tissue or muscle from the heart remodeling itself.  She was taken off one med (lasix) and given a higher dose of another (digoxin) because of her weight gain.  She weighs in at 7 pounds 6 ounces and is rapidly gaining.  She really put up a fight during her echo, which the cardiologist was happy to see because he said she was too sick to put up a fight before.  She's a fighter, as we all know.  :)

Soooo another issue is trying to stay germ free with 2 young boys also in the picture.


It would not be good for Ella to get sick right now.  I am learning to let this go to some degree.  I can do my best with what God gives me....I will be a good steward, but there is also a point where I just have to trust Him to take care of the rest.  I will not be able to get rid of all the germs in our house 24/7 and I would die trying to.  As with everything, from money to friendships to the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of your very own children, we need to do our very best with our gifts from God and He will take it from there.  It's kind of freeing to know that and to be in that posture of 'hands wide open, looking up'.

And that's where we are at.....home and loving it.

9 comments:

Jen said...

It's so fun to read about life...at home! Absolutely love the picture of the boys with sleeping baby Ella. Very sweet!

We'll continue to pray for Ella and that everyone stays healthy.

Blessings,
The Snider Family

Anonymous said...

So Glad You are all home and enjoying togetherness! What sweet times are these. So happy to hear that her heart is doing well. Hugs, Courtney M.

Addy Johnson said...

Amen! Thank you for the update!

Linda said...

Christa and Erik!
What a joy to read your joy filled updates! I am sure the doctors were impressed with her continuing process of weight gain and healing. All the credit certainly goes to God for his mercy and grace. We serve such an awesome God!!
She will thrive with all the love in your home!! I can't wait for the next post!
God Bless your home with love overflowing!!
Linda and Bob

Linda said...

This post has made me smile, brought joy to my soul, and I could feel tears welling up.
It IS so good to read about life on the home front for you all....the picture of the boys with Ella is just SO precious.
Our FATHER, he is so GOOD.
I will continue to pray for HIM to give you and Eric the strength you need for this journey.
Love you, Linda (A's MOM :)

Unknown said...

Christa,
I am so happy that things are going well at home. Ella is a fighter, and that has served her well. May God continue to watch over and bless your family.

Love,
Cheryl Dobson

Malisa @ Sanity in Small Doses said...

So glad to hear that everything is going well with your family and that your family of five are all under one roof. Still praying for you.

Coby said...

This is so wonderful! I can't help but smile and praise God!!!

Jess Neil said...

I just wanted to say thank you for your willing to keep everyone posted on sweet Ella! She is soooo cute and i love the picture of the boys behind her laying on the floor. Your miracle story is sooo inspiring! You two are so positive and i wish i was more like you both! Im so happy she is home with you all and doing well!

~Jess Neil