Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Waking up..

Sorry about the lack of posts...things have been so busy latley. Little miss Bela is requiring lots more attention lately and we're loving it! Today around 2 she was completley taken off all her sedation and pain meds so she has been so alert and awake. I finally feel like I'm getting to know my little girl. She loves to look around and check things out. Today I was there for about 7 hours and she was probably awake for about 4 of those hours. It was amazing. It was the first time she would stay awake longer than a few seconds and actually focus on me. I sat right by her side all day and held her little hand and talked to her. I also got to hold her for a couple hours today. It's amazing to hold her. She's got a lot less tubes now and so it's feels more comfortable to hold her.
Yesterday when I got to the hospital she was wearing a little onsie...it was so cute. I'm sorta mad a Tanner because the last two days he took the camera with him to work so I have no new pictures. She already looks so much better than the last pictures that were posted. She got the big thing off her head that measured her oxygen and so her entire face is clear of things and it's so nice to just look at her. She also got both the IV's out of her arms, so now all she has is a central line in her neck and that is it! She is moving along beautifully. She is down to one medicine for her heart and her feeds that she is receiving by drip. We are slowly weaning her off of all oxygen because she is doing so well breathing on her own. She should be off in a couple more days.
Today I got to try bottle feeding her. Another shock...we didn't think we'd be able to do that for awhile. But she is totally wanting something to suck on. She finds her little hands to suck on and loves her binky so they decided to let her try and see how she did. She didn't really like it..she took about 3 cc's and threw it all up about 45 minutes later. It was so sad. We'll keep trying. That will probably be Bela's hardest task to master before we get to go home, but I'm so excited that we're already working at it. Her surgeon came in to look at her this afternoon and once again said how great she was doing. He said that it's very rare for a baby with her anatomy to have such great numbers (meaning her vitals). It's so nice to hear that. I know we've said this many times, but she really is exceeding all expectations of her, and we hope and pray that she continues to do so. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that she was able to get the hybrid procedure instead of the Norwood. I'm not sure what might follow her next surgery, but we'll deal with all that when we get there. It is hard to see Bela go through so much, but overall she is doing so much better than we ever thought she would, so we are so grateful. Today was a wonderful day for me. I felt like I was able to do some mothering for her for the first time, and I look forward to lots more of it.
I promise to take pictures tomorrow and get them posted. Hopefully we'll have another good night and another good day to report tomorrow.

8 comments:

Matt and Jennae Porter said...

That is so great that she is already getting to practice eating from a bottle. She'll get the hang of it in no time. I remember in the hospital being so proud when Savannah ate 5 cc's... now she downs 6 oz without thinking twice. Bela is doing so fantastic and we will continue praying that the keeps making progress in leaps and bounds! =)

Sally Jensen Interiors said...

I really cannot believe all of the great things that are happening to little Bela Boo. I just can't help but compare this situation with my cousin that had HLHS. From what I understand Bela Boo had worse conditions and she is doing so much better then he was at this point. Sweet little thing and I want those pictures asap.

Ali said...

Go Bela, Go Bela! Her cuteness really is off the charts, I am so glad she was up so much for you. She is so beautiful and healthy. Sweetest little thing ever - Just like her Mommy! I can't wait to see her again.

Lindsay Brummer said...

What a strong little girl you guys! We are always praying for her.

Dana said...

Avery I love the updates on sweet little Bela. I wish we were closer so I could meet this little angel!!! I hope you are receiving more rest these days. I am so excited that Bela is doing so great :0)

Jennifer said...

You continue to share such great news! I ran into your mom this morning while we were out walking...What a great lady she is and I'm so glad she is around to support you, along with Tanner's mom. Bela is surrounded by strong women -- How can she help but be a strong girl herself! We continue to pray for Bela and your family. Can't wait to see her again!

Erin said...

Gosh guys your little girl is defying all the odds and that is awesome! She must have some important work to do here. It is great to see the progress she is making and doing it so quickly. We look forward to the cute pics without all the "stuff" on her. Our boys have been praying for her daily.

La said...

This is a fantastic post. I was smiling the whole time I read it. I am so happy for you! I hope that the bottle feeding starts improving, I am sure it will. We love you guys. Now that you can do it, give Bela a hug from her auntie La.