Tuesday, April 15, 2008

She's back!

Sorry for the couple of days with no posts.. It's pretty late but I wanted to get a quick update up before I try and get some sleep. I'm back at the hospital 24/7 because my little angel is back to nursing!! If you know me at all you know that I'm all about nursing... I absolutley loved nursing Benson and I was devastated that I was told I'd probably never nurse Bela. For Bela to be able to nurse has been one of our best acheivements in my opinion. It so rarely happens with these kids. So anyway, I got to start nursing again a few hours ago and she chugged like she never has before. She was starving from having no food for a few days and she was so ready to get back at it. I was so worried that she's come out of this surgery and for some reason not be able to nurse anymore. But that was not the case!
Anyway, miss Bela is back!! I got here today to see a wide eyed, squirmy Bela.. no more sedation! It was sooo wonderful to see her back! We sat together and talked for a long time and then she fell peacefully asleep in my arms for a couple hours. What a difference a day makes. Yesterday they were still a little worried about her, but she pulled through fighting like she always does. She got her breathing tube out late last night and since then has come off of all of her meds. She's just getting milk and a TPN drip. She still has some chest drainage so her chest tube is still in, but it should come out soon. She seems like a different baby today. She's so much more content and happy. Her infection was affecting her so much. She seems to be so much more comfortable now. I really believe she will be stronger now. Hopefully that was why she wasn't gaining too much weight and now she'll be able to pick up the pace a little and get back on track to where we need her to be for the next surgery. I'm amazed at how these tiny babies can be so strong. I told her all weekend long to keep fighting to get back in my arms, and she did.
So now we work towards getting back home. We have to make sure she's going to tolerate eating again and figure out the best combination of nursing and NG tube(nose tube) feeding to get her growing. I have to be trained on how to give her meds through her line for the next 6 weeks. Once we've got those two things down and Bela continues to be progressing, we're outta here! There was some talk about possibly this weekend, but around here you really have to try hard not to get your hopes up. We'll see...
I read Gracies blog tonight and it was very touching. We too have learned to make the most of each day, and never take advantage of one moment becuase life is so precious. I can't believe what a blessing Bela has been to us. With all her challenges have come great blessings. It is hard to watch her suffer, but I have to remind myself that this is all happening because of the incredible spirit my daughter has. She knew what she was doing when she chose this life, and she understood that it was necessary for whatever reason. We will come to understand those reasons as her life unfolds. Thank you for teaching your mommy sweet Bela..

I wanted to write a few words to those heart moms that i've been in contact with throughout all this with our little ones... We pray for you all and your babies night and day. We feel like we're going through this with you and we feel your pain through the rough times and cheer along with you through the good times. You are all inspiring us and teaching us as we go through this toghether. Thank you for your strength and faith. We hope and pray that we'll all soon be home with our healthy, thriving babies!!

17 comments:

Matt and Jennae Porter said...

Sounds like this one step back will be followed by many, many steps forward. We are so thrilled to hear that things are looking so good again. We can't wait to see her again! Keep chugging little Bela, it's time to start packing on the pounds! =)

The Andersens said...

it is such a relief to hear that she is getting back to her usual self!! and i'm not even her mommy! so it must be wonderful for you to hold her again and see her acting the way she used to. i'm glad that she's already off all her meds and the breathing tube! that is such good news. i hope that everything continues to go in the direction of speedy and healthy recovery and that she can be home soon again. i think home is the best place for these babies. :) topher and I will continue to pray for you and little Bela! (who by the way is beautiful!!)

Ali said...

oh that is so good to hear!!! yay! Good job Bela.

The Ridgway Family said...

YEAH!!! I am so happy that Bela is doing so well after the infection and nursing again. Whata tough little cookie you have and she definitely wanted to be back in her mommy's arms. I too hope that she can now begin growing and thriving until her surgery.
Keisa

La said...

oh bela boo. she is the best. i can't wait till i get to see her this weekend and if she gets to be at home when i do, all the better. we love you guys so much. kiss b & b for me.

Erin said...

Way to go Bela!!! That is the best news of the day so far. We are excited that Bela is getting back to herself and working towards coming home. You must be so relieved. The Lord knows your heart's desire and He is not going to let you down. We continue to pray for her speedy return home. Once again she has overcome a big hurdle, proving to all she is a fighter!

Jennifer said...

Bela (and her incredible mother) keep on amazing me...I am so glad she is back at work nursing. I know how important that has been to you. Hang in there and we hope to have you all home soon. Let me know what I can do!

Andrea said...

Yeah! I'm glad Bela is doing better. She is quite the little fighter! We continue to pray that she will keep growing and getting stronger. I think of you and your sweet Bela often. She is a constant reminder of what is really the most important and that I need to cherish and love my children more each day. Thank you little Bela!!
love,
Andrea

Sally Jensen Interiors said...

I am so glad that she gets to eat again and that you get to hold her again. Bela boo really is a strong one...call me for anything...

The Simmons Family said...

Way to go Miss Bela!! I'm so happy to read that she is feeling better and that she is nursing again. I never was able to nurse Owen and he's still on his NG tube... but as long as he chugging along and gaining weight to get to his next surgery... I'll try nursing then. Miss Bela is giving me hope!! Hope she'll be home soon!
Andrea
Owen's Mommy

Myers Family said...

Hey Avery!
I got your blog site from Erin several weeks ago so I have been watching and praying with you guys every step of the way. You have done so well through all of this, thank you for sharing your testimony and your story with all of us. Bela is a special little girl and you guys are amazing parents. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. I know life is crazy, but if you get a minute, I have a blog spot, it is www.mylittlewomen.blogspot.com
We'll keep you in your prayers!
Love your cousin,
Karen

Myers Family said...

Hey Avery!
I got your blog site from Erin several weeks ago so I have been watching and praying with you guys every step of the way. You have done so well through all of this, thank you for sharing your testimony and your story with all of us. Bela is a special little girl and you guys are amazing parents. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. I know life is crazy, but if you get a minute, I have a blog spot, it is www.mylittlewomen.blogspot.com
We'll keep you in your prayers!
Love your cousin,
Karen

Meriel Frandsen said...

I'm so happy she's doing better. We were all holding our breath there for a while. Thanks for the update and your inspirational spirit. Love ya!

Dana said...

I am so happy that Bela is doing so much better - I seriously can't believe your strength and am grateful for the positive outlook you have - it has helped me as Kate has been in the NICU. I hope Bela continues to do great so you can go home this weekend - I will pray for this :0) You are continually in my thoughts and prayers. Keep up the good work Bela!

emcghee said...

Cool Ave. Always thinking of you guys.

Strive to Thrive said...

Avery, so glad she's back to nursing and doing well. I keep checking up on you guys every day!! I have a gift I want to send you, if you have a brief second, could you send me your home address to my personal email? julie@peekbaby.com You'll really like it! It'll make nursing in public a whole lot easier! For a sneak preview, check out www.peekbaby.com Hope to hear from you soon! Julie Sivley (Wendy Warnick's cousin and mom to Hannah, 6 year old with Turner Syndrome)

Anonymous said...

I love reading your good news! I'm so happy to hear that you'll be able to nurse Bela. I'm sure it makes it extra special to nurse her considering her situation. We still pray and think about your family all the time.