Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Post Glenn!!!

So many emotions flood through you when you're going through this... It's really overwhelming to walk back into the room and see her and all the equipment that surrounds her. I thought this time might be easier because we've done this, twice, but it's really not. This was Bel's first surgery with actual corrective work and I'm starting to realize that her first surgery was a piece of cake. But, I do have to say that everything has gone very very smooth. We've been with her now for about four hours. The first three hours were craziness, but it has settled down quite a bit and Bela is just resting very peacefully. Her blood pressures were high at first, but they are right where they should be now. Dr. Nigro, her surgeon, said that all her numbers are right where they should be at this point. He did say that the next 48 hours however will be critical. For now she looks great and we are all SO glad to have this day come to an end. We have a very good nurse tonight (Rhonda, for those that are wondering) and so she will be in good hands.
I feel so helpless through all this. I remembered that feeling immediatley when I walked in the room. Everyone doing so many things to your child and you just stand in the corner and pray. I hear them talk and make decisions to go up on this, go down on that, give her some of this, and you have no say. It's just wierd after having all the say in her care (well, some of it I guess) to having none and just watching and hoping they make the right decisions.
It's just me and my Bela now and I can't even say how much I love this girl. There are A LOT of people on the floor right now, every single room is full which has never happened during our time here. I feel like just telling everyone how amazing she is, how much she's been through, and how far she's come. I am so grateful to be here, to be post Glenn, because we never knew if this day would come for us. Her little body, however weak her anatomy may be, is fighting so hard. Last night she was putting on a show for everyone, smiling, talking, and kicking her arms and legs. I guess she was happy to have made it here too.
I'm going to get in my comfy little cot now to try and get some sleep, but I will post again in the morning. I feel like I can never say this enough, but thank you for being with us today through the blog and for your comments. Thank you for your prayers as well.
I promise pictures will come tomorrow.. We left our cord at home today. :(

32 comments:

Natasha said...

So happy to hear that she is doing well despite the circumstances. We'll keep praying that her body will respond well. She is a beautiful fighter.

Ali said...

wow. what a day! I hope you both are able to get some much needed rest. so glad that things are good so far. xoxo

Auburn said...

Yeah! I seriously cry everytime I read a post, but I can't wait for the next one to come. I'm so glad everything went well today. Enjoy your baby girl!

The Simmons Family said...

I just read through all your updates from today... SO HAPPY to hear that things went so smoothly! Prayers for a quick recovery with few bumps along the way. WAY TO GO BELA, Get better soon!!

Andrea

Hannah said...

I havent commented before but i read your blog almost everyday. Im Hannah Morgan form your ward and im 14. This sounds cheesy but when bela is better and strong i would love if you would call me to babysit her and benson. glad the surgery went well, and my families praying.

laurel said...

Go Bela!

Just wanted to say hello and tell you I have been following everything but haven't posted a comment yet. I am either in tears or near tears by the time I am done reading a post and don't know what to say :)

Your family is an inspiration and I am so glad that everything is going smoothly! Bela is beautiful.

Laurel

Amanda said...

I'm happy to hear that things are going well. I've been thinking about you all day and you all continue to be in my prayers. Avery, you truly inspire me. I only hope I can be half as faithful in my life as you have been throughout this experience.

Dana said...

I am so happy to read that Bela is doing great and is right where she should be at this point. Our prayers and thoughts are continually with you. All our love to you guys!!!!

Sally Jensen Interiors said...

It sounds so good to hear post glenn...I can't wait for these 48 hours to be done. Thanks for being so good with updates..you guys continue to amaze me. I hope you get your needed rest...can I do anything?

mandy said...

We're glad to hear everything went well for Bela today. You go on and brag all about her to everyone! She is amazing as well as you and Tanner. We'll be thinking of you all.

Matt and Jennae Porter said...

Great job Bela! Keep up the good work! And get some sleep mommy!

S and K said...

Well one hurdle down, maybe a few to go but it's Bela-----she can do about anything can't she!! I'm so proud of that little girl.--CORRECTION BIG GIRL!!! I'm SO happy this day is over and done for all of you. Good luck with the next critical hours. Our prayers will keep on coming. I'm still so amazed at how strong you guys are and really am so lucky to have you in our lives. Much love. Call if I can DO ANYTHING. Talk to you soon.

Dallas and Krista said...

wow. What a day and what a little gal. We will continue to pray, pray, pray! Loves to you all as always

milenab said...

Keep fighting little Bella! I am praying for you also Avery, I have been thinking about you guys all day and I'll keep doing so. Eu sou tao grata que o Pai Celestial ouve as nossas oracoes...Bjs

Erin said...

So glad to hear this update and to hear little Bela is on her road to recovery. We have had our hearts full today as we prayed for her and for her surgeons to do the very best they could...and it looks like that has happened. We hope this brings some relief to you and Tanner and that now you can look forward to helping Bela recover and come home to her amazing family. As hard as this situation is there is strength in your words and thoughts Avery...you are a rock!!! We hope you get some much needed sleep and we look forward to more good news tomorrow!

Katie said...

I, too, am so familiar with that helpless feeling...the "no control" feeling over our children is a tough one. Hasn't this been the case from the start of finding out about our babies' heart defects? Crazy...we definetly have to learn to "hand it over" with our sweet girls. So happy to read that Bela's day went well. You'll stay in our thoughts and prayers!

Love,
Katie (mom to Maddie, HRHS)

The Silly Nilly Family said...

Great!!!

Anonymous said...

Good news. I hope the night and next few days go well for Bela. We will continue to pray her.

Life Unscripted said...

Avery, I am so glad to hear she is doing so well. She is in VERY good hands there at St. Joes, and make sure to tell Rhonda hi for us.

I know how you feel about wanting to share with everyone about your special little girl. I feel the same way to...Bela is a true miracle, along with Lily, and I love to tell everyone I know about both of them and their amazing stories. Bela has inspired me just as much as Lily has. I have faith in the good Lord Almighty that he will see her through this and much more.

I will look forward to reading an update tomorrow, and I will call you tomorrow. Give sweet Bela tons of kisses and let her know she has many angels in heaven watching over here along with everyone here praying for her.

Sending you hugs, stay strong mama, when she wakes up, she is going to want to see your smiling face.

XOXO
Jenna and Lily

Natalie said...

I am a friend of Megan Hess's and she told me about your daughter. My son also has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. He will be eight in December and is doing so well. Good luck with your sweet baby. We have walked that road as well.
Natalie

Brooke Fuller said...

Hi Avery, my name is Brooke fuller..
you might know my sister shannon and my dad because he was first counselor to your dad in the stake presidency. Anyway, I have followed up on this blog and every time I read it my testimony gets stronger. You and your husband are so strong to be able to go through this and I admire you for that. I pray for your family and little bela that you guys will make it through all of this. I am happy everything did go well today! Hang in there!

Doreen said...

Hope it was a good night, and is going to be a good day today. :o)

Unknown said...

Hello Avery,
Milne wrote me today and told bout Bela’s surgery. Thanks for the post, I’m glad to know how things going. I am far from to know how you feel about seeing others making decisions about your daughter, and there is nothing you can do besides pray… but I can say that I understand a little bit, since the only thing I can do for you is also pray…
I don’t know you personally, but I love you and your family. Milne is a big brother to me and I love him with all my heart, I pray for him and your family and I hope that everything is going to be fine at the end. I hope that one day I could know you personally, and Benson and Bela to.
I trust in the Lord, and I know that you and your family too. Thanks for being so strong and hold this situation with faith, you are a big example for me.
Ah… thanks for taking care of Milne, He probably gives you more work than your kid’s… hahahaha
Love ya,
Godoy

Lindsay Dean said...

Go Bela!!! We are so proud of you precious heart baby! Lindsay sends her love and says to stay strong Bela! You will be just fine my heart friend!~Many prayers still over in your direction.....
Love, Suzie and Lindsay

The Ridgway Family said...

I am so glad that her evening went smoothly. I too wish her a very quick recovery with few, if any, bumps along the way. I know how difficult it is to see your little one laying there and to feel so helpless, but try to remember that you are doing so much for her Avery. We love you and I know that my little angel Eden is looking out from heaven as well.

Keisa

Kristi Chapo said...

I am so happy that everything has gone well so far. We have been praying for your beautiful baby and everyone that loves her. You all have been so strong, and I know that Heavenly Father has had his hand in watching over you. I hope that Bela's recovery goes smoothly and uneventful. We are thinking of you and praying for you each day. Thank you for doing such a good job with your posts and keeping all of us in the loop. Take Care.

Anonymous said...

Belinha, eh isto ai. continua na luta pois desisitir nao da. te precisamos aqui.

That goes for you too A&T. Abracao.

Carl & Mickie Yeates said...

Tanner and Avery

We are rooting for Bela. She is a gift and we have loved her from a distance for longer than she was born. Your are both amazing and we wish we could be there to join in the vigil. We are praying for you every moment. Love Carl and Mickie

Kimmie said...

Great news!!!

Airmom said...

Just wanted you to know that my entire family have had your family in their prayers...and Jaci and Amaya have been praying for Bela everyday...even when we were in Florida, they never once forgot Bela. The prayers of children are always heard and answered.
She is a fighter from all I have read and heard,indeed a valiant spirit.
With love,
The Garricks

Derek said...

YEAH!!! It's over. Thank goodness. I'm sure everyone's relieved. Keep up the good work Bela girl!

Derek said...

Wendy