Sleeping Beauty

Dad here... Bela has had another great day. She has slept most of the day and for the most part has remained pretty calm.



We found out today about 2 other HLHS and Turner's babies that were born and passed away within the last month or so. We count our many blessings and were again reminded that Bela is an absolute miracle. I am constantly asked by friends, neighbors, and even business associates, how she is doing. I usually struggle to explain what she has been through or is going through that day, but now I know my response, MIRACULOUS! Today they took out Bela's art line and hopefully tomorrow the central line will get taken out. Another good day.

Avery was able to hold Bela for the first time in 11 days. Tomorrow will be my turn.

Comments

Amy Finnegan {BookshopTalk.com} said…
Wow, how wonderful that must have been to hold Bela again after so long!!

I'm so glad she's doing so much better. I've been reading your blog for months and have been so uplifted by your faith and courage, and your baby's remarkable journey.

:) Yay Bela!!
September 6, 2008 at 9:45 PM
Kara said…
Chris' wife Kara here. We are still checking up on you guys regularly to see how things are going. You are an amazingly strong family. We will keep you in our prayers!
September 6, 2008 at 10:42 PM
S and K said…
HAPPY DAY!! I'm so happy that you got to hold her today! That is so awesome. And I'm so glad she had such a good day. Keep up the great work Bela!!!
September 6, 2008 at 10:57 PM
milenab said…
I am so glad that Bela is doing fine! Heavenly Father does answers our prayers...Isaac is also doing good, he had a doc's ap and they decided to wait to see if the laser worked in his tumor. Hopefully he will be fine too. I always pray for your little girl! These babies are sure very special! :0)
September 7, 2008 at 1:30 AM
Auburn said…
Yeah so great! She's is a Miracle!
September 7, 2008 at 6:23 AM
Ali said…
amazing! she looks so good.
September 7, 2008 at 6:42 AM
Dana said…
I am so happy that Bela is improving each and every day - what a miracle and blessing she truly is. I had goosebumps seeing the picture of you holding Bela, Avery - I'm sure that was such a great feeling to have your little girl in your arms again after so long. Love you guys!!
September 7, 2008 at 8:39 AM
lundgrenville said…
She is so beautiful! Sleeping so peaceful. I know the feeling of not being able to hold your own sick child. How priceless it is for Avery to be able to hold her again. Its humbling to follow along in your journey. Bella is truly a miracle for her parents & those striving in the faith to make her well.
September 7, 2008 at 8:45 AM
Branton Family said…
Brilliant Avery. Why on earth I never thought to actually get in bed with Zach and hold him there I have no idea. I was always trying to bring all the cords with him over to my chair. What a wonderful picture, and I am so thankful everything is going so well. Praise God! Amy
September 7, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Johanna said…
I am a friend of Rebecca Butcher and have kept myself updated on Bela's precious story. You look SO very happy being able to hold your precious baby! Please know that I pray so often for all those fighting HLHS babies!!! Bela is absoutely beautiful.
September 7, 2008 at 7:32 PM
The Silly Nilly Family said…
She's a little Angel. Avery you are beautiful inside and out.
September 7, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Maren said…
I am so happy for you guys! She is truley a miracle. By the way your husband gave one of the sweetest testimonies in church. I don't think their was one dry eye. She is lucky to have you two as her parents.
September 7, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Erin said…
Yay momma's holding her little peanut again! Such a great picture of the two of you...you couldn't look happier! So glad she is making good progress...keep it up Miss B!!!! It was great to see you guys at church for a brief second and Tanner's testimony was so touching. He once again helped us put things into perspective and know the Lord hears and answers prayers in His own way and time. You guys are such a strength to the rest of us. Hope there are lots more snuggle pics to come!
September 8, 2008 at 7:54 AM
my life: said…
She is so perfect and beautiful....she looks so comfy in her mama's arms!
September 8, 2008 at 7:31 PM
The Andersens said…
yay for holding your baby!!! I haven't looked at your blog in about 2 weeks so this was all a huge shock to me!! I'm so grateful that all has gone well thus far and that you are already holding her!!! Grace got her gift of a new heart two and half weeks ago and the surgery was definitely very difficult, but you always come away with a renewed sense of gratitude. you are truly such a wonderful family and little Bela is lucky to have such wonderful and loving parents. She is a living miracle and a darn beautiful one at that!!!
we're praying hard for all of you!! love the andersens
September 9, 2008 at 10:20 AM
likeschocolate said…
She really does look great! Her color is amazing. It looks like you will be on your way home soon.
September 9, 2008 at 8:53 PM
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