Thursday, September 11, 2008

Some of you might already be aware of this, but we are home! We got discharged last night and have been busy adjusting to life at home again with new meds, schedules, and drs orders, but we've been LOVING being together. I woke up this morning and immediatley smiled, knowing that both my babies were asleep in their own beds in their own rooms. Tanner and I are actually still having a hard time believing that this is all real, that we are really home after two short weeks. What was supposed to be her most difficult surgery and recovery actually turned out to be the shortest stay we've had so far. I feel like someone is going to call and say 'just kidding' any time now and we'll be back in room 10 in the ICU.. I just can't believe how well she did and how fast she recovered from such a major surgery. We weren't quite sure what to expect, but this was definatley not it. The only way to explain what happened I'm sure were the countless prayers offered on her behalf and the many tender mercies of the Lord in blessing her with healing. I have seen His power throughout her short life many many times. There have now been 8 separate occasions that her life has been preserved. That is extremely humbling. I am just so grateful for the blessings we've been given and for the miracles that have taken place.
Bela is still going through some withdrawals so we have her on a month weaning schedule at home. She's not back to herself yet, she's very sleepy and when she is awake she is very spacey, but we hope to have the real Bela back very soon. I can already tell that she is stronger though.. She has thrown up one time in the past 4 days and that was because she got two feeds too close together. Its been amazing.. all I have ever known of Bela is at least 3 huge throw ups a day, each one consisting of about 3 or 4 seperate throw ups, and so I'm not quite used to none yet. I think she will grow so much better now.. YEAH BELA!!
I'll post some pictures of her home soon...thank you all for your prayers and concern on our behalf.. we love you.

35 comments:

The Tams Family said...

We are SO happy that you guys are home and adjusting well! How exciting...Of course, we miss seeing you guys, but I'm sure we will see you soon. Not in the hospital tho! Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Word is we might get discharged next week....go figure! Have a great time as a family!
Matt, Stacey, Drew and Addie

Sally Jensen Interiors said...

No way! Miracle! Please let me know what I can do. Can I bring dinner tomorrow night?

lundgrenville said...

I am literally sitting at my computer in disbelief. Its so humbling to in spirit walk this journey along with you...Surely, baby Bela is nothing less than a miracle. The Lord loves His children. It was a blessing to be one in mighty prayer in her behalf. Its a testament that the Gospel is true...and If we have faith, we can endure with all the blessings the Lord has to offer us.
Our prayers will continue for little Bela and your family...as well as in thought. Perhaps she is one of Gods little Angels. We need more of them among this earth.

milenab said...

I am so glad Heavenly Father gave you this miracle...and I got to know about it! Good job Bela!
I wish you all the best! :0)

Shannon said...

Congratulations! I'm so glad Bela's improving so rapidly. Enjoy your time at home!

Berns and Shea said...

We are very happy for Bela and the family--Congrats! Do you mind emailing or posting your address so we can send something for Bela? Thanks! And again, Congrats--what a wonderful, amazing little peanut she is!!

Branton Family said...

We are so happy for all of you! Enjoy this time. . .its just going to get better and better! Amy

my life: said...

So, so happy for you!!!! What an amazing plan God has for this little life....and the lives she has touched. Thank you for sharing her....

Anonymous said...

Jojo says im happy to be your neighbors....good to have you back....we will give you some space and then....you know me..LOL but im glad to say the good Lord has promised that he will never leave us nor forsake us and that he hears and answers prayers... thank you Jesus

Dana said...

HOORAY!!! I am so excited to hear that you are home with your two beautiful children!!! Can't wait for photos!!! Lots of Love to you all!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy you guys are home. Take care of Miss Bela. I hope we don't see you guys for awhile, but I'll be checking in through the blog to see how you guys are doing and how much she is growing. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I cannot believe that you're already home! All of this truly has been a miracle.

The Mason Family said...

What great news! It’s always a great feeling when everyone is back together again. Enjoy your time at home...best wishes.

Shannon Mason
www.carepages.com
cp:CarlieMichelle

Melissa said...

Avery, i've been checking your blog every now and again through a friends blog. And all i can say is WOW, i'm so happy for you guys. Your little Bela is adorable and such a trooper. What amazing people you and Tanner are, you seriously are an inspiration in my life and i don't even know you. I love your blog... check us out at 2littlemonsters.blogspot.com

Andrea said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful feeling to be home with your sweet little family. Way to go Bela!!

Natalie Hall said...

I get the chills everytime I come to your blog, and I just absolutely admire you and your family. You have such words of wisdom. I am so happy for your return home, I can only imagine the excitement that you feel. I pray for you always and wish you more than best. She couldn't be more of a beauty!!!

BTW, I was in Tanners old home ward growing up, Natalie Madsen Hall...

Evie's Story said...

Praise the Lord!! We KNOW how wonderful it is to bring these little heart babies home!! We have been following Bela for quite some time after finding you on baby Annabelle's site. My little ones have been praying for Bela (and a couple other little heart babies) every night. How precious to see them delighting in God answering their prayers! We are so happy for you!!!

Blessings!!
Mandy
mom to Evie - transposition of the great arteries

The Lamb's said...

It's been wonderful to be a part of your huge circle of prayers throughout these last few months. Every time we read your blog, or Mitch talks to Tanner, it reminds us to be thankful for life, and health, and these beautiful little spirits we get to raise. Thanks for reminding us of what's important. We will continue to pray for Bela's recovery. All best to you guys!

-Mitch and Nicole Lamb

The Silly Nilly Family said...

I'm so grateful to know this. Love you!

Wendy said...

Yea, way to go Bela! I can't believe you're home ALREADY! CRAZY, but so awesome. I bet you're loving every minute of it. I am so happy for you guys!!!

Dallas and Krista said...

WOW!!!! This is awesome. Seriously great news!!! I just cannot even believe this- what a wonderful miracle!

Erin said...

So very happy for you guys! It was great seeing you home and Bela is doing amazing...all be it a little spacey:) I am sure things are only going to get better and better and before you know it life will be back to some kind of normal. Keep up the good work and enjoy just hanging out at HOME (you really are there)!!!!

Raechal said...

avery, so glad to see bela home and doing so well so quickly! I hope her recovery continues to go smoothly and she is back to her normal self soon!

raechal (owens) carron
sm stake

Matt and Jennae Porter said...

Wow! I can't believe you guys are home already!!!! That is so amazing, and a true testament to how strong your little girl really is. Good luck with the weaning- I imagine that's got to be tough on all of you. Love you guys.

Carolyn said...

I'm so happy for your little family. You deserve every blessing the Lord has given you and beautiful Bela. Her life, story, struggles and triumphs have changed the hearts of so many and brought them closer to the Savior. Thank you for posting and always being so strong. Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

Love it!! So happy for your family.

Life Unscripted said...

I am SOOOO Happy to hear that Bela is home, that you all are home and together again. What a wonderful feeling it is. Sorry I never came by on Wed...I was exhausted. I will try to have work out a day with you so I can drop off that breast milk. I lost you number so you will have to either email me or give me a call when you have a free moment.Gracious knows that neither of us have much of that. Give sweet Bela tons of kisses for us and let her know we are doing the happy dance around the living room! Sending you our hugs and Love!

Jenna and Lilyana

Kim said...

I have never commented - but we are always checking and praying for you guys! And I am so happy and grateful that Bela is doing so well! We are so relieved and happy for you.
Love, Kim and Matt

lundgrenville said...

Avery-
I thought much of you and your family today. Although, I know that little sweet Bela is in the comfort of your own home...my thoughts were so occupied on this little miracle. Your strength has inspired so many....It reminds me how precious life is....and the gifts we need to be grateful for. Often times we become complacent with the world around us...that we forget the little things that are of more importance. Thanks for the reminder to hold my kids a little tighter, hug them a little longer & kiss their little chub cheeks. Perhaps everyone will learn a little something, from the spirit of a little child.

Karla Marçal said...

Ficamos tao felizes pelas MARAVILHOSAS noticias. Que bom q estao em casa, juntos como familia, isso realmente da mais força.
Nao sei se voce sabe mais tenho dois filhos e um deles, Amon tem 4 anos, falei da Bela e de como precisamos orar por ela e todas as noites ele orava e perguntava se ela estava melhor. Sei que as orações das crianças realmente são respondidas.
Outro dia fomos visitar uma amiga e ela tem uma menina de 3 meses e assim que o Amon a viu foi logo dizendo:"Mãe ela parece com a Bela." ele nao apenas ora por ela mas a conhece talves foram amigos na existencia pre-mortal.
Continuaremos orando por todos,
Abraços
Sister Siqueira

♥ Michele ♥ said...

Yea for being home!!!! I hope and pray that things continue to go well for your sweet Bela and your family.

Michele
(Gracie's Mom)

The Silly Nilly Family said...

Just checking in on you again. No post is a good post. Right? Enjoy your family and continue in knowing so many people love you so much.

cait said...

i am so thrilled to hear that she is home! yay!

annelise said...

hello milnes!
I told this to JoAnn today and want to tell you. My girls age 8 and 11 check your blog every day to see how is Bella doing. I'mk so grateful to see their faith grow because of Bella. They cheer for her and love to see her pictures, and they know that she is ol because of prayers and faith and miracles. Bella has in her own way strentgnen their faith so much. Give her a kiss for us...
thanks for sharing her with us..
hugs
Catheys

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys,
Sorry we didn't get a chance to see you today, but I totally understand (I never come up either) It is exhausting! How's Bela? How did the appointment go... Call or e-mail me when you get a chance and let me know. I'm thinking about her! (my e-mail is: kaki98@aol.com)
Talk to you soon!
Stacey