Tuesday, September 2, 2008


The ups and downs continue, but for the last 20 hours or so she's been a little angel. She hasn't been naughty at all... I told her that even though she dosn't feel good and she might be angry and confused, it's very naughty to just hold your breath until you turn blue. I really hope she listened and is done with that.

They've come down some on her sedation and every now and then she'll open her eyes and look around for a few minutes before drifting off back to sleep. She isn't getting as angry or agitated as she was before when they do their assessments.. Please, please pray that she will continue like that instead of getting so mad she refuses to breathe and has more of her little episodes. They said if she has a good night tonight, they can start weaning some of her ventilator settings and GET THAT TUBE OUT!! I'm so ready for it to be gone beacuse I miss my little girl so much! I miss seeing her eyes and her smile and seeing her kick with excitement. It will be a very slow weaning process I'm sure, but anything is better than nothing! I think she really scared the docs (and her mommy) so no one has wanted to push her too much.

As you can tell from the picture, she looks TONS better today. She has gotten off most of the fluid and so her face looks back to normal almost. She dosn't seem to be in as much pain today, and I think we've rounded a corner and gotten past the worst.

Everyday that she makes some progress and looks a little better is such a blessing, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness that she is fighting so strong and is still here. Today I feel like shouting, SHE'S DOING IT!! SHE'S OVERCOMING EVERYTHING THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO GET THE BEST OF HER! I know that it is the hand of God blessing her little body with His power. He has never left her, or us, and has continually strengthened us all with His love. I'm honored to be her mommy and to be a part of this miracle from above.

23 comments:

La said...

I love that you reasoned with her! And I am so glad to hear she is doing well and hasn't had any more episodes. We love you 4 so much!

Anonymous said...

Avery,
Yeah! I`m so happy she is making progress. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers so much this week. I will continue.....God bless you. Karla Carvajal (Rang)

S and K said...

I'm so glad Bela is doing better and better. We hope right along with you that she gets that tube out and continues to be so strong. She is such a miracle, and you are the perfect Mommy for a miracle baby!!! Keep up the great work and the sweet/touching posts. Love checking in everday (ok so its like every hour that I check in) but I get so excited to see a new post with such great news!! Please call me when you need me to take the Benson man!!!

Natasha said...

So sweet Avery. She is a miracle. And I suppose you being able to carry on is a miracle as well. Take care Milnes.

Erin said...

That a girl Bela way to listen to your mommy!!! She needs a break right now and I am sure will be so thankful for lots and lots of noneventful days!! She is looking so much better and as cute as ever even with all those tubes. We will pray hard for better progress. I left you a message on your cell so listen to it and let me know about tomorrow! Have a great nite and I hope I can stop by as planned.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that little Bela is doing well and getting through the worst! I love that little girl and know she will through this and be smiling again soon! Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be a part of your family!! I love you all!
-Rachel Wallace

Lindsay Dean said...

She is doing it and we couldn't be happier for you and your family! "Bela" time is what she needed and your right, she is looking great! Keep peeing Bela! Praying for you everyday and we just know the He is looking over your sweet angel baby.
Love, Suzie

annelise said...

Avery, she does look good, pretty as always.
Our kids check on her every day whan they come home for school , to se how things are going. Bella has strenthen their faith so much.
hugs
Cathey's

Sally Jensen Interiors said...

Oh you sweet Bela...

The Simmons Family said...

Bela looks so great!! I know how bad you want that aweful tube out... I HATED that most of all!! I'm glad that she's behaving herself and hopefully NO more episodes. Try to get some rest at the hospital... I had the hardest time going home to sleep once in a while... it's SO hard to leave your baby! Lots of Prayers and Hugs from us!!

Andrea

Becky said...

you guys are amazing. i've been following bella's miraculous story over the past few weeks and pray for her everyday.

Ani said...

Milnes family, we keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers all day long. I check your blog religiously to check in on beautiful Bella. We call her Little Bella Baby. My husband always asks "any news about Little Bella Baby?" You guys are amazing, and so is Bella. Fight on!

♥ Michele ♥ said...

I have just now had a chance to read over the last several days worth of posts and have to admit, a few brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad Bela is holding on! When another heart baby goes through something, it feels like your own baby because it seems we all experience the exact same emotions. Oh how I hope things continue to improve for little Bela Girl! We will keep her in our prayers.

The B Family said...

Praying for Beautiful Bela...and for Mommy, Daddy and Big Brother, too.

Many heart hugs~ Rebecca

lauren said...

avery...
i too have been following your sweet familys blog for a little while now and i have yet to ever leave a comment. i just wanted to let you know you are amazing, your strength and testimony strengthen me, and what a amazing miracle you have. your daughter is beautiful and we keep her in our familys prayers. lauren(andrews)

cait said...

such good news...i'm so happy. keep up the good work bela girl!

The Zemp Family said...

Avery,
You are so strong. You are such an amazing example of what a parent and a person should be. Your humble gratitude for Heavenly Fathers blessings has truly touched me. Again I can't imagine how difficult your situation must be. I will keep on praying for all of you. I am so glad to hear that she is doing better.

lundgrenville said...

Avery-

I have followed your story for quite some time & finally had to respond. First & foremost, you are one of the strongest set of parents that I have come accross. Although we havent met in person, I feel like I have known you as I have prayed in your behalf and watched this little Angel experience both heartache, pain & miracles.
I can only imagine the experiences that you have been faced with & many more that lie ahead, however what I can tell you...is that I know the Lord has a plan for each of His children, and He loves us! He knows our limits, he knows our pains, our heartaches...He knows YOU! Perhaps you have had many say that they understand what you are going through day to day...but most truly dont understand unless they have walked those shoes. I understand. Our daughter is 9 months now, and was in the hospital for about an 10-12 week time. She was very sick & on atleast 4-5 occasions, we didnt know if she was going to pull through. I spent night after night, leaving my 3 other children home. It was painful, the days were long, my body tired...only to see my child improve, then worsen...and so on....
All-in-all, I found comfort in knowing that she was my little Angel & that we are an Eternal family. I can sit here and just imagine the seconds go by, the minutes....and then the hours, and I know that it seems forever. I will pray for your sweet family, for her to have strength & for the Lord to carry her through as he has many times before.
Many are praying in your behalf. I have been deeply touched by this story & I will continue to follow and pray for a miracle. Life is a journey & sometimes experiences that are difficult to overcome...are the challenges in life that bring us closer to our Savior.
With much Love,
Tonya

emcghee said...

Thanks for posting you guys. Just keep telling her she is naughty when she does that, maybe put her in time out. . . ?

Dallas and Krista said...

Checkin in on the Bels as always- that poem by Stephanie on the side bar is so beautiful, it made me weep. Bela- you are an amazing and perfectly unselfish tiny beautiful person!

Anonymous said...

I came across your daughter's page on another, and wanted to let you know that we will keep her in our prayers. Our heart babies are truly amazing, and all seem to have such fighting spirits!

~Stephanie(mommy to Braeden HLHS)
http://braedensheartjourney.blogspot.com/

The Joslyn Family said...

Bela is unbelievable...such a fighter. She is one strong girl! I'm so sorry for all the scares over the last couple of days. I'm glad to hear she is doing better. You guys are all amazing and in our prayers.

likeschocolate said...

She really does look great. You can tell even in the photo that she is less swollen and has really great color. We are so excited for you guys. I am sure she will be in your arms in no time. Way to go Bela!