CHIEF Graduation
Bela Milne graduates! This was a celebration at St. Joe's honoring the babies who graduated from the CHIEF program this year (babies in the CHIEF program are those with the most severe CHD's who needed an intense home follow up program). We used to be seen once a week, sometimes more, and I would talk to Beth, our amazing nurse practitioner practically everyday before her surgery and for about a month after it. But Bela has now 'graduated', meaning she is much more stable and doesn't require being watched sooo closely! It is such a WONDERFUL feeling!! We even just moved to a MONTHLY schedule and we have clearance to travel! (not far and not by plane, but we'll take it.) So, Bela and all her miracle heart friends got their diplomas and graduated..
This is the famous Beth.. She has been as much a part of our life this last year as our mothers have been. She has put in countless hours (at all hours of the day and night) into Bela.. We couldn't have done it without her. THe next picture is her cardiologist, Dr. Pophal. I was hoping to get a picture of her surgeon as well, Dr. Nigro. These three people are our heroes..
Notice Bel looking at her doc.. she's a big fan too.
This is the President of St. Joe's holding Bela. They were taking picture for publicity and Bela was chosen to be in her arms.. She did great and gave lots of smiles, although I didn't catch any on my camera..
This is Bela's boyfriend Mark.. She always gets so excited to see him. Mark and Bela had their 2nd surgeries a day apart so they're good buddies. Little Mark is still in the hospital with some post op complications, but he is getting better every day.. He's been such a trooper..
It was a simple thing, but meant more to us that I can say. It was a celebration of life and it was a beautiful experience to be a part of.
This is the famous Beth.. She has been as much a part of our life this last year as our mothers have been. She has put in countless hours (at all hours of the day and night) into Bela.. We couldn't have done it without her. THe next picture is her cardiologist, Dr. Pophal. I was hoping to get a picture of her surgeon as well, Dr. Nigro. These three people are our heroes..
Notice Bel looking at her doc.. she's a big fan too.
This is the President of St. Joe's holding Bela. They were taking picture for publicity and Bela was chosen to be in her arms.. She did great and gave lots of smiles, although I didn't catch any on my camera..
This is Bela's boyfriend Mark.. She always gets so excited to see him. Mark and Bela had their 2nd surgeries a day apart so they're good buddies. Little Mark is still in the hospital with some post op complications, but he is getting better every day.. He's been such a trooper..
It was a simple thing, but meant more to us that I can say. It was a celebration of life and it was a beautiful experience to be a part of.
Comments
I hope the bottle feedings get better. I need to schedule Lil's for a swallow study, I think she is aspirating when she is eating her baby food so i have stopped until I get her in for one.
I have the next few days off but I think Lily is coming down with a cold, otherwise I would say this would be a prime time to get the girls together. I will look forward to hearing from you. Give little Miss a kiss for us.
Sending you all our Heart hugs and Love.
Jenna and Lilyana
Hugs-
Ps. She is darling! I could hold her all day long. :)
Email me... andreanicolesimmons@hotmail.com
I picked up the nuby set at Walmart on San Tan Pkwy and Williamsfield. They have a bunch. I'm going tomorrow to pick a couple up for Baby Gracie in UT, her mom can't find them anywhere.
LOVE the cups!
Andrea
I have to apologize Avery because it is sometimes very hard for me to post as Bela's progress is sometimes bitter sweet for me because it makes me miss my Eden so much. I would never wish this on anyone.
Please know though that I think about and pray for you, Bela and your family daily. She looks FANTASTIC and I pray that she will continue to improve every day.
she looks absolutely amazing. The recent pictures look like a different baby. She seems to have gained so much weight and she is beautiful like her momma!
So happy for you and this big step she is taking. Praying she will get easier every day....and that someday, at her highschool graduation, you'll look back at these diploma pictures and smile at how far she's come!
It was great to finally meet you and your family...something I have awaited for. Your sweet little Angel is so darling. Although their are bumps in the road...she is so beautiful and improving daily. She is blossoming minute by minute, day by day. I commented to your mother-in-law how greatful and humbling it was to see the results of earnestly praying for a little soul in need. While I was fixing my hair for church, I was thinking about your family. I thought about a comment I had heard from your mother-in-law about you attending the boulder creek ward every now and then. I didnt expect it to be today. I almost didnt come to church today...because I had a blistering headache....but then changed my mind last minute. Perhaps that was the whisperings of the spirit. It was worth the sacrifice...although I didnt feel well. Thank you for your example and love. I love that little girl and will continue to pray in her behalf.
Take Care-
Hugs-
Ps. Please let me know if you need anything, even if its giving your son a place to play for a while. I would be willing to serve in any way that I can! :)