Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Deeper breaths for all!

Today I've been able to breathe a little deeper and I am soo grateful that. Bel's lung looked a ton better this morning, you could actually see lots of dark areas where there was no fluid at all. Just what we wanted to see. They have been clearing and suctioning out her lungs all night and all day today so she should be feeling much more comfortable now and breathing a little easier. Yeah!! They have actually taken her down quite a bit on her ventilator settings, she is now doing all her own breathing, but is still intubated so that the machine can kick in if needed. I love to see her doing some of her own work and not the machines doing all the work for her. It shows that she is more stable and getting stronger. She is so strong and so good at bouncing back from all her stumbles. I'm just so proud of her!
She woke up for a little while this afternoon to say hello. She looked in my eyes and I talked to her for a few moments and it was a beautiful moment with her. I miss her when she isn't awake and with us. She usually never wakes up while she's on her sedation med. I sang a song to her that I sang to her everday at home and she started to squirm around and respond to it. I loved it. She's coming back to me little by little and I have so much to be grateful to my Father in Heaven for.

Nothing has still grown on the culture they sent, so that means she most likely doesn't have a virus or infection (no pneumonia!). Her lungs just clogged up from ineffective heart funtion and poor breathing, then collapsed from all the gunk clogging the airways and have now opened back up nicely with all the treatments she has gotten. We will continue to give her her heart meds to help with the leaky tricuspid valve, which is probably the culprit for all the problems she's having, and hope it helps her heart function until next surgery which still looks like it will be in another couple of months. Whew! There is sooo much going on and I try to give just the nutshell of information, but sometimes it's probably still confusing to understand. It's amazing all that I've learned. I ask a million questions a day and feel very confident in all the terminology used and equipment that Bela requires. I wouldn't like it if I didn't, so I ask ask ask. It helps to feel like I take part in her care.

Yeah for progress!! Thank you for all the comments over the last couple of days, I can't really say how much they mean to me. It brings me to tears to know how many good people are praying for us, and to hear over and over that we are loved-- not sure we are deserving of all the incredibly kind comments from everyone (well, Bela is :)), but they are soooooooo appreciated. We're keeping our heads up high and know that this too shall pass. I look forward to the day that she's in my arms again and every day that passes is one more day closer to that! I am grateful that she is mine because she is one special little (tiny) person.

Here's some shots of Bela on Wednesday taken by Camille... Hard to believe this was just a few days before all of this happened..


17 comments:

Life Unscripted said...

This is just the update that I wanted to see, I have been checking all day for one. YAY Bela... another lump in my throat because of happy tears. She is as dear to me as Lily is Avery, I just want you to know that. I have been on edge all night and today wondering what the latest news is.

Oh I just wanted to tell you they are one and the same, Bela and Lily are. I sang to Lily while she was sedated also that last time and she squeezed my finger not even 24 hours out of surgery...such true miracles they both are. The Lord truly did bless us when placing them into our care. Can't wait to see you tomorrow. Give Bela a kiss from Us. As always, she is in our prayers!

~Heart Hugs~

Shelly Hyde said...

WHat sweet pictures!

Andrea said...

So glad things are getting better. You and Bela continue to amaze me. We are still praying for all of you. Beautiful pictures! Lots of abracos! :)

Danielle said...

I've commented before, but you don't know me personally (our parents know each other.) But I just wanted you to know that I've been following your blog from the beginning and have been praying for your sweet girl every day. I am so glad to hear that things are looking up for her- and you, too! You are amazing parents and reading your heartfelt words brings me to tears every time. I hope the next few days continue to improve and you get more and more smiles from your baby!

Anonymous said...

Yeah! I'm so glad that things are looking better today for Bela. That's great that they didn't find anything in her lunch cultures. What an amazing little gal she is (and her parents too for holding it together so well).
So I'm heading to the fruit and veggi store again this week, obviously I know that you're in the hospital but I'll pick up some berries or fruit for Benson...

S and K said...

Bela is just a champ and a half!!!! Thank heavens she is getting better and better by the day! She never ceases to amaze me, and I'm sure everyone that knows her feels the same! And I've said it before and it continues to be true she sure is a lucky girl to have such a sweet and amazing Mommy there by here side, as well as an incredible Daddy!!
She is so special to us and we love her dearly and pray for her and think of her continuously. Keep the good days and great news coming! Love ya!
Oh, and I LOVE the pictures those are so precious!!! She is one cute peanut!!!!!!!!

WheresMyAngels said...

Big cyber hugs and lots of prayers! Glad to hear she is doing better.

The pictures are too adorable.

Anonymous said...

our thoughts and prayers are with you guys. WE have been on the same somewhat level with Ty and know what a miracle blessings can be. Hope for the best for you guys!

Wendy said...

Hey Ave! Wow... a lot has happened since the last time I checked your blog. I am so sorry for all the things that have happened over the past couple days. Bela is so lucky to have you and Tanner for her parents. I can't think of anyone who is more qualified to love and take care of your sweet little girl. You guys are great and I am constantly amazed at your families strength and faith. Thanks you for all that you teach the rest of us! I loved the picture of you and Bela. You both look beautiful and you can truly feel the bond between you two. I love you guys and am always thinking and praying for you. Keep fighting Bela!!!

Ali said...

yay! So relieved for you and Bela and family. Those pictures are precious. I love the one of you two together.

Erin said...

Way to go Bela...once again defying all the odds!!! Now maybe you can just hang out for a little while and give your mom and dad a little break:) So glad to hear things are improving and there seems to be no signs of infection. I absolutely love the picture of you and her! It is an amazing shot and represents the perfect love you have for your little girl. Keep up the good work Bela!

cait said...

Phew! I am so glad that she is doing better. You have no idea how many people are looking out for bela, the other day...i woke up to a text message from my sister wondering if I knew how Bela was doing. Everyone really is praying for her! And the pictures are so sweet. I love the one of you two together. I love you ave.

The Silly Nilly Family said...

Oh, Avery, bless your heart. Bela is just beautiful. I'm so sorry you are having to go through so much. This is just sweet, blessed news. May she continue to strengthen. Hi Benson, you are such a great big brother and I know you help Mom a lot. Keep singing I Am A Child Of God. You sing it the best. Love to you all. JenG---not the RS Pres, the other one.

emcghee said...

Ave --did you read that book, "Awakening your Lifes Purpose?" That phrase you used, "this too shall pass" is something he uses in the book. Anyway, glad Bela is doing better. I'll keep checking the blog.

The Andersens said...

wow. what a rollercoaster! i'm so so glad that Bela is doing better and improving. i'm so sorry your little family had to go through such a scare!! that's so frightening. but it definitely goes to show just how much Heavenly Father looks out for us, esp. our little heart babies. He is always keeping a watchful eye on them and keeping them safe. i'm so glad that she is improving and that your husband was there to give her a blessing in her time of need. the priesthood is such an amazing thing, esp in times like these.
we will continue to pray for you and little Bela.
love the andersens

Ashly said...

LOVE those pictures of her. So cute and sweet. She really does seem like the sweetest little baby ever. Good luck with everything and we will be praying for little Bela!

Jennifer said...

Avery...Love the pics that Camille took. The one of you holding her brought tears to my eyes. That is how I always picture you and Bela (because most of the time I see the two of you she is content on the front of you). She reminds me of your Baby Roo in your kangaroo pouch... It is amazing how she settles down when she is so close to you. She knows and adores her Mommy (and her Daddy is pretty great too). Tell her to keep up the good work. I left you a message but I thought I would double one here. Meals are coming to the house Monday and Wednesday this week. At least there will be a meal for whoever is there pit stopping! Talk to you soon. Love, The other JenG