Ellie had a good night last night. Slept well, so Ken actually slept as well. The new baby in the next bed was taken to the nurses’ station so that helped. Over at the Devon Nicole House I actually got the longest night of sleep I have had in awhile. Thank goodness for the clocks going back.
Ellie has been a bit more unsettled today. Maybe because she is becoming more aware, and since she isn’t on as powerful a pain killer, she has been more uncomfortable.
This morning’s X-ray showed that Ellie still has fluid on her lungs. It isn’t any worse than yesterday but it really isn’t any better either. They are keeping a close eye on this. All of her blood work looks good. They are reducing her oxygen to wean her off it and yet she still has good oxygen saturation, so that is good.
Mom and Dad left awhile ago. It was nice having the support and Ken and I even got to get away for a couple of hours last night. I think that we are as mentally tired as we are physically.
8 East is treating us well (I always did like the east coast) and we are hoping for a calm day.
Happy 16 month birthday Ellie Beth.
-Colleen
Dear Precious Ones:
The work you are doing is no less taxing that if you had spent it digging a ditch through solid rock! It is no surprise that you’re tired! I am grateful that you all rested better last night, and like others, have prayed for the other children and families who are going through this. I guess prayer is a little like an e-mail distribution list–you can name all of the circumstances and people, and then press “send” and know that the One who receives the message also has it all under control! Being awake in the night with a child is challenging . . . being awake in the night with one who is sick, and who is surrounded by others who are equally as sick is an incredible pull on all of your resources.
Marissa, I have to comment on your last blog on the prior “Ellie Post.” Your discussion about being awake in the night and praying for others as you fed your little one took me back 11 years to a time when my own Sydney was small. Like you, I used the still, quiet of the night with a little one nestled close and warm next to me to pray for whomever crossed my mind. On one of those occasions, my mom (Ellie’s great grandmother, Charlotte), happened to be with us, sleeping in the same room with Sydney’s crib. In that quiet darkness, we talked softly, and prayed together. It occurred to me what a precious moment that was–and then it became even more precious. In her sleep, Sydney let go of her meal, reached out her baby hand and said, “Uh-oh!” I realized for the first time that she must be dreaming. And I recognized that had I not been awake with her, I would have missed it–and missed sharing it with my mom.
Something had fallen out of her grasp, and her typical baby response was, “Uh-oh.” It was her wake-time hour way of saying, “Mom, Dad, could you take care of that for me?” I prayed right then and there that more of her life dreams would fall within her grasp than out of it. Ellie-Beth, I pray that more of your life-time dreams fall within your grasp than out of it. Never fear, little one–your Mom and Dad are there to retrieve any dropped treasure, and you have a loving Father who is “taking care” of it.
Marissa, thank you for rekindling this memory in my mind.
Ken, Colleen, and Ellie-Beth–sleep tight! Rest Well. Visions of sugar plums for your heads. A thankful world of people are still holding you close in prayer. Blessings, Auntie A.
This is from Sydney: Hi. She is doing great. keep doing what ever you are doing because it’s working. I love to watch the progress she makes. It makes me happy to see her get better. She is so stong, and cute! She lookes great. We prayed for you today in church. Love and miss you guys! SYDNEY!!!!!!
Hooray for birthdays!! The progress is wonderful to see! I know that you both must be so exhausted from the entire ordeal. Colleen, your description of staying up with Ellie while she was inconsollable brought tears to my eyes. I know that having you there sharing her pain made it easier for her. She is a blessed birthday girl to have two such loving parents. Brian and I think of you often and are sending good vibes your way. I hope that you will soon rest well and dream of small women.
Hey you two! That is such great news about Ellie! It looks like she is already starting to come back to full spirit! I am sure she will be a handful of energy before you know it! We are still praying for you all and looking forward to seeing Ellie when she decides to grace us here in the cold!!! Much love!!!
It’s so great to see her improvement! Way to go Ellie. Soon you will be outta there and back home in you house. That’ll be wonderful. You are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. David sent you a little something– hope you like it.
Much love,
Cynthia
You all are in my prayers. How brave you are. I thank God for the progress you have seen and I continue to pray for complete healing. God Bless you all.
So Thankful for Ellie’s continued healing…. i copied one of Ellie’s pumpkin pictures and shared with some of the folks at church….. have also sent thank yous (along with updates) from you for prayers…. what a Joy to get to celebrate with you…. thank you for sharing Ellie with us…..everyone loves the picture….hope and pray that your day/week goes well…
lynn
I just wanted you to know that I have Ellie and all of you in my prayers every day.
Happy 16th Month Birthday Ellie.
I know that you are a strong little girl and you will come through this.
Hey Colly…..
Did Liz and Jessica ever have to go through anything this trying? I thought we had alread lived through every possible worse case senario through them…..
Love you so much and I am so thanking God for Ellie’s progress……
Re
Thinking of you all the time and praying for all to be well, sooner rather than later. Rejoice in every small progress and dream the hours and minutes away thinking of the wonderful things Ellie will be doing when she’s well! Hang in there. (P.S. Did you get my text messag?)