Monday, October 18, 2010

pictures!

First off I got word that Emma Stewart is stable, but still in need of prayer. Thank you all for your willingness to lift up our dear friends.




Well Ella is a TROOPER, She inspires me everyday with her positive attitude. She has been through so much in her two months of life, and yet she somehow always brightens my day with her sweet smile. After such a good report from the cardiologist last week we decided to go ahead with her vaccines this week. We did the first half of them today and will finish them Tuesday of next week. I knew it wasn't going to be easy to watch her get her shots, but after everything she's been through I thought maybe I would be more prepared... WRONG! It was TERRIBLE, we gave her Tylenol right before her shots and she threw up and had diarrhea. After we got her cleaned up they gave her her immunizations, that needle was HUGE just for the record! Jon was there and the nurse was holding her down giving it but somehow her eyes fixed on me with alligator sized tears and a cry so hard she was silent until she caught her breath :( My eyes filled with tears as I thought to myself, "how much pain will my baby girl have to endure?" I have forced medicine down her 7 times today and I will still have to give her medicine at least 4 more times today. Every time she kicks her leg that she got her shot in she crys, it's not fair. I was torn about whether or not I would vaccinate my children, as I learned different pieces of valuable information through the years; however, after learning of Ella's heart condition and knowing that if she gets sick it could very likely kill her taking the chances on the vaccines seemed like the way to go. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the amount of life or death decisions I have to make so often. I cry and pray and get as much information as I can, then together Jon and I make the decision that we feel is right for Ella. Being a parent is amazing, but it is so hard to be responsible for making such important decisions. One of the things the doctors wanted me to watch for is vomiting and diarrhea. Because if she is to get dehydrated then her heart will have too much strain on it. The last week she has thrown up three times and had diarrhea 3 or 4 times. So far I am not too concerned, but we are watching her closely. She has had trouble with vomiting ever since she started eating in the hospital, so it's nothing new. If she continues to vomit I will call the cardiologist. She is still gaining weight, she is 10lbs. 4oz. Praise the Lord! This is great even if it is a little hard on mommy to see her little girl growing so fast. Thank you all for the continued prayers. As the days go by the reality that we will be going through all this again, another trip to Dallas, another open heart surgery, etc. overwhelms me and brings me to tears. Ella is a cherished gift every moment, but somehow I feel that this next surgery is going to be so much harder on mommy. Hoping that it will be easier on Ella, knowing that no open heart surgery is simple... I can only pray that the Lord will continue to give Jon and I peace and wisdom on this long road. In the meantime I hope you enjoy some of the recent pics of our sunshine!












                                       My poor baby after her vaccines today :(
                                            her leg is sore.

10 comments:

  1. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the onesie!!! :D lol Wonder who gave the little angel that one! :P

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  2. God has given you two such a beautiful blessing. He hasn't left ya and he isn't going to, Amy. Still praying for you hard and strong.
    LOVE YOU!!!

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  3. Continuing to lift sweet Emma up in prayer! Your precious Ella is just beautiful!!! So thankful that she's doing so well!!!

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  4. She is so beautiful, Amy!!! Awww...poor baby. Can't imagine watching her get those shots, even just as a bystander and not her mom!!! You inspire me, Amy.

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  5. Praying so much for Ella all the time & I hope her leg heals super fast! Love!

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  6. I love you so much! It is such a blessing to see your family grow! I will be happy if I am half the mom you are someday. Thank you for staying strong. Love you!

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  7. So sad to see the sore leg. They really did not do a good job on giving her the shot. Take care of your little girl. I think preventing her from getting sick will definitely outway the needles once the ordeal goes away. In some pictures she looks so tiny and in other her cheeks look quite chubby and she looks bigger.

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  8. Wow! I can't believe her leg bled so much! I've never seen that!!!

    Are you nursing her? I know you were pumping, but I didn't know if she was actually at the breast now or not. If she is, DEFINITELY nurse her while they're vaccinating!!! In several clinical studies, babies didn't cry at all while nursing and getting shots. If she's not at the breast, at least let her have a bottle or pacifier (with breastmilk or formula on the nipple) during shots. I think you'll be amazed what a difference it makes.

    Also, if they're giving her more than one shot (more than one poke), ask that two nurses (or the doc and the nurse, if there is only one nurse in the office) give the shots simultaneously.

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  9. Little Ella is the most beautiful baby ever. The joy in her face could fill a thousand rooms with light. She brings me joy and I don't even know you all personally.

    Is that blood on her leg? I don't understand why she would bleed so much? Is she on thinners? I'm so sorry it was so traumatic.

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  10. Continually praying, several times a day, for Ella and Emma! They are both BEAUTIFUL babies!

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