Baby Bella Day 19

We spent the night up here outside the NICU and thankfully it was uneventful. Isabella has been reacting as they expect; her belly, chest and head are swollen. Her heart rate has slowly come down, but is still higher than a few days ago. Her blood pressure is a little low and they are giving her Dopamine to help bring up the pressure. Dr. McGahren came by and told us that the bowel looks good and the swelling is an expected amount. He is checking up on Isabella daily. Then we were around during rounds and got to hear them go over her condition. We had heard most of it already because Ellen, her nurse practioner, and Sarah, her nurse, have done an outstanding job of informing us of everything that is happening. They also do a good job of telling us what to expect and what the daily plan of action is for Bella today. Machel and I are tired, but we are very thankful for all of the wonderful care that she is receiving here at UVA. We are very blessed for all of the support and prayers that our family and friends are providing. Please continue to keep Isabella and all of the other babies in your prayers this Christmas Eve. Also, please pray for our friend Chris, we went to dinner with them a few nights ago and we found out that last night he had a heart attack. His family is so wonderful, Amy his wife and Chaysen his son are amazing and we are praying for them.


Here are some pictures of our little girl. The first one was right after she got back from the OR. The second is of mommy looking at our little angel (look in the background, nurse Jen is working so fast to get Bella stablized that she came out blurry). The last picture was taken today and she is quite puffy.

Thanks to my dad for sending me an email that pointed me to the following.....Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man