Today was a nice day! Our precious girl continues to bring us smiles, laughs, tears, and deep breaths. As usual, we started off at 6am to check with the night nurse before she leaves (Colleen was back last night). Once again she seemed to have a fairly stable night, but they had noticed a few things about her blood gases, disaturations, and vent settings. They decided to make a few changes; lower the pressure as to which the machine is blowing in and increase the number of breaths per minute. Unfortunately that did not seem to do the trick. By the end of the day they increased the vent pressure and increased the breaths per minute again. The decision was to give her just a little more help to stabilize her saturation. Luckily when we made the trip to "tuck her in" at 10pm tonight, her O2 saturation was very stable. She was resting comfortably and even keeled. I was able to watch rounds during the lunch hour; that was hard. I think it was the most time I had seen them spend in front of her. It was hard to distinguish everything they mentioned. Most of what I could take away was that they are going to increase her caffeine shots (which are supposed to aid in stimulating her to breath on her own), they will probably not give her another round of treatment for the PDA even if it has not closed up, they want to get back to feeding her again, and they are strongly monitoring her breathing. Isabella has been so strong thus far and we are most thankful for that.
Chris was busy with his parents all day getting our new home set up. I spent most of the day on my own. The prior day I had felt like I was a burden with them having to bring me back to the hotel so often to pump. This way they could make several trips to various stores to get all the items we needed for the apartment. And they did a great job; now we have a bed, a futon for a couch, a card table for a dining area and most of our basic necessities for around the house. It was also a good opportunity for me to spend mommy time with Bella, finish a few things that were important to me, and just have a moment alone to let so much sink in. I was actually able to get in touch with several of you including a call to my pastor from New Braunfels; it is always nice talking to him. I am also looking forward to going to church in the morning.
Spending so much time with Bella yesterday let me enjoy and appreciate so many small qualities about her. Her tiny body is simply precious and unbelievable. When she lays on her left side she likes to fold up her right arm and grab her ear. When we lean in to talk to her she recognizes our voices and flutters her little eyes; she moved them so much at one point yesterday we were able to see the white in her eye. When she wants to stretch out she is able to pull those petite (but not for long) legs out of her swaddling and prop them up on her bedding. And when we went to kiss her good night, Colleen had put a miniature pink bow on the right side of her head...it was so adorable. Chris got a picture with his phone, if we can upload it we will. What I love the most is that she radiates so much personality; you wouldn't think that is possible at such a point in gestation, but she definitely has quite a bit of it.
I thank God for all the blessings he has shown our family this past week; Bella's first three days, the minor brain bleeds, the detection of the PDA, the staff's quick responses, Bella's first week, even the partial closure of her murmur. Our faith is stronger than ever and we continue to seek God's wisdom.
Matthew 6:31-33
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Once again we thank you for your many prayers and keeping Bella in your thoughts. The Delange Family wishes you a blessed and smile filled day. Take care and much love!!!
8 comments:
Machel and Chris, Yesterday I was thinking what a great idea the blog is. We can keep up with the status and give you back support. I told Kathy that Isabella has her own candle, which I keep burning during the day to remind me to say a prayer for her and you too. I am leaving for church in a few minutes. Today is the third Sunday of Advent and is Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday. It is a favorite time of mine. The world in waiting for the Christ Child. One of my favorite hymns is On Eagles Wings:
"And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand." I think that with all the prayers and love that Isabella is being held in the palm of God's hand. A friend said she was going to send you a Zaky for Isbella when she was ready for it. I looked it up. Told my son to think about it for Baby Emma. Now that she is home, she wants to be held all of the time when she is awake. Take good care of yourself so that you can be strong and there for Isabella. My love and prayers are with you. Marilyn
Chris - I just recently learned about Bella's birth. Chad and I are thinking and praying for Bella, you and Machel daily.
Machel - I haven't met you yet, but have heard amazing things about you from Chris via email. As a new mom myself, I know that your heart is bursting each day with worry and delight of your delicate baby. Trust in the power of prayer, we are getting as many people on this prayer chain as possible.
Love,
Nikki
p.s. our comment will come from "Ellie" as it is set up that way from her blog.
I just want to thank you Machel and Chris. Thank you for sharing Isabella with us, and for inviting us to be part of this miracle. How awesome is it to compare the first pictures of Bella to the one week old pictures! God is so so so good!
I followed a link from Olivia and Logan's blog over to your blog and I just wanted to drop in and say that Bella is just beautiful! So adorable! And definetly a fighter. I will be praying for her and you all as you go through the ups and downs of the NICU.
God Bless1
-Kathryn
I just heard about Bella on Rhys' blog and will add her to my prayer list for premies. She's doing great. Ben Wyman's mom also known as the Assistant Village Idiot's wife
I to found your blog from Olivia and Logan's blog. Olivia was our neighbor in the NICU about a year ago. I had triplets 2 boys, 1 girl Nov. 2007 at 29 weeks gestation. My little Emma was my little micropreemie born at only 1 lb 13oz.. Congrats on the birth of this sweet angel. Reading your blog really takes me back. You and your family will be in our prayers. If you are interested in our story, Our website is www.freewebs.com/hansontriplets
Crystal Hanson
Hey Machel & Chris, I am so glad that Bella is staying strong!!! I think it is amazing that you can already start to recognize her mannerisms. The pictures with Santa were very cute as well. We are thinking of you guys!
Andi & Justin
I found your site from Ryhs's blog and Olivia's blog.
I have many friends who had babies born at 22- 24 weeks who are now surviving and thriving with now long-lasting issues, and although you have a long road ahead of you, stay strong to God, and he will get you and your baby through this.
I also wanted to share something very close to me.
My last name is Isbell, and my family is known for their determination and stuborness. I spent 6 months in the NICU and I wasn't a preemie, but back to what I was trying to say.
My grandfather (88yrs old) passed away Dec. 6th, @ 6:30pm(central time). So, I would like to think that God sent an angel to earth
( your Isabella), because He knew He was getting a new angel the next day ( my Grandfather Isbell).
I will be praying for Isabella, and for ya'll that she will stay strong and healthy, and that ya'll will stay strong and never stop trusting in God.
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