Thursday, February 28, 2013

Day 12: Edmonton


Tuesday, February 26

We spent some time last night re-reading the comments left for us on this blog. It was humbling being reminded of all the support we have received from family, friends, and complete strangers. Thank you. There have been times where both of us have needed an extra encouraging word or a comforting verse and collectively you have been there at the right time. You have made us laugh, cry, and summon strength when needed. Your timing has been impeccable. Your prayers and thoughts throughout this journey have ensured that we have never felt alone. So again, thank you.

Well, enough sap...


Today was simply amazing. To think of how far we have come in eleven days is unbelievable. This morning all of Ellie's IV heart drugs were stopped, so she is only receiving one orally now, and her vitals are still perfectly stable. Her food intake is now being increased by 5 ml every three hours with the goal of removing her IV intake of nutrition supplements tomorrow.

Ellie's mood was great all morning as she seemed to be obsessing less over her food. With all of her improvements and the reduction of her IV's our nurse was able to convince her team of doctors that she needed a little fresh air. Yes that is right, we were able to take her for a stroller walk out of the NICU.   Of course we would be accompanied by our own entourage of nurses pushing various monitors behind us, but we were ready to take what ever we could get. I was taken aback by how emotional this simple activity actually made us both.  I suppose the normalcy of the moment was something that we never thought we would experience again... let alone so soon.

Tuckered out from our little adventure, Ellie fell promptly to sleep when we returned to the NICU. The success of this first foray into the great outdoors ensured that we would get another in the afternoon. Armed with this information we went for lunch to recharge ourselves.

The afternoon was much the same. Ellie's food intake continued  to increase. She was no longer able to swallow her food in a mere two gulps, it was taking her at least 30seconds now. Our afternoon walk was much longer and our entourage gave us significantly more space then they had in the morning. To anyone passing us we actually looked like a happy family out walking our little girl.

For the first time in days I did not feel like my shoulders were touching my ears. I think we were both starting to relax a bit and subsequently we were more tired than normal. Maybe tonight we will fall asleep instead of simply passing out.

18 comments:

  1. Hi Guys!
    Reading this entry maked me really happy. I am so very happy that Ellie is doing much better. My coworkers are following the blog with me and everyone loves her little mohawk. I hope that everything continues to get better.

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  2. Gentle baby hugs for Eliana... We are so happy here at WEC to see her in the fresh air!

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  3. That picture is just beautiful! You have all come so far in 2 weeks. We will continue to pray for your family and enjoy your updates.

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  4. Praise God Almighty!!! You all are constantly in my thoughts and prayers-- I am thrilled to bits at that picture!! The slight glimpse of normal' does wonders for the soul, doesn't it? So happy to read that you seem to be taking care of yourselves too! Praising God!
    The Feakes fam.

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  5. So exciting! Praise God again and again. A family walk - such an ordinary thing to do ......oh how we take so many things for granted sometimes. I'm thrilled that as a family you were able to experience the "ordinary" and I pray for many more in the coming days. Love you all.

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  6. I am one of those complete strangers praying for your family. Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated on the progress. Praise God she is doing so much better! May the Lord continue to surround you all with His healing presence and the peace only He can give. Janet McQuilliams, Wichita, KS

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  7. So happy to read this and to see you guys smiling... especially Eliana! Still praying. Love you all!

    - Rosie

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  8. Wow it is so wonderful to see this picture of Eliana out and about! You guys have been in my thoughts so much over the past 2 weeks and it makes me super happy to see pictures of your beautiful baby girl happy and smiling the last couple of days. Sending tons of positive thoughts and love your way!

    Jenny

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  9. Pictures of smiles and stroller rides, yay!! I hope this means we'll see all of you home soon :)
    Megan

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  10. I am soo glad to read that things are going much better! I read everything now.. I wish you Mel & Dan & Eliana the BEST. I am so happy for you guys & I will pray for little Eliana and her health.

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  11. So so happy to hear Eliana is improving! You three are never far from my thoughts and I shall continue to send the best of healing vibes your way! ~ Jaime

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  12. Great news!!! She's just getting stronger and stronger!!! What a miracle she is!!! Think about you guys every day and can't wait for you to come home!!

    Love the Cranes!

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  13. Daily prayers, hugs, and angel kisses coming your way.
    Al & Lou C, Oliver

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  14. Thinking and praying for you guys everyday!! Glad she is on the mend!

    Love Peter and Heather

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  15. it brings tears to my eyes to hear about Eliana but am so encouraged by your big smile :) I will pray for you and your family.

    Julia

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  16. how fabulous to see that you went for a walk ~ you are all in my prayers throughout the day! Miss you, looking forward to a hug and a little squish from Eliana! Be strong little girl and continue to fight Eliana ~ ox *hugs*

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  17. Hello Dan, Mel and Eliana. I am happy to hear of the wonderful progress you are making. I am thinking of you everyday and praying for you. Hugs, Bonita

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  18. We are so excited for you guys about Eliana's progress. We have been following your journey everyday; thank you so much for the updates. What a fabulous read the last entries have been. Sending best wishes and positivity your way.
    The Naults

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