I held Elora two days ago! It was one of the most amazing moments of my life that I will never forget. I didn't get to hold her for very long and it wasn't a hold-you-close kind of hold. But, it was a hold nonetheless! The nurse was changing her position (they do so approx. every 4 hours) and was flipping her over from her back to her stomach. She asked if I wanted to hold Elora for a minute since they had to pick her up anyways. My eyes opened as big as watermelons as I reached out my hands to hold my little girl. I cried and cried. I was so thankful for that moment & went home on such a high that night.
As usual - there are a spectrum of things to report about Elora's status. Overall, things are still stable. Her vitals are good and most days we get a fairly decent report about how her nights went and her settings on the ventilator. However, due to her immature body - Elora's systems are still developing and need a lot of prayer.
Please pray:
1. That her lungs would grow and mature and that she would be able to breathe on her own one of these days without the ventilator
2. For her head - that the bleeding they found her in brain would be healed and no more blood would pool or press on any parts of her brain that would cause long-term effects
3. For her digestive system. She still has not had a stool yet and it's important that she does before she can start receiving breast milk, which will be essential for her growth, immunity, and development
4. Against infection.
They have been slowly allowing Peter and I to help with her care. We take her temperature, give her a q-tip soaked with milk to suck on, and change her diapers. We still don't know exactly when we will be able to hold her. That will be a day by day decision depending on how she is doing. However, when she is ready, they highly encourage us to hold her and give her Kangaroo Care.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. We are feeling so loved and truely feel the peace that only the Lord can bring during a time like this. He is so good and we trust Him in all things.
Sarah-
ReplyDeleteI just started reading your blog. I know Angie, though my husband. You and your family are in my prayers and we are praying for Elora to pull though all of this.
I wanted to help out (if you'd like) and give your blog a makeover, maybe with a button saying praying for Elora, so that more bloggers can come visit and be praying too. I am sure you are very busy, but I just thought I'd try and help, how I can.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Karri Anderson, I know Steve and Susie through church. I saw the prayer request from Susie on Facebook and have been praying since. I went on bedrest with my first at 26 weeks also...he is 3 now :)
I also wanted to let you know that my mom delivered my sister at 26 weeks weighing 2 lbs. This was 49 years ago so they didn't give my parents much hope and they were not able to hold her back then, just look at her through glass :( She was my parents first...my mom was 18 years old.
Now this sister has 9 kids! The oldest being 28 the youngest 9! :)
We continue to pray for all of you!!
In Christ love,
Billy, Karri, Lincoln, and Abram
Oh Sarah, I am so glad you got to hold your little princess! I am sure Elora will get stronger and stronger every day and soon you will be able to pick her up when every you want!
ReplyDeleteWhen Allison was still in the hospital and we were able to do Kangaroo Care I often thought it actually did me just as much good as it was doing her...it was such a wonderful bonding time!
I am praying for Elora and for you and your husband as you ride the roller-coaster ride of life in the NICU!
Peter & Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog tonight...My thoughts and prayers are with you and Elora. A friend of mine (Amanda) gave birth to her baby girl Cadence at 26 weeks, Cadence is now 4!! I can only imagine the roller coaster you are on - but if you need anything, please let me know!
Deb
Peter & Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing blessing this was to hold this miracle of life that you have brought into this world! David and i had coffee together a few days ago and he gave me an update. i just want you to know i am committed to lifting the three of you up in prayer, and may God bring more of these moments into your life in the coming weeks. Know you are loved and supported by so many and thanks so much for sharing your journey with all of us!!
scotty