Ella remained stable last night and today. She seems a bit more fussy than usual. The nurses think her changed behavior is due to the weening of her pain and sedative meds.
Her last blood gas at 8am was good, but not quite enough to ween: ph level=7.36, cO2=54, pO2=89. So, she is staying at 14 breaths per minute. The orders from Dr. Kays is to ween the ventilator if her cO2 is below 52.
Yes, it was glorious last night. It was the first time we were able to hold Ella! It was even that much more special since Nurse Michelle was there to help us!
It is quite a production to hold Ella simply because she is still so connected to the ventilator and so many lines. But Nurse Michelle made it happen!
Josh and I were both in shock that it was actually happening. Surprisingly, neither of us got teary-eyed. But it was so amazing to have that time with Ella. We have been more emotional today, just reflecting back on the experience.
Lord, we thank you for your healing hand. We thank you for your faithfulness in bringing Ella to this point. What an amazing testimony of your power and strength!
All we keep hearing is to obey and leave the consequences to you. Nothing is too big or too complicated for you. We thank you for the peace and serenity that you have provided during this stretching time.
We praise and thank you for this amazing little girl, who was made perfectly in your image. May she be a constant reminder for all of us to draw near to you and trust.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Below is a video of my first time holding Ella.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
The Laz Fam on October 18th, 2007 at 3:43 pm #
man oh man…. that was so beautiful, and we are so, so happy for you. and don’t worry about not tearing up — i’m crying enough for both of you…. thank you for sharing!! we love you
Kristen on October 18th, 2007 at 3:46 pm #
Ella. . . she is a little piece of heaven. So happy for you!
Grandpa Jack on October 18th, 2007 at 3:50 pm #
WHAT A MARVELOUS, FANTASTIC, REMARKABLE AND GLORIOUS MOMENT!!!!!!
Heidi Anderson on October 18th, 2007 at 3:55 pm #
Gosh! I don’t even know you guys… I was given a link to you from Crystal Coldiron- but I am so drawn to pray for your little Ella! I am so happy that you were able to hold her! What a beautiful video that was… it captured the whole event so well! The music was a perfect way to cover up the sounds of all the monitors beeping and sounding off! I remember when our daughter was in the NICU…all those wires, and all the noises that surrounded us. I remember feeling so desperate to be home in my own environment, where I could control the sound… but I think that’s when God spoke to me the most and said, “Be Still and Know that I am God!” I pray that you will be able to look back on this time in the hospital and it will all be a quick blur compared to the wonderful memories you will have of Ella at home!
Tracy Mitchell on October 18th, 2007 at 3:59 pm #
I’m sooo happy for you guys – that was precious! Still prayin!
Jenny Talbott on October 18th, 2007 at 4:03 pm #
It is absolutely wonderful to see her in both of your arms… finally… I can only imagine how emotional and amazing it was all at the same time… you all continue to be in my thoughts…
Auntie Shannon on October 18th, 2007 at 4:09 pm #
Okay, I can’t stop crying in my office right now. AMAZING! So incredibly happy you have this moment with Sweet Ella. Love, Ella’s favorite Auntie. ; )
Char Snyder Jordan on October 18th, 2007 at 4:09 pm #
We all have cried buckets of happy tears today. I can hardly write this to you. Someday you will see this video again and cry bucket of happy tears too. You are so infused with all that has been going on it is hard to feel anything but numb. The rest of us who have been there know the indescribable joy of feeling her next to your heart. There will be many more times. We love you. We have been able to experience just a small portion of your experience. God bless those nurses who understand intimately what holding a baby blessing means to a mom who has not only talked the talk but walked the walk day by day. Josh you look great. Your girls are beautiful. What a proud Papa you must be. All our love and congratulations to the new parents. LOL Jim and Char
Rainey Family on October 18th, 2007 at 5:03 pm #
What a special moment! I am so happy for you both that you got to hold your precious daughter. Thanks for sharing this with us all! Beautiful!
Loren L. on October 18th, 2007 at 5:22 pm #
I’m betting Tina knows I’m a sobbing mess! 🙂 It’s ok… I’m used to it. May God Bless your family, I can’t imagine something more precious at this moment. Kristen said it ‘Ella. . . she is a little piece of heaven” And I hope all your days are heaven too.
Carl and Cathie Firestone on October 18th, 2007 at 5:52 pm #
What a glorious day that our Lord has given you! I remember like it was an hour ago how it felt to hold Luke for the first time…and you have waited so patiently for so much longer than we had to! We are so thrilled for you and are praising our Lord today and every day for Ella and for both of you! We continue to pray for vent weaning and what is next to come on this journey! There is nothing like holding your sleeping baby in your arms…enjoy every second of it!
The Brittain Family on October 18th, 2007 at 6:02 pm #
We’re really, really happy for you guys. What could be more delicious than tasting answered prayers? “Taste and see that the Lord is good…blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” (Ps 34:8) We keep praying for Ella’s continued strength and healing…she’s taken so many leaps in the last few days, it’s a little overwhelming! Keep making Him your refuge and enjoy those precious moments.
tamara tessmer on October 18th, 2007 at 6:08 pm #
Let me start out by saying “YEAH !!!!! Well, I can’t stop crying. Tina, you are beautiful holding that precious gift from God. He is soooo good. Thank you Father for hearing our prayers and answearing them in such a big way. There are no words to express the joy you have given to us. We love you Lord.-Amen
Tammy on October 18th, 2007 at 6:22 pm #
Thank you for sharing such a special moment with us. I’ll think of this video for many days to come. Ella certainly knew who held her….excellent camera daddy. Oh my, I am a mess and need a tissue. Praise God for this miracle!
Laura Marold on October 18th, 2007 at 6:38 pm #
It’s just the way it should be!!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful moment with all of us. How thrilling!!! God bless you all. Love, Laura M.
Lisa (Ms. Texas) on October 18th, 2007 at 6:39 pm #
Tears of joy! Wow what a moving experience! What a wonderful day!
Dana Chambers on October 18th, 2007 at 6:57 pm #
So incredible. That is the moment that you don’t want to let go of… I remember I could just sleep with my little NICU baby — but you have to put them back in there little bed and dream of the next snuggle moment. Thanks for sharing such an intimate moment!
Dawn Franck on October 18th, 2007 at 7:39 pm #
WOW, what a special moment in time! Thank you so much for posting the video so we can all share this joyful time with you guys. Love and hugs Dawn
Joel Snyder on October 18th, 2007 at 7:54 pm #
Ella,Tina,&Josh, I can’t put into words how thrilled and proud I am of the three of you. God please continue to bless this wonderful family. Those small baby steps are getting bigger everyday. T&J you look marvelous in the video and I can tell Ella liked this session. I am praying for many more baby steps until you get home. All my Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!
Lisa Weir on October 18th, 2007 at 8:13 pm #
Praise God!!!! What a beautiful moment in your journey. We celebrate this very special day with you. We’re thanking God for all of the good and perfect gifts He gives us. Thank you for sharing your perfect little gift with us too. I loved that she fell asleep in your arms — it reminded me that we can also rest in the loving arms of our Father. Many blessings to you this evening 🙂
Julie Brantley on October 18th, 2007 at 8:42 pm #
We are so happy for yall. God is so good! The first time is the most amazing feeling ever! Congratulations on your first time getting to hold your bady girl. Our family continues to pray for the three of you and we are so glad to hear how well things are going. Stay strong. Love, Julie
John & Estela Williams on October 18th, 2007 at 9:10 pm #
Okay… I am speachless. I just came down from putting Ellis to bed. I hold him in my arms every night until he goes to sleep (smelling, feeling his heart and his breath)… I am sitting here sobbing for Joy as you have now experienced the most wonderful feeling in the world. Love you guys and GOD IS GOOD.. ALL the TIME!
monika clark on October 18th, 2007 at 9:11 pm #
how blessed you are, tina josh, baby ella, how far you have endured, how great your joy, and our sharing. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU.what precious eternal moments you hold in the holding of baby ella. love, monika and family and friends.
Melissa on October 18th, 2007 at 9:46 pm #
What an awesome surprise!! You both have waited so long for this very special moment. I can’t even imagine.
Crystal Coldiron on October 18th, 2007 at 10:00 pm #
Wow, so beautiful. What an awesome moment that you were able to hold her! What an answer to prayer!
Adrienne - Melissa's sister on October 18th, 2007 at 10:30 pm #
In the middle of getting ready for church this morning we had a call from my sister – thank goodness I hadn’t put my makeup on yet because of course I am a little puddle on the floor! How WONDERFUL to be able to share this most precious of moments with you…. I am going to copy the page and take it with me to church…. Words just can’t say the depth of gratefulness for her progress and this special time! Thanks for sharing it.
Roberts Family on October 18th, 2007 at 10:45 pm #
Our power was out all day after a major windstorm. It came back on just as I was getting ready to go to bed, so I came back down and turned the computer on just to check on Ella! And now I’m crying so much I can hardly type…I’m backspacing every third letter! Anyway…congrats on holding sweet Ella for the first time!
Barbara Mullins on October 19th, 2007 at 4:19 am #
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow! Hi Josh, Tina and Ella. I attend church with Lesli and Brendan Richards. I have been praying for Ella and y’all and following this amazing journey since Lesli asked our ladies’ bible study to pray for you. OUR GOD IS SO WONDERFUL and it has been truly amazing to see His hand at work throughout these 12 weeks +. I check in on Ella twice a day and I’m so thrilled that you finally got to hold her. I told myself I would not post until I saw pictures of you holding your sweet Bun and this is the day! I am truly doing a happy dance – you made my day! I truly hope sometime that you’ll come visit in Georgia and we’ll get to meet you all in person. In the meantime, be encouraged (and I know you are) that literally thousands of people are praying for you and giving GOD the glory for each precious step forward. May God continue to BLESS YOU! Barbara Mullins
Johnny & Mary Lou Brantley on October 19th, 2007 at 4:32 am #
Josh & Tina,
Joan and Steve Odell on October 19th, 2007 at 6:25 am #
We are so grateful that this moment has arrived – you have both waited so long to have this special blessing with Ella. Thank you Father for all your blessings and all the caregivers you have provided for Ella’s journey. Your love is immense and your power more than we can always comprehend – Thank you – Amen Steve and Joan
Rachel & Ava on October 19th, 2007 at 6:35 am #
What an incredible day!!!! Holding your child gives you such peace and joy, I know how precisous that time was for both of you. I’m sure that time slowed so that you could live in those minutes for a long time last night. I am beyond overjoyed for you, even if you didn’t have tears last night, I have tears of joy getting to see the proud, greatful, loving parents finally get to hold their precisous miracle. God bless
Williamsburg on October 19th, 2007 at 6:53 am #
Well, Miss Ella, I’m so glad _you_ weren’t crying in the midst of all of our tears – bet it felt pretty good to cuddle up and be close to Mommy’s heart again – sure looked like you were pretty cozy and content; and how about that Daddy smile? You have certainly had your share and more of challenges, precious one, but I will go so far as to say that you have also been incredibly blessed of God with the love, care and concern that bathes you every minute of every day, and to have such incredible parents. Here’s to sweet dreams of being held and loved, and to a lifetime of loving arms. We love you all dearly. XOXOXO
Abby King on October 19th, 2007 at 7:02 am #
Praise be to the Lord! So glad to hear that Ella is well. Abby,
JoAnna King and Kids on October 19th, 2007 at 7:07 am #
Praise be to the Lord! So glad to hear that Ella is well.
Anne on October 19th, 2007 at 7:22 am #
Just – WOW! (Sometimes there aren’t words… for me this was one of them) and Thank you so much for sharing your and Ella’s life with us.
Melissa on October 19th, 2007 at 8:33 am #
Oh my gosh… oh my gosh….
Melissa on October 19th, 2007 at 8:37 am #
I meant to say…
Rachel & Ava on October 19th, 2007 at 8:53 am #
Ok, I had to post again, i keep coming back to watch this video, it is so wonderful. I had to go 4 weeks w/o holding my little Ava and it was so difficult. I can only imagine how it’s been not being able to hold her for 3 months, better yet this being your 1st time to hold her. I’m so so so happy for all of you. This has really lifted my spirits so high.
Eve Sheridan on October 19th, 2007 at 8:56 am #
I have so many tears of joy streaming down my face right now. Allowing all of us into the tender moments of holding your daughter for the first time was so wonderful. And the music you picked was perfect. Ella is truly a blessing, and we are so happy that she is progressing in the right direction. Sending lots of hugs!
Todd on October 19th, 2007 at 9:13 am #
that…was…just…awesome…So happy for all of you!
Heidi Ham on October 19th, 2007 at 9:35 am #
Words cannot express how thrilled I am for both of you. God is so AMAZING! I didn’t see this post until this morning and as I was out walking this morning I was praying that you would be able to hold her soon and then I was caught up so emotionally when I opened up the site and saw the beautiful pictures and video. Thank you so much for sharing – I felt like I was there watching the beautiful event –
Steven and Terri Trainer on October 19th, 2007 at 9:48 am #
WOW!!! That gives new meaning to “This is the day the Lord has made. I will REJOICE and be GLAD in it!” As you can tell, so many are rejoicing and glad that you’ve finally held that precious one in your arms. We are beyond happy for you!! Lots of Love – S&T
Donna Blair on October 19th, 2007 at 10:12 am #
Tina and Josh….I’m so glad you got to hold Ella. She is so beautiful. I keep all of you in my prayers.
Kelli Billman on October 19th, 2007 at 10:23 am #
Can someone please pass me a tissue?
Laura Blackwell on October 19th, 2007 at 10:41 am #
I started crying from the moment I saw the title of this entry. I have balled my eyes out over the video clip. WHAT A BIG GOD WE HAVE!! I can’t for my husband to get home from work so I can show him too.
Fran Jarrett on October 19th, 2007 at 10:54 am #
Tina, and Josh..I am so thrilled that this day arrived for you and you were able to hold your precious Ella. Our Lord is good!
Angie on October 19th, 2007 at 7:26 pm #
What an amazing video! I’m so happy for you guys. Ella looked liked she knew she was right where she belonged sleeping in her mommy’s arms so peacefully. I know she had sweet dreams that night! 🙂 Praying for many more moments like this! ~Nurse Angie
Lisa Correia on October 20th, 2007 at 7:07 pm #
I can’t stop crying tears of total joy for you guys. I can only imagine how incredibly awesome that was to hold your beautiful daughter!! I started crying as soon as I read the posting that said you got to hold her!! We are celebrating with you guys here in CO! Just couldn’t be happier!! We’ll keep praying and watching for more miracles! We love you guys!!! Post a comment
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