Ella Update 9/6

I apologize to all of you out there waiting for updates. I know that everyone is very invested in this beautiful baby and her family and more is better.

I have spoken to Emily and Christopher a couple of times. Here is the break down of most of their trip so far. Ella was transported and her heart rate was a little high. They pretty much have this under control, but it is something to look out for. It looks like she is having some trouble with her airway, and doctors think this may have something to do with her jaw being set back a little too far. The plan as of now, is to wait and see, but she may need a surgery to correct this. As for the surgery, the surgeons went in with a game plan and completed their check list in about 5-6 hours, which is what they expected. Ella did fine under the anesthesia. She was still a little sluggish yesterday, but hanging in there. Her blood pressure was a little high and she is a little puffy which suggests she is retaining fluids, but the doctors have assured Emily that she is urinating fine and I expect that today, that all worked itself out.

These are the facts. There are some saving graces though. Emily and Christopher were lucky to make it into the Ronald McDonald house out there which is about a mile from the hospital and not a huge expense to stay at. They have chores to do each day which remind them that life exists outside of the hospital. They eat regular meals and are being a good support system for each other. They have at least 3.5 more weeks out there, but the place is already becoming a doable second home.

Emily seems to be moving around great. We all forget that she had a baby less than a week ago. She is getting back and forth to the hospital and pumping regularly for Ella. She's pushing through the baby blues just fine and is one of the strongest people I have ever seen. I commend her parents for raising such a strong and determined young woman. Christopher is doing all right as well. He is a good support system for Emily and is figuring out the lay of the land so they can occasionally eat something that is not cafeteria food. All in all, they are a stronger together.

Aiden is doing well too. Right now, his grandma and grandpa are spoiling him rotten. He has adapted well and seems to understand his role: Hang in there until the rest of the family gets home. He is an intelligent kid and he knows Mama and Papa took Ella to the hospital.

That is the bulk of the info I have as of now. I will update you as often as I possibly can. I will also be sending a care package to Emily and Chris once a week. If you have any suggestions or would like to add something to the package, let me know. They are a long way from home and my hope is to send them something physical that reminds them that all of us are thinking about them and praying for them every day, all of the time.

Thank you all for your support in all of this. Emily and Chris really appreciate knowing how many people care.

love,
-maria
on behalf of Emily, Christopher, Aiden and Ella