In a Waiting Game

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Today is Ella's three week birthday! She has officially been off treatment for 7 days - the hematologists say the effects of her treatment can stay with her for 7 to 14 days. Right now Ella is stable...which is good. The ultimate goal, of course, is for her blood counts and liver functions to be 'normal'. But being stable is at least a step in the right direction.

Unfortunately, as predicted in the NICU, there have been bumps on the way. Ella developed bacteremia (a bacterial infection in her blood) last week. She has been on antibiotics and is expected to make a full recovery. Ella also has fluid accumulating around her liver which is making her belly look quite distended. However, after ultrasounds, x-rays, and further consults, she is able to continue to feed - which is good. Because of her distention, it does mean she still requires some oxygen since everything is pushing up on her lungs. So the sooner we can get her belly down, the sooner we can wean her off the oxygen.

Some of the exciting things that Ella has been able to accomplish is that she began breastfeeding! I am able to feed her at least three times a day. Furthermore, the amount she bottles has been gradually increased to what she should be eating and, therefore, she's been taken off fluids! We have also been able to hold Ella once again - sometimes for hours! Today we were pleasantly surprised to find that Ella had 'graduated' from an enclosed isolette to a crib. The nurses had also dressed her up in a cute pink outfit when we came in this morning.

Please, please continue to keep Ella in your thoughts and prayers!! We need many more good vibes to get her liver functioning at a 'normal' status, her blood count back to 'normal,' her infection cleared, the fluid out of her belly, Ella off oxygen, and, ultimately, to bring Ella HOME!!

Thanks again for all the support and help we've received!! We couldn't be getting through this rough time without YOU!