Sunday, July 06, 2008

Faith and Fasting....

The first thing I would like to do is thank everyone that participated in fasting and prayer for Elaina today. I truly felt comforted today.
I am so sorry I did not post yesterday. I just really did not know what to say. Elaina did not show any signs of improvement on Saturday. In fact her hands and feet were cold and very dusky. The scariest part was to see the blueness of her nose and lips. Her PO2's were averaging 27 and her saturation level never got above 51. At my request, the nursing staff moved us to a "private" room in the back corner of the PICU so that I could have some seclusion. This room is so much nicer. Not only is it a little bit larger, it's away from the hustle and bustle of the PICU. There isn't a window in our bed space, but there is one in the room next door, so we do get some natural light. There is also a chair that pulls out into something resembling a bed (not very comfortable, but who cares). I have this at the back of the room and can "lay" down without having to leave Elaina. We dimmed the lights and had Elaina's Baby Einstein Lullaby CD on repeat creating a very soothing environment. I was able to hold Elaina for almost 3 hours again last night. By the time we wrapped up, I was so emotionally drained that I couldn't think straight so I went to bed and cried myself to sleep. It was a very discouraging day.
I woke up with a start early this morning (I actually jumped out of bed) as a Code Blue was announced over the hospital intercom. It wasn't Elaina (thank Heavens!!!!!), but after that huge adrenaline rush I couldn't go back to bed, so I just got up and went in to be with my little bug. I walked into her room and was greeted with a smile by her attending and nurse. They'd just gotten a blood gas, and her PO2 was 38 and her saturation was 72!!!!!! Not only has she stayed in this range all day, they have been able to wean some of her ventilator settings! She is also looking so much more pink than she has in days. I wouldn't say that the doctor was optimistic, but she did finally talk with me about a plan if Elaina continued to improve. I know that this is just a teeny tiny step in the right direction, but at least it is in the right direction. I think that she is getting better because of all the fasting, prayers and faith in her behalf. I really do. And even if it's only this one day of improvement, it's one day more than most of those caring for her thought that she'd have. I am so grateful for this day. Elaina is so amazing. She is strong and she is beautiful and the power of her spirit is strong.

17 comments:

Megan said...

Oh that precious little baby. She has been on my mind all day and in my constant prayers.
Praying for more miracles
Love
Megan

Kelly said...

Thinking of you and your precious little girl during this very trying time. I pray that my baby Brooklyn is looking over her and giving her strength to continue to fight this battle. She's fighting so hard! Slow and steady wins the race.

Unknown said...

Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you and Elaina
Love, Virgil and Diana

Kathy said...

Baby steps are good. (We need to fill her crib with turtles to remind her of that!) How sweet that they were able to move you to a private room. It's a really big deal that her sats have gone up and her vent settings have gone down.

You are all in our prayers...and I hope you are enveloped in them..and can feel their power and love. I KNOW that I did when we were at out last "big" heart surgery recovering...it does bring such peace.

Love,
Kathy

Pam said...

I have been thinking of you guys all weekend. I really want to come see you on the 9th when we are up there for Rhett's appointment. Let me know if you are up for a visit.

We are still praying, knowing that your miracle is just around the corner......it's coming, I know it.

Loves,

Pam and Rhett

Kristine said...

I have been thinking of both Elaina and you all weekend. I'm in Ottawa, Canada and although you're not even in the same city, it feels like Elaina is a part of our extended family. I have told my little girl Katie (6 months) about her, she smiles for Elaina, and I pray each day for her to move towards a complete recovery, be in no pain and to be happy in the comfort her mom.

Love, Kristine

Sara and Stefano said...

Hollie,
I am smiling big for you and Elaina!!!! She is such an amazing little baby. I could tell by just looking at her little sweet face. You are also amazing. You are fighting for her with all your heart and it is beautiful to see.
Love, Sara Biasutti

Unknown said...

Thank you for the update. I've been checking the blog all day. I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you and give you a big hug. Just reading this post had my emotions all over the place. Elaina is doing this in her own turtle steps. She WILL prove these doctors wrong!!!

I loved the picture of the three of you. It's great seeing you hold her. It breaks my heart to see her color so dark and to know her heart is working so hard. I'm praying constantly for Elaina and we all know how strong the power of prayer is.

I'm glad you were able to get into this other room. Sometimes you just need to lay down but don't want to walk away from her. Do you play music in the room? I know that was very soothing for me, and Arianna, when she was in the PICU. We played instrumental christian music and it did wonders for her recovery, and my state of mind. Check out this website www.songsoflove.com I found this organization awhile back and think it's amazing what they do. (Not like you don't have a million other things to do right now LOL!)

Okay, I'm just rambling now.

Love,

Vanessa

Marimoy said...

pink is good. pink is very good. that had to be a bit of a relief for you, I'm sure.

Em said...

What a little angel. I am happy that you got to hold her! I loved holding Ryker, and I do not ever think I will take holding my babies for granted ever. I am glad that she had a good day and that you felt the power of many praying for you and fasting.
Here's to many more good days!
Heart hugs,
Emily and Mike

my life: said...

OH my goodness! I am an emotional wreck right now....I really don't know what to say, other than, stay the course. You are so strong and brave, as is your beautiful family. I continue to pray for you daily!

Kaidence's Mommy said...

The power and strength that comes from fasting and prayers is truly amazing and sometimes I think that many of us don't truly understand that true peace and comfort that it lends until we are those fasted for. People would always ask me with Kaidence how we managed to keep it all together for months and months that we lived in the PICU. I would tell them that it WAS the fasting and prayers. WE felt so much peace and love and knew that no matter what happened Kaidence would be ok. Miracles happen everyday and some are bigger than others and sometimes I found my idea of "the perfect" miracle changing over time. Just know that you will be blessed for your faithfulness and keep hanging on. If you need anything we are still up to the hospital a lot. Let me know.

With Hope, Faith and Love,
Shauntelle
Kaidence's Mommy
www.4mykaidence.blogspot.com

Djinni said...

Thank You for Your post! I too have been thinking of Elaina. I fasted and prayed for her, hoping for some improvement and I am Exteremely thankful her SATs improved. I am also glad you were able to move rooms to something better. Natural sunlight does wonders and so does soothing music. I have some Video tapes I enjoyed playing when Isaac was in PCMC one of them was Baby Einstein which he loved the most. I will still continue to pray for Elaina for as long as she needs prayers. I will have to make her a Turtle Polymer Clay Magnet she can have on her bed.
Heart Hugs Always, Djinni

Tina:0) said...

What a relief to see your post & to read about the improvement!! As everyone has said, the power of prayer & fasting works no matter what medicine may say!

She is such a strong little girl - a fighter! She has come so far at this point that she's not going to give up now!

Know that we continue to pray for you each & every day... I'm always checking in on your blog! Prayers being sent west always!

Love & hugs!
Tina & Vaeh:0) (Jon & Gabby, too!)

The Hood's said...

So glad to hear that she has had some improvement! We also know that prayers and fasting help and we were glad to participate. You have been in our thoughts so much. I love the pictures of her with her bear. I still remember you telling me about that bear. She is obviously filling it with so much love for Ben. Good luck! Please let us know if we can help!
Gary, Camille, Sam and Alex

Valerie said...

I love the pictures of her holding her little bear! That is so precious.

Love you!

mommy to Kaden, Brody and angel Ava said...

As I have just read over your last couple of entries, I sit here in tears. I lost my little girl, Ava, May 7th. I am so sorry to hear the heartache you have been enduring. I am however, thankful to hear that yesterday was a better day for your beautiful baby girl and that you have been able to hold her in your arms. What a wonderful gift that is, not only to you but Elaina as well. I am sure she enjoys it just as much, if not more then mommy!!!

I will keep Elaina and your family in my prayers.

(I found your blog through Isabella's).

Amy