Well, Ellie is settled in at DeVos Children's Hospital. She was very peaceful when we arrived, and we feel confident in her care. She has already started her testing. Yesterday she had a heart ultrasound and a head ultrasound. They have also already sent blood off for genetic testing.
The heart ultrasound showed that she has a small hole in a lower chamber of her heart. I guess it is not too uncommon, but obviously it needs to be checked out and dealt with.
They found three potential genetic flags upon observation which require further investigation. The blood testing they will do can take 3-7 days. The Geneticist will be visiting more with her today.
She has not seen a Neurologist yet. That doctor will be also spending time with Ellie today.
We are trying to be prepared for any news they might give us, but I don't think you can ever be ready for it.
I've gotta share some cool things about the NICU at DeVos. We have already been invited to two "parent support" type dinners to get information and watch different educational videos. They also provide a small cafeteria allowance three times a week so that you don't have to worry so much about meals. Also, pretty much any of her loved ones can visit as long as they are with us. So we are looking forward to potentially introducing Ellie to her brothers today, as well as some of her aunts and uncles.
Please just pray for miracles in Ellie's life. Pray for wisdom for the doctors as they test her. Please pray that she will be comfortable.
I am so glad that Ellie's transition went smoothly. I know that she is in good hands at DeVos. We will continue to keep her in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
can't wait to meet our little girl (as soon as i get rid of this cold, grrr). love you all so much. prayers abound.
ReplyDeleteMy family is still praying for a miracle. Your faith is amazing. I am so glad you get to hold Ellie and be close to her. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteTo God be the glory for all He has done! We are praising Him with you as you see how He is working all things together. We are so glad Ellie's transfer went smoothly and testing has begun. I can't wait to see pictures of Noah and Seth meeting her. May you feel the peace of God covering you all.
ReplyDeleteWe love you,
Praise God for keeping Ellie safe in the transfer and also that we have an excellent children's hospital right here in Grand Rapids so you don't have to travel so far. We pray all the testing goes well. We also praise God for your faith and testimony to His goodness in all things and all situations, as hard as they may be.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful they take care of the babes AND the parents. Kiss that beautiful baby from us.
ReplyDeleteI watch for your updates. :o)You are so good at getting them up and posted!
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone in your prayers, I see all kinds of support! :o) Isn't it good to know.
You and your family are in our prayers, as well.
Ellie is lovely, and I have no doubt that she knows of your love for her.
The tender touch of a mother's hand on her child is so very important!! My prayers continue for little Ellie, her family, and for all who care for her.
ReplyDeleteI love all the photos and the updates that you keep up on. So many are praying for your family and it is great to see the answers to some of the prayers already. God is good. I am glad some of your needs as well as Ellies are being meet at DeVos as well. Your boys will love the time to see their sister--finally--is what they are thinking I am sure. :-) It will be good for her to hear their voices again. I am sure she misses all their "chatter". Your daughter is adorable and I love seeing all the photos of her with you in it and am looking forward to seeing some with her daddy and brothers as well. God has given you amazing healing and strength and we are thanking Him for all of that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your updates. You, Ellie, and the rest of your family are in our prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
ReplyDeleteWe are claiming our Shepehrd's promise to make you lie down in green pastures--to lead you beside quiet waters--to restore your soul--to give you and your family all you need.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your constant updates! We pray every day for her and you guys! I know we are far from ya, but if we can do anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to let us know! :D
ReplyDeleteEmily and Adam,
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of Rachel VS's and have been following Ellie's story. My family is praying for you daily. You are in great hands at DeVos. My son was diagnosed there with a mild form of hypotonia and the doctors are so great. May your faith continue to give you strength.
Emily and family,
ReplyDeletePlease know that Hope Reformed Church is praying for you all. Ellie is beautiful!
I heard about your story right away, but wasn't sure how to contact you. Ellie and your family are in our every prayer! It is in God's hands and he will do what is best. It may be a long hard road, but you will reach the end and have to turn....and in God's hands, you know it will be for the better! We pray that your family will be able to adapt well to your circumstances, and that Ellie's swallow reflex will adapt soon! My close cousin is a nurse in the NICU at Devos, and I will tell her to keep a good eye on Ellie. Devos is a wonderful, and the best place to be in these hard times. The have a great team, and will take great care of Ellie. If your family needs any extra help or support, let us know!
ReplyDeleteYour in our prayers,
Tara, Brian, & Kaden
We are so glad Eleanor (love the name, my mom's youngest sister is my Aunt Eleanor and she is wonderful) is in good hands. I read the other messages and realize what a special place NICU at De Vos is. And close to home so you can stay as a family, what a blessing. I have some prayer warriors at my school who immediately offered to join us in asking for God's blessings for Ellie and all of our family. Love you, Aunt Laura
ReplyDeleteDear Vedra Family,
ReplyDeleteHeidi is praying diligently for Baby Ellie, knowing that "God heals. He healed my ouwies!" She was determined to see the hospital setting where she is getting the best help ( having just experienced the hospital help herself less than a month ago.) We rejoice that God is giving His Peace in uncertainty, & His strength in our human weakness. What joy to read of the progress & to know we need not worry, but to see how He feeds the birds & clothes the lilies (Matt. 6:25-34) with love, the Brandt family