Thursday, May 8, 2008

Very Exciting News

Most of you will remember that Ellie was born with paralyzed vocal chords. We have never heard her cry or make a noise. Once she got her trach, that was virtually impossible because all air goes in and out the trach tube, not going up near the vocal chords. There is a devise called a  passy-muir valve that is made for trach patients that allows them to take a breath in through the trach tube but then send the air out past the vocal chords and out the mouth.

At our appointment with the ENT last week, we inquired about getting one for Ellie. It required a downsize of her trach size and then a special valve to place over the trach.

Now for the exciting part. I have read that it is very difficult for a child to get used to the passy-muir and some do not even tolerate using it. So, we tried not to get our hopes up when we tried it out this evening. But Ellie totally blew us away, and did completely fine with the valve! Her saturation numbers are as good as always!

And... we heard our daughter vocalize officially for the very first time! We praise God for the noises that she can make!

don't worry, we caught it on video for you :D

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38 comments:

  1. The Rock FamilyMay 8, 2008 at 1:00 PM

    That is so incredible!!! Way to go Ellie!!!!

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  2. nancyMay 8, 2008 at 1:02 PM

    She sounds sooo cute! What a beautiful sound. I am so happy for you guys.

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  3. kellyMay 8, 2008 at 1:15 PM

    How precious! What a special day for you guys.

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  4. Almas FamilyMay 8, 2008 at 1:16 PM

    How awesome! That is so exciting!

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  5. DeniseMay 8, 2008 at 1:30 PM

    That is so awesome! She totally tolerates it better than Trenton! We were told it is really good for their lungs to use the valve, and it helps strengthen their lungs. Keep it up Ellie:)

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  6. Gwen Vander BoonMay 8, 2008 at 2:10 PM

    That is great!! So exciting and fun to see their "firsts". What a precious time for you all. God is good!!

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  7. JoyMay 8, 2008 at 2:19 PM

    I'm amazed! I'm truly amazed with tears of joy streaming down my face. Wow!!!! What a beautiful voice...

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  8. JaclynMay 8, 2008 at 3:09 PM

    Aww, how precious!
    God bless you all.

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  9. renee tjapkesMay 8, 2008 at 3:16 PM

    I can't imagine what it was like to hear your precious daughter "fuss" for the first time. What a milestone! We are daily praying for more signs of progress. Thanks for sharing this incredible event.
    Renee

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  10. Jen StoddardMay 8, 2008 at 3:55 PM

    I am so glad you shared that with us! Our prayers are with Ellie daily. What a sweet sound from your precious babe.

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  11. The FritzemeiersMay 8, 2008 at 4:05 PM

    Glad she tolerated it SO well! How neat to hear her sounds!!! :)

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  12. KrisMay 8, 2008 at 4:07 PM

    It almost sounds like she's griping about her therapy session! Hee hee...

    WTG kiddo!

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  13. Kristin HunterMay 8, 2008 at 4:37 PM

    Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us right away! Wow, you waited over seven months to hear this! The kids just loved watching the video over and over. As Sethie said, "Praise the LORD!"

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  14. Ruth F.May 8, 2008 at 6:49 PM

    I definitely have a tear in my eye... What wonderful sounds!!

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  15. Julie RaineyMay 8, 2008 at 9:10 PM

    Wonderful news! I'm having computer problems and can't hear the video yet but can't wait to hear Ellie!

    Love, hugs and prayers, Julie

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  16. Rene PostMay 8, 2008 at 11:39 PM

    Wow! That's so awesome Guys!

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  17. KrysMay 9, 2008 at 12:57 AM

    I was sitting here moaning about the sinus headache that woke me up this morning. Ellie's voice was a welcome distraction, and I think it even made my headache go away! How wonderful to hear her voice for the first time! God bless you all!

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  18. TEssaMay 9, 2008 at 1:45 AM

    What a wonderful sound! And praise God that she tolerated the new device so well!

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  19. Aunt JulieMay 9, 2008 at 4:00 AM

    What? I didn't get the first comment? :)

    It is SO WONDERFUL to hear our little girl. She sounds beautiful, of course.

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  20. LauraMay 9, 2008 at 5:48 AM

    A day of great rejoicing!! How tempting it must be just to sit and listen to her :) Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

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  21. Jen PeelMay 9, 2008 at 7:46 AM

    Great news!! Thanks so much for the video!! Still praying for you all!!!

    Love, Jen

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  22. Wendy NelsonMay 9, 2008 at 9:29 AM

    That is amazing and gave me chills... so happy for you.

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  23. RachMay 9, 2008 at 9:34 AM

    wow that is awesome!

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  24. Emily S.May 9, 2008 at 9:43 AM

    Amazing guys! Congrats!

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  25. Dena ManzMay 9, 2008 at 9:52 AM

    Wow, that is amazing!! That is such a wonderful sound! I hope she continues to have more progress.

    God Bless!
    Love You All!

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  26. Kelli DolanMay 9, 2008 at 1:13 PM

    I've been reading your blog since Ellie was born, thanks to Jen Peel. What a special moment the whole family shared together. You are ALWAYS in my thoughts and prayers.

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  27. Juliet KauffmanMay 9, 2008 at 1:34 PM

    You go Ellie! You have so much to say! We are listening.

    Love, Juliet

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  28. EshelmansMay 9, 2008 at 3:23 PM

    That's great guys!

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  29. SerenityMay 10, 2008 at 1:27 AM

    Hooray for Ellie!

    Emily, you are amazing. AMAZING. I am so glad to be your friend. =)

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  30. MicheleMay 10, 2008 at 2:29 AM

    Soli Deo Gloria!

    Rejoicing with you!

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  31. Rachel McArthurMay 10, 2008 at 7:31 AM

    oh my goodness! wonderful! i teared up hearing her sweet little noises!

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  32. DevonMay 10, 2008 at 7:34 AM

    That is so GREAT! I (and my kids)love seeing her grow and change. Thanks for keeping us updated.

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  33. KristaMay 10, 2008 at 1:58 PM

    Wow! That is wonderful and amazing.

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  34. KerryMay 11, 2008 at 4:00 PM

    I love that the kids paid attention to her sounds. Her face went with the sounds quite well. "Hey, I don't like this so much." :o)

    Cheers!!

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  35. HeidiMay 13, 2008 at 7:18 AM

    Wow! That was SO cool! A new way to communicate!!!

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  36. KateMay 14, 2008 at 3:27 PM

    I bet she loves talking as much as you love hearing her :)

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  37. Amanda VeltkampJune 10, 2008 at 8:42 AM

    Who would have thought that fussing was the absolute best sound in the world? I like the sibling comment, "She's crying!"

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  38. ReneeSeptember 15, 2008 at 1:49 AM

    That's incredible. Way to go, Ellie!

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