Friday, June 7, 2013

Off to the Hospital

 

 
This morning Ella had another appointment with her Pediatrician.  We were very disappointed to learn that, despite a month of trying to get Ella to eat pureed baby foods and drink extra fluids, she had only gained 1 ounce.


One. Ounce.

Both Grammy and Grampy have put forth heroic efforts.
 
 
So, this afternoon after a whirlwind stop at the house to throw together a suitcase and print out directions, Ella and I headed to Chicago to check her into Lurie Children's Hospital where they can do more tests and try to find out why she's having such difficulties.


I am beyond thankful that my parents are visiting.  I was able to head off without having to worry about the other three kids, knowing they would be so well taken care of.  (Grammy and Grampy, on the other hand, might need some therapy after this though!)

Traffic was horrible, and it took me four hours to get here, but at least we're here.  Ella has been checked in, and her medical history has been gone over.

She has a beautiful room all to herself where the two of us can stay, although she seems to want to try to escape it as soon as I put her down.



 
 "Hey!"

They came into the room to take blood after she had already fallen asleep for the night, but thankfully her (new) allergy medicine had already kicked in and she was so tired she fell asleep right after.
 
Tomorrow I should be able to meet with her new Pediatrician, and I'll be able to ask questions and try to figure out where we go from here.
 
Thanks everyone for your prayers and offers to help.  I will certainly let you know if we need something.  Right now my parents are taking care of the kids and they have a meal for tonight, but a meal or two might be a big help for them as they try to get used to having little ones (and not so little!) ones to care for again!
 
Something I would appreciate is if the Lord lays a particular verse on your heart, if you'd text it or email it to me.  Little snippets like those are such an encouragement, especially if I'm feeling overwhelmed or disheartened.
 
Well, it's been a long day and a long month, and I'm going to grab a quick bite to eat, get in the shower, and try to get some sleep.
 
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't lean
on your own understanding.  In all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

10 comments:

Ellen said...

Oh, poor sweet babe - and poor tired momma! :( What a whirlwind day you've had. I am praying that this visit is one that will give you direction, answers, and encouragement that you need. Cast your cares on Him and continue to do so as they come to your mind/heart. Isaiah 41:10 came to mind initially: "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;I will strengthen you, I will help you,I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." He is with you every step of the way, wanting to comfort and strengthen you. Many are praying, I'm sure. I wish I did live close enough to share a meal with you... if there is anything else I CAN do, please just ask. Thinking of you all in my prayers!

Jennifer said...

This was posted on another's wall today and I found it a timely encouragement. So, I pass it on: Rom. 8:26-27-- In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Unknown said...

Prayers for you and Ella, Rachel. God will hold you both in His Mighty Hands. Aloha from Kauai.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Rachel: I am friends with your Mom and she forwarded your sight. Sending many prayers your way and forwarding prayer request to many, many more prayer warriors.
Big Hugs to you, Ella and your family, Maggie

Anonymous said...

Hello Rachel, it has been just ages since I thought of checking in on you. Now I feel as if the Lord has led me to specifically at this time so I may pray for you and your little Ella. May God bless you and keep you and may He make His grace to shine upon you :-) Danielle

Angela said...

What a very beautiful little girl! Personality in spades, and pretty also. I do wish her the best, and comfort to you gong through this hard time. 2012 was a nightmare for our family with health issues, and I can truly say I know how hard it is to see a child suffering. We are better and I wish the same for you!

Unknown said...

I don't remember exactly where this verse comes from..Jeremiah Ithink..The Lord has plans for you to prosper, not to harm you.
Our prayers are with you. My 3 boys were looking at Ella's pictures and we are inlcuding you and her in our daily Intention prayers this morning. God Bless you and may you be comforted by his presence.

Sweetums5 said...

Received prayer request for Ella from SL-Catholic Yahoo Group -- we are praying for her! May God bless you all and give you strength during this difficult time!

Shelley

Sweetums5 said...

I sent your prayer request to the Dominican Nuns of Linden, VA. Here is their reply:

We are all praying for little Ella, that the right treatment will be found for her, for her complete recovery and for her parents at this anxious time.

May they feel God's loving presence and care at every moment!

In His love,

Your Dominican Nuns of Linden

(Prayer Requests: intentions@lindenopnuns.org)

hopeful homemaker said...

I do not even know you, but your sweet daughter is in my prayers. I was asked to pray for her on a homeschool site. We are storming heaven with prayers for her. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. Blessed Mother Teresa
Beth