Sickness

Well, it turns out that Lucy DID have a stomach bug. And not just any stomach bug - the major, heavy-duty, all-consuming tummy bug that is going around. It's now Tuesday, and she still is showing signs of this illness.

It seems as though I too have the bug, although it's strength seems to be waining. Not only does it cause issues with the gut, but also causes major malaise. Lucy and I have been tired and have slept alot! Thankfully our Princess has stayed out of the hospital since last week, as Nurse Mindy, Nurse Valerie, and Mike have cared for her with the utmost detail. I have to admit though, the Princess is starting to turn into a Diva with all of this constant attention!

I hate being sick, but it seems to happen to me often - especially around busy times when I need to be on top of my game! School starts this week, and Henry will begin Kindergarten and Conner will begin the Fourth Grade. They are excited for now, and so am I. I think the schedule and routine will be good for them. It is so strange not to be planning for Ellie to go back to school alongside of them. I guess it's just another of the "firsts" without her.

Some exciting things are coming up:
1. TEXAS! Our trip to Texas Children's in Houston is coming up quickly, and we are busy making plans and getting things in order. I cannot wait to go.

2. BLOG! I'm still working on the blog, and I'm not ready to reveal the name just yet, but I can tell you that we will officially switch over to the blog on September 26, 2013 - Lucy's Second Birthday!

3. LUCY's BDAY! As many of you know, we often held big, giant bday parties for Miss Ellie Kate. I am SO glad that we did this and that we were able to share our daughter in this way with the people who loved her and prayed for her over the years. We want to do the same with Lucy Belle, especially since we just had a family party last year. I'm not promising a big party EVERY year, but this year, it looks like it will happen. Keep watching for more details!

3. HONORING ELLIE KATE! Even though it's hard to think about, Ellie's birthday will be here before we know it (Decemeber 4th). We are working hard to make this a special day - a special month - as we celebrate our girl's life. Be watching for more information on how we celebrate Ellie Kate this year. We hope to make this an annual event, which will include a little craft party for patients at OU Children's Hospital(where Ellie spent her last birthday). We will also be handing out individual gifts to those on the 8th floor, continuing EK's legacy of loving others well.

There's no doubt we will be busy the next few months, that's for sure! Thank you for praying for us through this latest illness. I know it's the Lord that has spared us from being in the hospital once again.

With Love,
Ryan

What a Day

Last night Lucy started vomiting. It was just a few times and she always came back to her "self" (baseline), so we thought it was just a fluke. But overnight, her residuals were really bad, which means that her feeds weren't going through her little body. Thankfully, Nurse Valerie was here and was able to stop and start the pump and take extra care of little Lucy, who also started having an increase in seizures.

This morning, Lucy was very tired. I kept her on continuous feeds (on the feeding pump), and thought she was just worn out from last night. But then she started vomiting non-stop, projectile, and dry-heaving. When she wasn't doing that, she was listless and extremely lethargic. I've never seen her so out-of-it, and it reminded me so much of Ellie Kate's illnesses. It scared me, and after talking to her doc, we decided to get her to the ER.

This ER visit was virtually perfect. They took us right back and knew who we were, even though Lucy hasn't been there often (Ellie's reputation lives on and her experiences help Lucy!). Since Lucy was having a lot of seizures, they hooked her right up and accessed her port immediately (thank you Lord for the port access!).

After two boluses of fluids and time with maintenance fluids, Lucy started to perk up. She also had some IV anti-seizure meds as well as zofran for nausea. Once she tolerated pedialyte and had a wet diaper, we felt more comfortable in going home rather than being admitted. Since we have home health, the doctors felt super comfortable letting us go home.

So, here we are! Lucy isn't lethargic anymore, which is a HUGE blessing. She isn't tolerating formula but is doing great with her pedialyte. We hope that she will SOON be back to formula. She just has to get back to her feeds quickly.

It's been emotionally draining, as this is the first major time we've gone in for GI issues with Lucy. It's so much like what Ellie used to deal with, and that is scary. We don't want to repeat history and it's hard not to wonder or worry. Our time with the specialist in Houston can't get here fast enough!

Thank you for jumping in and praying for us. Thank you too for all of the calls, texts, emails, and posts on FB (isn't FB a wonderful way to know how to pray??!!). We love and appreciate you all so much.

Ryan