Update No. 5...

Today was a good day over all.  Our precious Ely is still in the NICU, but seems to be making progress.  She did have two spells this morning where her blood oxygen levels dropped, but she recovered on her own.  After making it all day yesterday with no episodes, we were disappointed to learn that she had had another spell; however, the spells are becoming less frequent, so for that we are grateful.

As we come and go from the NICU, we pass by so many children who are very sick.  It is easy to get so focused on our own circumstances, and be sad that our daughter is having trouble and not at home with us, but as we look around at these children who are much worse off than Ely we are reminded how fortunate we are.  Even when times are tough, the Lord is showing us how to be grateful for what he has given us.

Today, Ely cleared a few small milestones.  She is doing well with her eating, taking 35-40 mL (about 1-1.5 ounces for those who have difficulty with the metric system) per feeding, which we understand is good.  Since she eats so well and has finished her IV antibiotics, she no longer needs her IV catheter, so that was removed today.  She is also maintaining her body temperature very well, so she doesn't need to be under the heater.  As a result, she has graduated to a bassinet!  This may sound like an insignificant event, but to us it was BIG.  Being in a regular bassinet and free from the IV line means she can wear regular baby clothes.  The sweet nurses at Baptist dolled her up today, bow and all.  She even got her first bow, and I am sure it wont be her last.  It was great to see her looking more "normal".  She is still connected to the heart rate monitor, respiration monitor and oxygen saturation monitor, but we are grateful for one less tube.

Ely's brain ultrasound came back completely normal, so that was fantastic news!  We are still waiting on the results of the echocardiogram (which we hope we will have tomorrow).  Provided it is normal, then we understand the next course of action is to give her time.  They will continue to monitor her closely and see if her spells decrease in frequency and severity, in hopes that the go away completely.  If there are no changes, then the doctors may explore other diagnostics.

Even though we have moments where our emotions get the best of us, we truly know that Ely is being well cared for.  The NICU staff at Baptist is amazing!  In fact today, they decorated her new "nursery" area to make the place all her own.  She has her own special name card, hand made by our sweet nurse, Brandy.  As a parent, it certainly eases your anxiety to see that your baby's care givers love and nurture her almost as a parent would.

Unfortunately, Matthew is still sick, and showing little sign of improvement.   He is having a difficult time shaking this illness.  Now his nose is running like a faucet and he has a terrible cough.  We spoke to his pediatrician tonight, and he would like to see Matthew again in the morning.  We are so grateful to have such wonderful doctors to help us, and feel confident that he will get better soon.

I am reminded of the verse in Jeremiah - "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.  They are plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope."

Thank you to all for your thoughts, prayers and support.

Brad