Tuesday, June 26, 2007

A Special Time

Katie and I had a fun time visiting Joella tonight. She was particularly active and responsive to her Momma and Dad's voice. We came upon her incubator which has a pink blanket on top of it to shield against any light, and noticed that her eyes were wide open as if she knew we were just about to arrive. It was a special moment! She remained awake for our entire visit and was simply doing what babies do: wriggle, fuss, move about and constantly stare at us with blank looks. We loved it! We posted some new photos of Katie holding Joella and, also, of her birth day where the grandparents and me (in scrubs) were celebrating her arrival.

Earlier today, we spent a lot of time meeting with her attending physician, her wound care specialists, and the NICU (Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit) Social worker discussing her condition, etc. It was a lot of information to absorb, and we are still awaiting her biopsy results that will have a big impact on how Katie and I will need to care for Joella. Needless to say, we did not get to spend much time with her this afternoon, which made tonight's visit all the more special.

18 comments:

Jean said...

What beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing the birth day pictures as well as Katie holding Ella. She is a special gift and we are praying for all of you.

Jean and Roger Fenner

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing these photos and your updates with all of us. I am humbled by your strength, Katie and Joe. God picked the perfect parents for little Joella and He sure knows what He's doing. You are in our prayers.

John, Aumi, Elsa, and Anja

Anonymous said...

YEAH you got to hold her. You all are so beautiful together & Katie you look amazing. You look good to Joe. Ella looked very content in your arms. Thank you for sharing.
Sarah

Paige said...

What a beautiful family! Joella looked so happy in her mama's arms! Thank you for sharing these pictures! You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Rachel E. said...

Joe & Katie,

That's great! I'm so glad to hear that ya'll got to spend some family time together. I will continue to pray that God will give little Ella the strength that she needs and calm hearts for the two of you.

Rachel Evans

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update. I'm so glad you were able to spend some quality time with her. The photos are great and you all look very happy. Keep them coming, they are an inspiration to us.

I can just imagine the loving arms of Jesus holding her tightly and securely when you are not there.

Emily said...

What great pictures! She is beautiful -- what a lot of hair! I love the pics of Katie holding Ella.

Keep the updates coming. Joe, Katie, and Ella, you are in our prayers!

erexroth said...

Joe & Katie,
I'm not even sure that we've actually met yet, but we are in POPS with you all and just wanted to let you know that you have been and will continue to be in our prayers! We know she is such a joy to you and will pray that God will continue to guide you in all of the decisions you'll have to make.
Phil & Erin Rexroth

Anonymous said...

I love the blog! Little Joella is so precious. And you, Katie, don't look like you've just had a baby! Go girl!

We are with you on this journey. "Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You." Jer. 32:17
Our God is able to see you through every step and every day. We are praying with you. Keep us posted!!!

Blessings, Beverly and Emory Lussi

Adele said...

Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos with us. Keep them coming!
Your strength and endurance are an inspiration, and you and sweet baby Ella continue to be in our prayers.

Adam and Adele Shartzer

Patrick said...

We're praying everyday for Ella. Your blog entries give glory to God and are a deep encouragement to us. We're in Curby & Gina's small group bible study in Charlottesville and our group is praying for you.
--Patrick & Christy-Lynn Flynn

Lindsay said...

Ella is a beautiful little girl and she knows that she has wonderful, caring parents taking care of her. Markus and I are thinking of you guys and your new family and keeping positive thoughts!

Lindsay and Markus

Anonymous said...

Ella is a beautiful little girl. I know you loved being able to spend some time with her. We will continue to pray for you!

Love,

Shon and Katherine Klegin

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ella. She is a precious, beautiful little girl! Keep the faith and God Bless!

Roberta (Moore) Rice

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you all and are so thankful for your willingness to share your journey of faith with us. Your testimony is powerful and it is encouraging. You've shed precious light on many things and this light will be a beacon to countless others in their search for the way.

Robby and Michelle Wagoner

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory...." Eph 3:20

Dana said...

Dear Katie, Joe and Baby Joella:

Thank you for keeping us updated on your progress and your inspiring hope! Please know that so many are thinking of you, praying for you and pulling for you!

much love,
Dana Marston

Anonymous said...

Congratulations you guys! She is beautiful! We pray for you everyday. Katie, It takes a village to raise a child, and we are all your village. Please let us know what we can do for you. We are here to help in whatever way we are needed. How fortunate Ella is to have such love surrounding her!
Love You All,
Joanne, Mike, Shannon, Ally & Katie

Anonymous said...

Joey,

Sharon and I have been thinking about you and Katie everyday - thinking good thoughts for baby Ella and the family. The pics are great. Take care.

Doug and Shar