Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Twp Steps Forward, One Step Back

In the last few days, Joella has made great strides in her feeding. She is taking her entire bottle, and the occupational therapists even had Katie breast feed her for the first time! This is good news in moving forward the time-table for her to come home with us.

Joella has already come farther than the doctors had anticipated in her healing and feeding regime except for both of her feet. They were a full-thickness wound and need much more time to heal. In consultation with a few EB experts around the country, we have decided to hold off on any plastic surgery to act as a catalyst to healing her feet. She will not start to walk until at least a year, so the experts suggested to give her feet this time to heal.

However, she had a bit of a fever yesterday (which had subsided by late last evening) coupled with a high white blood-cell count. The doctors started her on antibiotics for a concern that she has developed an infection. Infection is a major concern for EB children.

We ask you to specifically pray that the antibiotics help Joella to fend off any infection, and her little body will have the strength to fight it off.

Check out Psalms 91.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an amazing psalm! Katie and Joe, you continue to inspire us all and please know we all are praying for you and precious Joella.

As always, please let us know what we can do! Tell Joella that we love her! Can't wait to meet her!

Jess and Rob

Darla Tomes said...

Great news! I can't wait to meet her!

Another inspirational piece from my "Daily Bread" today:

Today's devotional was about Jesus' miracle of multiplying bread and fish to feed 5,000, and that there were many who actually witnessed this miracle, but refused to believe He was the Messiah and were ready to execute him for claiming to be God.

We all know the miracles Jesus performed identified him as the Son of God and He still performs miracles! Joella is evidence of Him not giving up on her or you guys! He's still in the miracle business!!

"Believe in God and you'll believe in miracles; believe in His Son and you'll experience one!"

"Though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him" - John 10:38.

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys,
Glad to hear that Katie is getting to feed Ella! I think it is an excellent idea to wait on the surgery. I am so anxious to get to know her already so keep the good news coming!
Joanne

Anonymous said...

Joella's progress is a miracle indeed! When I update the nurses at Alexandria Hospital about her progress it is a true testament to the healing power of our Lord. They are amazed at how far she has come and I can tell them it is because she is bathed in prayer.

I am praying that the antibiotics work against whatever is causing her fever.

Anonymous said...

Hi, we're friends of Curby's from Texas. Just wanted you to know we're praying for Joella and your family. You seem like amazing parents.
May you continue to experience Father's grace and mercy as walk this road.

Brandon & Vicki

Anonymous said...

Great news about Joella's progress, you guys. She'll be bluffing Joe at poker in no time. Thinking about you all every day.

Rudzo

Darla Tomes said...

I know you already know this, but I have sent your updates to several friends of mine around the country who are praying for you all! I just wanted to remind you of the fact that so many people are lifting you all up in prayer!

From Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. Remember this when dealing with the various doctor's giving conflicting advice. Pray for God's direction in those choice, for as Paul wrote:
"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

Anonymous said...

Callie said to tell Baby Ella that when she gets bigger, she wants to play with her. She loves the video with Abigail (aka..Gigi) and Joella. She wants Jesus to make her itchies better....

Love, Hugs and Kisses from TX..
Amy, Chad and Callie

Anonymous said...

Joe and Katie,

We just to send our best, and let you know the whole Murray family is in our thoughts and prayers! You guys have one very cute little one!

Please let us know what we can do to help. We will both be in the D.C. area soon.

Love and prayers,
Jeff S. and Adele

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie and family! Misty Hill gave us your website info, We are so sorry to hear of this struggle with your precious little one. We are in prayer for your whole family and healing for your sweet new baby!

Reid and Talitha Martin
tmartinmusic@yahoo.com
www.preciousflock.org

Anonymous said...

You're all still in my prayers and I am inspired by the miracles that keep happening.
Eric Dell

Darla Tomes said...

Hey guys. I'm sitting here at work listening to some iTunes while I'm doing some work and a song shuffled up that brought tears to my eyes. I'm not sure if you've ever heard it but it's "Wonder" by Natalie Merchant. It brought tears to my eyes as the words to this song reminded me of how Baby Joella has surprised and proven wrong the doctors from the day she was born. Check out some of the lyrics, as I continue to pray for y'all all the time!

Doctors have come
from distant cities
just to see me
stand over my bed
disbelieving what they're seeing

They say I must be one of the wonders
of God's own creation
and as far as they can see they can offer
no explanation

I believe
fate smiled & destiny
laughed as she came to my cradle
"know this child will be able"
laughed as my body she lifted
"know this child will be gifted
with love, with patience
and with faith
she'll make her way"

People see me
I'm a challenge
to your balance
I'm over your heads
how I confound you
and astound you
to know I must be one of the wonders
of God's own creation
and as far as you can see you can offer me
no explanation

I believe
fate smiled & destiny
laughed as she came to my cradle
"know this child will be able"
laughed as she came to my mother
"know this child will not suffer "
laughed as my body she lifted
"know this child will be gifted
with love, with patience
and with faith
she'll make her way"

sam said...

Hey
I just wantd to say you guys are still in my prayers! Ella is so cute and she truely is a miracle baby! Katie I'm glad you finally had the chance to feed her! And Joe good job on the bottle feeding! I think you made the right decision on waiting to do the surgery. You two are such strong Christians and the way you are handling this situation is such a strong witness to our Lord! If you need anything please call!
Sam W

Nurse Jaime said...

Hey Joe, Katie, and MISS ELLA!! It's one of your nurses Jaime. I just wanted to stop by to say hello, I'm thinking of you, and you all are in my prayers. Ella is so beautiful and I hope you will have her resting in both your arms AT HOME soon...Take care...see you soon. :)