6.23.2009

Not Much, But Lots

The past couple of days have been pretty uneventful...well at least in comparison to the past few weeks. Today, Avery is six weeks old and I just can't believe how fast the time has gone. She has been through more in the past six weeks than I could ever imagine. She just continues to push through challenges. All things considered, she has responded very well to the closure. Over the weekend, she pretty much just rested. After the chest closure, she remained paralyzed for 24 hours and then has slowly begun to move around more. Yesterday she looked at me...and I mean really looked at me...not just through me. It was pretty special.

So as of now, the docs are weaning meds and the ventilator SLOWLY. This process could take weeks. She also received her first feed via a tube directly into her intestines. Her belly swelled some so they have stopped the feeds for now. Not a huge surprise considering she has never had any kind of food in her digestive system. The good news is that as a result of the feeds, she pooped! That is a good sign that her system is ready to work. Overall, she is progressing and making baby steps. It is a draining process for both Shane and I and we find ourselves exhausted after doing nothing all day. How does that work?

We continue to be blessed by friends and strangers throughout this process and are forever grateful for the constant giving. Speaking of blessings, some dear friends of ours are going to be on The Today Show on Wed. morning at 8am. Tune in to be blessed by Eliot Mooney!!!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE FOLLOWED OUR STORY!!!!

Carissa

21 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 23, 2009

    Avery amazes me every day! What a fighter she is. Glad to hear she keeps making baby steps. Keeping you in my thoughts.

    Shauna - Mom to Addisen LCDH

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  2. WOW!! That is great news.

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  3. Avery is awesome!! I know you guys are so proud... and you are doing something to exhaust you- worrying about your baby girl! I continue to pray for you guys!

    Ash

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  4. AnonymousJune 23, 2009

    That is such great news. I look at your blog multiple times a day to see how Avery is doing. She is amazing... I continue to pray for her and your family through this difficult time. I look forward to reading about the day you finally get to hold her, the day you finally get to take her home, and the days to come with your little girl! The greatest gift and the biggest accomplishment ever - is having children, and being a mommy.

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  5. Wow, indeed. You all amaze me! So glad things are going well. Love to you all.

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  6. AnonymousJune 23, 2009

    This is such great news! Avery is a little fighter indeed. Keeping you all in our prayers.

    God Bless,
    Robin Gaspard Cosenza

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  7. Hey guys,
    We just want you both to know we are thinking about you and Avery continues to stay in our thoughts and prayers everyday. You all have been through so much and have shown so much strength and courage through it all. Praying for you all!
    Shawn and Stephanie

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  8. Praying that Avery continues to hold her own and handles the med. and support weans very well. Baby steps in the right direction is definitely progress and that is wonderful she is able to move around and open her eyes more. She is a warrior and I am amazed by her strength.

    Hugs and positive energy being sent your way,
    Tracy

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  9. AnonymousJune 23, 2009

    What did it do to my heart when I read that Avery "really looked at you"?!!!! I have been following your blog from the beginning, and I am so thrilled that Avery continues to climb the steps required for her to heal so she can live a happy and full life and be a blessing to you as you also bless her. How wonderful that your eyes have beheld each other, and I pray all your days will continue to grow brighter. My love, thoughts and prayers for all of you. Goldie McGarrah

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  10. What a true blessing to have your little girl actually look at you!! I know your heart had to of been filled with joy!! Will continue to lift your sweet little Avery up in prayer for continued and total healing!! Also wanted to tell you your little Kaitlyn is just beautiful. You are very blessed to have two precious little girls!! God Bless You All!!

    Sissy
    Nashville, TN

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  11. AnonymousJune 24, 2009

    What wonderful news!!!! Avery has the strength and endurance that most adults do not have except her parents. Maybe that is where she gets it. What a blessing Avery has been to so many people who have followed her journey. We all look forward to continuing to revel in her accomplishments for years to come. May God be with the doctors as they continue to treat and support Avery in this battle. As always, much love and prayers to you all.

    Spanky and DeLynn

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  12. AnonymousJune 24, 2009

    Naomi Kirkpatrick is a friend of mine and asked for prayer requests for you in our Sunday School class. I have continued to follow your story. I am amazed at the progress that your little angel has made. I pray for Avery and your family daily. May God continue to bless you.

    Brianne Fowlkes

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  13. Mommy_0f_YaDaJune 24, 2009

    Go Avery! I love how you continue to fight. And so...I will continue to pray. You are doing so good baby girl. I can't wait till the day comes when you get to go home with you Mommy, Daddy, and big sister.

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  14. Oh wow, what a strong little girl you have. I have loved praying for you all and Avery through this time since I found this blog. I will continue to do so and hope things get better. Keep up the good work Avery!!!
    Take Care,
    Steph in GA

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  15. So happy for the continuing good news. Xoxo!

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  16. AnonymousJune 24, 2009

    Dear Carissa,
    Iam so so HAPPY to hear that baby Avery is progressing and moving around and pooping too. Iam moved when you said she looked at you...so rewarding wasn't it? I'll continue praying for your baby girl and family.

    Dai
    San Jose, CA

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  17. She pooped! She pooped!!!! I never thought I'd be so excited by poop! :) You and Shane are so amazing - I can't imagine the road you've been on, along with Avery. She is one heck of a fighter. I can't imagine how your heart must have melted when she really looked at you. The pictures of her with her eyes open are precious.

    I miss you and think about you all the time. Hang in there and let me know if there's anything I can do here. I love you, sister!

    Melissa

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  18. She is beautiful and such a fighter! I hope and pray she continues to heal and grow stronger. And yay for poop! LOL

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  19. I'll be praying for your little angel! Her pics are so sweet!

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  20. AnonymousJune 25, 2009

    Sending prayers, hugs and kisses from Colorado!

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  21. hey hey you beautiful family of 4! What is it people say when they call into a radio station?
    "long time listener, first time caller!" :)

    I have a beautiful baby boy, well..baby,..hmm..he just turned 2 in May. And his baby sister would be just over 8 months today. Cana Lynn had trisomy 18 so yes, i found you thru the mooney's. Been following for a while now..and just offering a hello..and a little insight...

    I know, thru our journey in grief, i've many time felt united with Christ in our suffering. And you mentioned how you can feel so exhausted doing nothing all day. you know, in the garden, when Christ was praying..and sweating blood as he took on the weight and sin of the world....that is how i see you all right now. And it's our greatest joy and greatest burden to be united with Christ in His suffering..for out of suffering comes GLORY!

    May you all continue to live this glory as you endure this suffering and joy!

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