Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Home Again


We are home again.

We left at 1:30am on Monday morning after waking during the night to realize that Aubrey was struggling for breath and showing more intense signs of heart failure. Our doctor met us at our local ER, where Aubrey was significantly aided by oxygen while we waited for further direction.

We were sent to Syracuse.

I had my first ambulance ride that snowy morning. I don't think I will mind if I never ride in an ambulance again.

We arrived at Upstate's pediatric intensive care unit around 8:30am Monday morning. A series of tests were run, ruling out more severe illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus and influenza. Within a few hours, Aubrey's cardiologist concluded that her heart failure was not the result of her heart worsening, but rather due to coming off Digoxin last week and/or a more common viral infection. Aubrey was immediately put back on Digoxin and we began the process of waiting to see if she would improve.

I slept in a chair next to her bed, incredibly thankful to be allowed with my baby around the clock-- if occasionally overwrought that I had to brush my teeth in a public restroom. (I have a bit of a phobia about public bathrooms.) Overall, Aubrey improved steadily and quickly. She began nursing well and is again spending good portions of her day awake and smiling.

The cardiologists were very pleased with her improvement. They are renewed in their confidence that her heart will continue doing an adequate job so long as we try to prevent complicating circumstances, like illness.

And so we are home. And grateful to be here.

And oh so grateful for Aubrey's precious life and the Lord's gracious hand upon her.

Thanks for praying.


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19 comments:

  1. sarahk04January 2, 2008 at 10:29 AM

    Everyone in this home has been waiting for this post!  How excited we are!  I'm sure it's so wonderful you are home, safe and sound and together! 

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  2. sarahellieJanuary 2, 2008 at 12:53 PM

    I am so sorry you have to go through all this. It just doesn't seem fair. But you are fighting the good fight, and keeping the faith, which is all He asks. Good job.

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  3. bleejonesJanuary 2, 2008 at 1:50 PM

    your family is continually in my prayers.  ((hugs))

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  4. High_NoteJanuary 2, 2008 at 2:36 PM

    I have to confess how very anxious we all were for this post (very anxious!)  You've done such a great job of keeping everyone up-to-date on Aubrey, that we've grown accustomed to knowing the details (and praying accordingly).I've often wondered at the great weight Shell bears, with a child who is not at 100% health...  I can only imagine what it must feel like.  I'm so sorry that you've had to walk this difficult road with your sweet, sweet girl.  I can't think of anyone who 'deserves' this less and  I am not confident that I could understand any of it...  but I am confident of God's faithfulness and I see such evidence of it in the posture you continue to take.We love you.

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  5. k8e_pieJanuary 2, 2008 at 4:29 PM

    Thank you!I'm so happy to hear that Aubrey is doing well again and that you are all home.  I have been thinking and praying for you in these last few days as well.My heart aches for you and the weight that you carry, I wish I could shoulder some for you - then I remember there is One who can do it better and I ask Him to hold you close in His arms.  I pray you are resting well at home, and peaceful.

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  6. sarah_purcellJanuary 2, 2008 at 5:03 PM

    Thats great Brietta. I have been thinking about Aubrey this week and I am glad He answers prayers. She is a special little girl.

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  7. NikkiandDaveJanuary 2, 2008 at 11:43 PM

    I am glad to her you little angel is doing better.

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  8. jenbu3January 3, 2008 at 12:55 AM

    Good news:) Praise God!

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  9. GirabbitJanuary 3, 2008 at 12:55 AM

    Mom and Dad have been keeping us updated - we're so glad Aubrey is home with you!!!  Little Larry has had a fever since yesterday morning, and I know how much my heart aches for him when he is sick - I've been thinking about you and I'm sure what you've gone through since Aubrey was born, and most especially recently, is a million times worse.  Your faith and trust in God through this is amazing and an encouragement to so many of us!We continue to pray...BTW, how is the mastitis/thrush situation?

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  10. NewshoundfortruthJanuary 3, 2008 at 2:51 AM

    I'm so glad things are better, we were away and this is the first I heard.  I was a little surprised when you said they took her off digoxin completely...that was the last thing I had read till today.  I would think she would need to be on that till she's healed or has surgery....my mom used to take that.  She will keep doing better, this is just a reminder probably....I trust God will continue to take care of her.  Even though it broke up family time with the Paladins, it's probably good for them to be there since you had to go to Syracruse.  Just not the way we would make plans, huh?

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  11. mrswheelerJanuary 3, 2008 at 3:00 AM

    I'm so glad things turned out ok!  Still praying for you all.

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  12. michellerossJanuary 3, 2008 at 5:20 AM

    It was so nice to hear from you yesterday. I'm so glad she's doing so well. Continually in our prayers!

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  13. AlleluiabelleJanuary 3, 2008 at 8:32 AM

    I am so happy that Aubrey is back home with you and Daniel.  My thoughts and prayers are continually being said for Aubrey, yourself, Daniel and your entire family Brietta.
    Heavenly Father, I uplift Aubrey, Brietta, Daniel and their entire family into the highest of heaven.  I place them again and again at your feet.  I ask that you bless this entire family with excellent health, happiness, joy, grace, mercy, peace, tranquility and comfort in knowing that YOU ARE THE GREAT PHYSICIAN; that you are their All in All.  I ask that you wrap your arms around them tightly and cloak them with your veil of heavenly protection, love and security at all times.  I ask that you pour the healing blood of Jesus Christ down upon Aubrey and their entire family from the top of their heads to the souls of their feet.  I ask that Aubrey be healed in the name of Jesus Christ right now, right now Father.  All is possible through you.  ALL.  Father, Aubrey is their miracle baby and your magnificent creation.  I ask that you miraculously shape her little heart into a strong, normal, vibrantly pulsating heart, one that is now completely normal in all ways in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and Lord, I ask that you bless these two wonderful parents.  I ask that you continue to pour your grace, mercy, strength and wisdom all over them, all over them Lord in Jesus mighty name.  Amen.
    Much love to you Brietta and to your entire family.
    Nancy Cady (Alleluiabelle)

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  14. danicasinclairJanuary 3, 2008 at 10:10 AM

    we love you guys so very much.

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  15. sallypaladinJanuary 3, 2008 at 1:12 PM

    God is Good and He will see you through all things.  We praise His Name for His Great Goodness!  He is blessing Aubrey and your whole family with His Love.  Gram

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  16. christian_mommy_maryJanuary 3, 2008 at 5:58 PM

    God is with you and will never forsake you. I am so glad that He has brought you both through yet another obstacle and that He's always there at the end ready to give you a warm embrace. It doesn't get much better than a hug from our Daddy, huh?
    I am ever so grateful to hear that you are back in your lovely yellow house, surrounded by those whom you love and adore. A cozy bed and a non-public bathroom are always nice, too.  ;)
    Give me a call/message if there is anything I can do for you. In the meantime, I'll be praying...

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  17. StraderMomJanuary 4, 2008 at 3:10 AM

    This is one of those times that I understand "things could have been so much worse" and I can easily see Gods hand at work.  Aubreys heart isnt getting worse, she was "simply" sick -how scary, crazy and wonderful that is all at the same time.  God is sustaining her and you all in an amazing way.  Your strength and resolve to stand firm in the face of all this is inspiring and encouraging.  Just when I think I might be able to encourage you, your faith and strength encourages me.  We will not cease in praying for all of you. 
    ryc: In spite of everything else happening, your comment to my post made me smile -chuckle even.  Here all this time, I had thought Ashlyn was the only one terrified of the scale!  (My theory...  Every time she is weighed at WIC, they pick her finger afterwards so now she associates the two.  In fact, yesterday when faced with the scale, she said "NO! I dont want to get picked!!")  And there is no way I could have handled all 3 of us if it hadnt been for Dales help.  Though I did bring Austin and Ashlyn with me to one of my prenatal appts, that alone was bad enough!  Then add in Ashlyn getting a shot (yes only one) and I know it would have taken days for me to recover if I had taken everyone alone.  Will I try it again... probably! LOL! 
    As for loosing the pregnancy pounds... dont give me too much credit I still have 15 to go before I am back at my normal weight!  I simply decided to enjoy the sweets of the season instead of stressing about the pounds.  (Though with that I had to promise myself I wouldnt complain about having no clothes to wear...)  I am thinking next week I will start to use my Gazelle and pay attention to just how many sweets I am eating.  Hopefully my will-power will hold out!

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  18. EJTreleaseJanuary 4, 2008 at 5:38 AM

    We're so glad things are better and you're home!  You are in our prayers.  Keep walking in faith - you are doing a great job.  By the way, I love my Moby wrap!  We love you so much!
    ~Jen

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  19. kelseymane33January 5, 2008 at 3:46 PM

    Hi Brietta, did you get my message on here?

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