Thursday, July 2, 2009

On our WAY.

Ava this morning. The eyes never lie….. see how beautiful her eyes look?

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Well all is going fabulous here at the Helmick house. We are finally getting into a path of normalcy. I can’t explain how wonderful it is not to worry quite so much about Ava health. Yes she is still on TPN (IV nutrition) for 12 hours a day. We start it about 9 pm and runs until 9 am. At night we also feed her through the button in her stomach. We are up to 2 cans which total 500 calories!! THIS guys is a huge accomplishment for Ava! Last night I had her rate set at 50 ml’s an hour. That is the highest I’ve ever gone and she tolerated it so well!

She is gaining weight and feels heavier for sure! She weighed 27 pounds yesterday. I was so happy we did a weight dance! Huh that is a new one…;)

Her tummy well see for yourself. It is so small. It measures 49 cm! Remember in the hospital before surgery it measured 59 cm’s? The scar is healing so good. Her last scab came off a few days ago.

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AND standing up so you can see that too.

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SO she is doing so well I thought we might as well get out of here. The girls are already at my sister Amanda’s in St. Louis so the decision was made that it is time for us to bust out. I’d like to take her to the Zoo for sure. Then to my other sister Tina’s house nearby on the 4th. We really need to celebrate. She has overcome so much in her little body. We still tend to wonder but for now we want to just live this up! She needs to be TWO and not a sick girl. We must be careful but I think we can have both worlds for a few days at least.

I can’t believe next month she turns THREE! How truly AMAZING is that? I am so proud of her. She just goes with whatever is thrown at her. As I said we are thrilled at how super she is doing and knows God is blessing us beyond measure.  Please say a prayer for us as we travel today to Missouri. I am so excited to see my family and have Ava experience normal things!

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7 comments:

Walker Family said...

Yeah for Ava doing so well! Have a great time on your trip!
Love, Katherine Dave and Benjamin

Anonymous said...

HOORAY! I know I haven't said much but I am always here...every day! Susan

Lacey said...

I knew this surgery would be such a help. She looks beautiful. Go out and have some fun.

Anonymous said...

You should give Clearlyrandom a shout while you are there. I am sure that Heather and Eric would appreciate meeting somebody else who knows what they are dealing with.
Jean (Sabrina Sachs gma)

Anonymous said...

Have fun here in St. Louis. Enjoy! Wish I could meet up with you but things just aren't working out. Have a great time!

Stephanie said...

I'm so happy to hear that Ava is doing well. Say a little prayer that some of that good fortune rubs off on us. My lil man is inpatient with GI issues that came from his CDH and is not doing so well, I'm feeling your pain.. and Ava's. Thanks and God Bless, Steph.

Katie said...

I am so happy to hear how well Ava is doing! Have a wonderful getaway with family. They are what gets us through tough times!