Crackers and Water!

Crackers and water is what will be on the menu for today. We are so excited! It has been 18 days since my sweet girl has had anything other than a breating tube go down her throat. I am praying that when she wakes up from her nap she will be just as excited about the possibility of eating as I am for her. One thing we don't want Ashley to do is to forget how to eat by mouth. This is a very important skill and she has always done so well with it. I guess it is common for them to no longer be interested, but I am praying that will not happen to my Ashey.

The doctors have just finished their rounds and things are looking better today. Ashley's FK level is now back in range and she is feeling so much better. Her whited blood cells have dropped back down to almost normal and she never spiked a temperature. We are so blessed by this. I was so afraid we would be positive for another infection, but God has allowed us to skip it this time and I am so grateful. She will be receiving another blood transfusion this morning because of her lingering blood issues. I pray that in time that will resolve itself. I am so grateful to the many people who give blood. Ashley's life is a walking testimony to the importance of it. She has had more blood transfusion's in her life than we can count and they have been used to help save her life many times. I am so amazed at the Creator's plan when He designed our bodies as He did. Only an almighty God could create something so complex and make it so that it could accept things like blood, tissue, and organs from another. His widom is astounding when you stop to think about all He has created.

Can you believe I am on this computer after being thrown off last night? My nurse today said to use it until she can get some clarification on Monday. They just told me not to use it if the same nurse who got on to me is working. I hope I am not contaminating their database because that is not my goal. I only have the best of intentions and it hurts my heart when other midjudge me. Last night I was very sad knowing that I would not be able to read messages from all those who follow Ashley's story. It was a very lonely feeling. I called Dave and began to cry telling him that I don't think I can do this on my own. At least when I come to the computer I feel as though there are others who are walking this road along with Ashley and I. I don't think I can make it all by myself. I am not strong enough to do this without communication with those of you who are back home. I will pray that God can find a solution so that I will be able to continue updating Ashley's story as it unfolds.

Well she is beautiful today and I am looking forward to a day full of possibility for my Ashley. I hope to see her smile today. We will be sitting her up and pushing her to her limits today to try and get her lungs to respond. We have lots of toys and books and things to try and entice her into participating with Aunt Rachael and myself.

Blake and Allie are on their way to Dallas right now preparing for a weekend full of competitions. How I wish I could be there to cheer them on. I miss them so very much and they have grown up so much over the last 18 days. They are really great kids and I am so proud of the way they are handling themselves without their mom. Someday soon I pray that God will allow all 5 of us to be together again. The holiday season is approaching and I can't imagine us not being together to celebrate, but we will wait and see what the Lord will do. Thanks for checking on us. Ashley sends her love. We thank you for your prayers. God bless.