She finally woke up

Our little Ashley is exhausted. She is working so hard to breathe that her little body has been worn out. She feel asleep early this morning and has just now woke up. We were a little concerned that she may be retaining too much CO2 in her blood causing her to fall into a deep sleep, but the blood gases returned normal. How grateful I am for that! She woke up and is now watching one of her new Blues Clues movies. She began waving both of her arms in the air when she heard the music for "Mail Time". This is the most activity we have seen out of her all day. Thank you to all who have sent her Blues Clues movies. She loves them so much.

They believe she is battling a type of influenza virus in her lungs causing a very thick secretion that is making it too difficult to breathe normally. As we have said before the most dangerous thing that Ash can face at this time out of transplant is infection. The doctors said they may not know what is attacking her for up to 14 days. If Ash does not improve a little or becomes too tired by morning they think she will have to be placed back on the ventilator. If that happens then they will be a little more aggressive at looking into her lungs and drawing out the secretions to test. The surgeon is hoping that Ash will remain strong enough to stay off of the vent. This is my prayer for her as well because she is so miserable on it. The virus just has to run its course. They don't really plan on treating it with anything, so at this time ICU is the safest place for Ash in case her breathing wears out.

We received the most precious prayer box in the mail today. It made my heart smile as I read through all that was in it. Thank you Suzanne for you thoughtfullness. I was truly blessed today. God has brought some amazing people into our lives through Ashley's story.

I am counting my blessings today. The children all around us are struggling and I am thankful that Ashley is as stable as she is. I just visited with Skyler's mom and he is slowly improving. She thanks you all for your prayers on his behalf. She is a very strong lady with a wonderful smile that lifts my spirits every time I see her in the halls. Her son has never even been home. I am so blessed by the road that God has allowed us to walk with Ashley. We had 8 wonderful months at home together as a family. We are truly blessed. I have not talked to Jeremiah's parents yet. I have seen them and they are really struggling today. They look so very tired and my heart aches for them. Please remember them as you pray.

I am going to go back in and watch over my little gift from the Father. How wonderful it is to be her mom today. I am so exicted about seeing Dave and Al this week. I wish Blake could come, but he has commitiments to fullfill and I would never ask him to miss out on them. I miss talking to him every day. He and I are great friends and I miss seeing his face and hearing all about his day, his dreams, and his plans. I love that kid. I am so nervous about them flying out of Longview. I am not comfortable with putting Allie on a little, tiny plane. Please pray for her safety. I really can't wait for her to get her. I hope to get to spend some Mommy time with that little lady who is growing up too quickly. We love you guys and we thank you for caring and for following our Ashley's Story today.