Ashley's Story

She will leave fingerprints all over your heart

10/21/2007

Just kicking Back


She's just learning to take it all in stride. Ashley Kate is no longer stressed out about being here. She has stopped grinding her teeth and she no longer screams every time someone approaches her bed. This is what she is up to today. She's just kicking back while mom does her laundry. Looks like she's on vacation!

I am so very proud of this baby. She is growing up! She has learned the drill. Every 4 hours they come in and she puts her leg in the air and allows them to put the blood pressure cuff on without throwing a fit. When she sees the thermometer she no longer fights to keep her hand behind her head. She throws that arm down to her side and allows her temperature to be taken. She doesn't do it with a happy heart, but she does do it without a fight. The look on her face says a thousand unpleasant things, but I won't try and interpret them. I'm sure it wouldn't be polite reading. The point is that she is maturing and learning each and every day even in this environment.

I think she looks great today. It was a rough night, but she woke up in a great mood and has been sitting up in her bed for over 2 hours now. She is looking at her books, playing with a couple of toys, and watching you know who. We will not be taking the drain out of her chest today. She put out 120ccs in 12 hours last night. Where in the world is all of it coming from? We have removed close to 1000ccs of fluid of her left lung. The blessing in all of this is that she can breathe easily with it in. How grateful I am that she is able to breathe without any support. I know the tube is uncomfortable for her, but without it we would be in a lot of trouble. So today I am trying to be thankful for the hole we have cut into her side because it is allowing the extra fluid to drain out rather than having it put her in danger. Its all about perspective in this place!

On the home front, Allison's soccer team entered today's play ranked in the first position. They lost their first game which knocked them down to play for the 3rd or 4th place overall. After an exciting game(which I listened to by phone) they won 2-1. The girls were thrilled to win a medal and we are so proud of Al! The Tarheels won their second game last night 5-4 and began today's place ranked in the number 2 position. Their first game of today was 13-3 by the Tarheels and now they get to play at 4:00. Go Tarheels!

I have exciting news to share with you later on tonight (if it actually happens). I don't want to say anything just in case it doesn't, but if it does I just know`you will be smiling as big and wide as we will be.

Have a great day and may God Bless. Trish

P.S.

Michelle J- the mezuzza arrived for Ash yesterday and it is precious. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Emily- We received your letter and Alivia's stickers. I can't express how very touched I was that you thought to share them with Ash. Your Livi was beautiful, and I am so thankful the Father allowed you to be her mommy. You are being prayed for.

19 Comments:

At 3:07 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praying today! God Bless all your family.

 
At 3:21 PM , Blogger Gretchen said...

Go Tarheels!

 
At 3:47 PM , Blogger Shelby said...

It is so heartwarming to see and read that she seems to be having a good day. I check at least twice a day and each time as it opens I pray that I find some happy positive news for Ashley's sake. She seems to be a very smart little girl. I will continue to keep her in my prayers.

 
At 6:07 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

So great to read that things are better for Ashley today, praying that with each passing day it will get even better. Maybe soon, real soon, you can leave PICU behind you, going to another room which means you will get to wander to the great outdoors. Praying for the littlest pickle and your family constantly. Hoping for a good night for the two of you with lot's of snuggles, hugs and kisses. God Bless..Karen.

 
At 6:25 PM , Blogger Michelle said...

Trish, thank you for letting me know about receiving the mezuzah. It is special to have in your room. It will bless you and your visitors all day long. I am so glad to see little Ashley kicking back and being "cool". She is just so inspirational as are you!!! I have learned a lot being part of this wonderful family. You all ROCK!! and i love you!
MichelleJ

 
At 6:33 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Cute picture!! Hope you all have a great night. Praying for you!

God bless,
Lori

 
At 6:43 PM , Blogger Julie said...

So glad today is better. I love the picture. Totally cute.

I am continuing to pray for you and your sweet family.

Blessings,
Julie

 
At 7:24 PM , Blogger Dawn said...

That is one cute little girl. And what a ham too! ;)
d

 
At 7:44 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I like this picture and the update on Ashley. Is your good news going home?

 
At 7:46 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

what is a mezuzza?

 
At 8:53 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that things are going well today...praying that each day continues to get better. Also praying for safe travel for the rest of your family. It will be wonderful for you all to be together again for a few days.

Maria

 
At 8:53 PM , Blogger Elizabeth S said...

What a great picture! I am glad she is doing so well.

 
At 8:54 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Trish....you continue to teach me lessons. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with my responsibilities at work....& especially being a mom. I often forget that our daily lives...(our perspective is everything...) & we can do our chores...our work...each day as a service to God. I have been reviewing a study I had done years previous on the Proverbs woman. That study & your words have been a great help in grounding me from allowing myself to feel overwhelmed but rather blessed to be serving. (= Thanks....again....for the wonderful reminders you give through your example.
Praying for you as always....(Cute pics)
Sisters in Christ,
Suzanne

 
At 9:35 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a cute little stinker!!!!! I'm so glad to hear that she is feeling better!!!!! YAhoo :)

Now what is this good news?!?! I'm getting anxious!!!

PS- I still think you need to put up the guestbook thingy like Boothe Farley has on their site :)

http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com =)

 
At 10:09 PM , Blogger Denise said...

I love seeing that girl reading her books! I am so thankful she is feeling better and that your perspective is so positive. hope you r night is great!

 
At 10:20 PM , Blogger Michelle said...

What is a Mezuzah?

A mezuzah is a sacred parchment inscribed by hand with two portions of Torah. It is stored in a protective case and hung on the doorposts of Jewish homes.
Why Hang a Mezuzah?

In the Torah, God commands the Jewish people to hang mezuzot on their doorposts. Two Torah portions, Shema and Vehaya, include the verse: "And you shall inscribe these words upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates."

The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) begins with "Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One." The Shema reminds us that God is always present in our lives, and that we should keep God's words constantly in our minds and in our hearts. The Shema tells us that one way to do this is by writing them on the doorposts of our house. Vehaya (Deuteronomy 11:13-21) assures us of God's compensation if we fulfill his commandments (mitzvot).

It is a Torah commandment to hang mezuzot on our doorposts. Mezuzot, in turn, remind of God's presence and of our duty to fulfill God's commandments.

Mezuzot Offer Divine Protection

According to the Talmud, keeping the commandment of mezuzah brings long life and protection for members of the home.

Furthermore, it is believed every mezuzah that is affixed adds to the divine protection of people everywhere. The name of God (letters Shin-Daled-Yud) is written on the back of mezuzot. It is said that these letters also stand for Shomer Daltot Yisrael, which means Guardian of the Doors of Israel.

Thats the best i can do to describe what a mezuzah is. Hope this helps.
Michelle

 
At 8:53 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your posts are so inspiring to me. Sometimes we just need a little reminder about what being a servant is about. To put it into perspective. Thanks, sometimes I just need to remember that! I'm glad Ashley is doing so well! I hope you have a new room & outdoor visits in your near future! Even so, this week your family will be there. Praying for you and Ashley & family. We had Mezuzahs on the doorposts of our last house but left them there we need to put them in our new house.

 
At 8:56 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

oops! guess that should've been mezuzot instead of mezuzahs.

 
At 11:47 AM , Blogger Sharon said...

I'm so glad to hear that Ashley is having a good day. That picture is precious!

 

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