Captivation

"God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.  He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others." II Corinthians 1:3-4

If there is one word to describe baby Celia it is this: captivating.  The moment anyone sees this little one they are instantly mesmerized by her distinct personality, chubby cheeks, and animated facial expressions.  Every one of her visitors always say the same thing: "I could stand here and simply watch her all day."  When she isn't surrounded by family and friends the nurses, too, seize their chance to huddle around Celia and stare as she sleeps.  One of their observations we found amusing is that she is "pretty compact."  And who wouldn't be if they were only born only 40cm (15 3/4") long.  

Each day Celia's surgeon checks on the condition of her intestines and gently squeezes some of them back into her abdomen.  This has begun to cause her soreness, and though she has been needing less pain medication, she still has spells of discomfort that we can't even imagine.  Last night mom and dad were up from 1-5am trying to soothe her cries.  About a week from now when this process is finished, they will be able to wrap their arms around her in comfort for the first time!

Doctors have warned that Celia's health will be a roller coaster ride.  Today seemed like the first wave of it, as we are extremely grateful for the progress God has blessed us with.  She is in stable condition.  After her second transfusion, her platelet count has gone up to 127,000.  The healthy parts of her intestines remain pink and tubular.  Her strong cries prove a mighty set of lungs.  Messages of support and love have flooded in from everywhere and Celia's story has been on the lips of MANY prayer warriors.  Yet still, the long wait unsettles our spirits.  It will take several weeks, and possibly months, to know if there are obstructions in her intestines and how to repair them.

In the meantime, we accept God's blessings and Celia will keep up with her daily routine:

Spending mornings with Daddy

Getting kisses from Mommy

Having her hair done

Glossing her lips

Drinking water via sponge

 
 Please continue to pray that God will revive Celia's intestinal tissue and that there will be enough of it to absorb nutrients.  This is our number one worry right now.  Additionally, tests indicated that her liver is under stress from the TPN.  This is normally not a major concern for babies with gastroschisis, but since she will take longer to recover, her liver is something to watch carefully.  Ask for Celia to experience comfort which will allow rest for Julya and Alex.  Pray for wisdom for the hospital staff and thank Him for the great doctors and nurses that He has sent to this precious girl.