For the past week or so, sweet Ellie has been dealing with a mild tummy bug. Last night she woke up screaming and straining like she was trying to pass gas or poop, but couldn’t do it. This has happened before, but we’ve always been able to help her work out whatever the issues was. It was different last night because she couldn’t settle down. We let it go for about an ss whhour and Michael suggested we bring her to Vanderbilt Children’s to check things out. 

Well, twelve hours later, we were admitted for IV antibiotics, the same stuff she was on when she was dealing with enterocolitis three years ago, fluids, and general observation. Just to be on the safe side. We’ve been surrounded by amazing friends who jumped into action as soon as they heard the news. Both boys are staying with friends while Michael is working in Memphis for the next couple of days. 

I’ve been struggling so hard with this whole situation because it’s almost exactly what happened during Ellie’s final hospitalization (before she had her heart surgery). Michael was working, I was up at the hospital with Ellie, and my brave, sweet boys were left in the capable hands of our sweet friends and neighbors. It’s so hard when I can’t be in two places at once. Ellie needs me, but so do the boys. It’s just an unfortunate byproduct of our lifestyle. I’m taking a page from my friend and therapist who has counseled me to remind myself, I’ve already survived this situation before, and so has Ellie- so I can do it again. And so can she. 

So for now we’re relaxing in our room, she’s watching one of her favorite movies, and I’m just a zombie because I’ve been awake for over 38 hours at this point. We would love your prayers and good thoughts, specifically for Ellie’s body to accept and heal with this medication, for her to remain calm and get some good rest tonight, and for Michael and me to get some sleep tonight. He’s running on about 45 minutes of sleep, I’m working on maybe an hour’s worth. If everything goes well, we might be discharged tomorrow, but hopefully Sunday for sure. 

Thanks and we love you all!