September 1, 2009

Greetings from the Ellerbe-Rosenthal Family!

Thought you all might like to see the family photo taken (thanks Becky) taken on August 28, 2009 before Brooke-Lynn had to catch her plane back to New York. We miss you Brookie!

I have been contemplating for days about this final blog. We are all so very amazed and thankful that she and Audriara came through this and that we all have the opportunity to see them, talk to them and most of all love them. Crystal continues to get physically stronger each day and Audriara grows into her beauty.

Thank GOD, really, thank Him so much for his great blessings. I hope that we all take the time to look into our own lives and count our blessings. Never take for granted what you have, cause you could loose it in a blink of an eye. Mark, Crystal, Brooke-Lynn and Curtis' lives will never be the same. Fortunately they have a second chance to be a family with Audriara. I want them to know that there are so many who love and cherish each of them in every way. Continue to pray every day for this family. I know that they will be forever greatful for your thoughts, prayers and time that you have given on their behalves.

Please keep your faith and know that with God All Things Are Possible.

August 27, 2009

So sorry for the delay in updating this blog....the good news is that Crystal is getting stronger every day. If you didn't already know....she's able to get up on her own now and moves around with much more agility. Better each day in the right direction....

Audriara is just cute as ever....

They had a baby shower last Sunday and really Crystal was overwhelmed with the generousity and love from all of the people and their gifts. She can never thank you enough. Really, WOW! From those who love her, we thank you all for your love and support.

I hope to post a final blog with the family photo soon.

Please keep this family in your prayers. They continue to recover from this devastating illness and its effects on each of them.

Thank you and may God continue to bless you always!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Greetings!

Crystal is really at home now and its great to see her there. I commend her for her great attitude and ability to laugh at herself. I think she is coming into understanding her recent health situation. She has seen the pictures and has some idea of what she looked like but of course she'll never really know how it was for all of us to see her struggle for her life. Thank God for that! She actually stood up (with some assistance-its hard for her to stand up) and walked today without the walker. She said it felt great! She continues to improve a little each day!

Audriara is still in the hospital. They were going to running some tests for the "sleep apnea" and then hopefully she will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. Brooke was hoping she'd get to come home today...it would have been the best birthday present. HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY BROOKE-LYNN!

I'll let you know as soon as I can when Audi gets to come home!

Remember to keep praying and thanking God for His great blessings and continued grace and mercy for fast healing!

Take care and God Bless!

Friday, August 14, 2009

IT'S OFFICIAL....CRYSTAL IS BEING DISCHARGED TODAY AND SHOULD BE ON HER WAY HOME NOW!!!!!!

Audriara will stay for a few more days until her apnea has worked itself out...so to speak.

Please keep praying for Crystal and Audriara. Rehab is hard work and I guess remembering to breath all the time is too!

Praise God!

Thank you and God Bless!!!!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Greetings!

Sorry its been couple of days since the last post. I talked to Crystal for about an hour on the phone last night. Her voice is starting to sound like her old self again. Not as hoarse but she says she still has a sore throat. Hopefully that will pass soon.

Crystal has been told that she may be discharged from the hospital on Friday (yes that is tomorrow). She is opting to continue with physical therapy on her own at home. Perhaps joining a gym or having someone come to the house. Those decisions will be made by Crystal.

They were hoping to discharge Audriara as well but it seems that she had another episode of the apnea so they want to keep her in to observe her more. It was my understanding that they want her to remain episode free for atleast 5 days in a row. She had made it for 4 before it occured. They believe that she forgets to take a breath and it causes the alarms to go off....of course when they take her home there will be no alarms so they are a bit nervous. Otherwise Audriara is doing in great and is tolerating the formula well and growing bigger each day.

Please keep the prayers coming. God is not through with them yet and we continue to hope for the very best outcome in their recovery.

Thank you and God Bless!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Thank God for the small miracles in life and for the BIG ones too!

Crystal continues to get a little stronger each day. She is now tube (IV, Hep Block, Catheter) free!! All she has to do now is continue the physical therapy and regain her physical strength. She's well on her way, that is for sure. The goal now is to go home with Audriara at the end of the week! Sweet Audriara is up to 4 lbs 13 oz and feeding at 60 ml. They have started weaning her to formula now so she can go home with her Mommy.

Here's a photo I took at last night's visit. I have to say it was a whole lotta fun wheeling Crystal down to the NICU....its not easy pushing someone in a wheel chair when they keep you laughing the whole way.....

Here's a portion of the email I received from Danielle and Dewayne that I thought I should share with all of you:

In closing may we all continue to remember and never forget these words:

Thank God for this day and days that will follow; for all of us who read this email and for the many others that has prayed for this moment, May we enjoy long lives with family, friends and acquaintances and remember this time; for this time now, even though the worst is over... always remember this moment, this blink of time, and may it remind all of us how fortunate and truly blessed we all truly are.

Thank you and God Bless!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Happy one month birthday to Audriara Dawn Rosenthal!

I heard througth the grapevine a little while ago.....that it may be possible that Crystal and Audriara will get to go home at the end of the week. Crystal is due to have catheter and hep block removed hopefully later today or tomorrow. She's still progressing along with walking 50 ft or so.....

Please keep all your fingers crossed and pray like you've never prayed before that this will all come to fruition.

May God continue to bless this family with His Grace and Mercy!!!!