Elisha Enrique Ramirez: Getting Ready

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Getting Ready

Well, it's Thurday evening and we are only 3 days away from making our way to the hospital. My emotions seem to be on high. I am trying to prepare and am running out of time. I need to clean my house so it is clean when I return, I am trying to prepare my job for me to be out for the next five weeks, I need to pack my bag for the hospital...the list goes on. I had a couple blankies for Elisha I took downtown yesterday to get embroidered with Elishas name on it and I will pick those up tomorrow. I can't wait to see them. I had called this hospital to see if I could request the same nurse I had when I had Alexis, she was so wonderful to us, and guided us so great. However, she is no longer there and I was greatly saddened...and I PRAY hard we get a good nurse. Especially one that is understanding, and accepts our choice to carry our son. I am feeeling an enormous amount of stress and I feel helpless. There is nothing really anyone can help me with, it is all things I need to do. Elisha is moving more and more all the time, letting me know how much he loves me, and it makes me smile so. Well I should go no all this stuff isn't going to get done on it's own. Tomorrow is Friday and my last day of work, say a pray that I will be able to get all my work done. Thank you to all my friends and family, I love you all.

4 comments:

AnonymousJanuary 9, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Dear Shelley,

I hope you don't think that I am some crazy person or something, but here it is!

I am from the August WTE board and I remember the day that you found out about Elisha's condition. I, as a lurker have been checking the January boards ever since to see your progress.

You are one of the bravest and most inspiring woman I have ever heard of. You and your courage have given me strength. I would like you to know that you and all of the people in your life are in my thoughts, prayers and hopes as you face Elisha's birthday.

Much love, Mandy.
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CeliaJanuary 9, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Shelley, you are in my thoughts. I am praying that things go well for you in the delivery room. That you will have gracious attendants, a supportive staff, and that you get precious time with little Elisha before he joins our Lord in Heaven.

I will especially pray this verse for you and your family: John 14:27. May it cover you in the peace of our Lord Jesus.

God Bless,
Celia
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AnonymousJanuary 10, 2009 at 5:54 PM
Shelley,

If there is anything at all I can do foy you, please let me know! I'll be thinking of you guys tomorrow *big hugs*
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AnonymousJanuary 11, 2009 at 8:39 PM
If I ever was asked the question; who is my hero? I guess I would have to say ........ Shelley Belly. I have never known anyone who amazes me the way you do!
I am so at awe with the strength and courage that you and Enrique have been so consistant with throughout the developement of baby Elisha. You have two wonderful loving parents that have raised a very beautiful, smart,strong and loving daughter that has touched so many lives. Your marriage to such a wonderful man has emmphasized on these qualities, and added other qualities that has made you such a remakable young lady. You, Enrique, Alexis, Elisha and KK are always in our hearts. Although there is little anyone can do for you, please know we are here for you.
We love you,
XOXO
Your Auntie
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What is Anencephaly?

Anencephaly is a neural tube defect like Spina Bifida, but instead of he neural tube not closing in the spine it fails to close in the cephalic portion or the top of the spinal column. When this happens the brain and the top of the head cannot complete forming. So the top of the head is exposed openly to the brain. With Anencephaly there is typically not much more brain than a brain stem, sometimes more. The skull and skin does not form above the eyes, ears and back of the neck. Anencephaly is one of the most sever nerual tube defects, and there is no cure, and is a disorder that is "incompatible with life". Babies who make it to term will pass away within minutes or hours after birth. Most babies do not cry and are unable to suck or swallow to eat.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

The septum is a wall that separates the heart's left and right sides. Septal defects are sometimes called a "hole" in the heart. A defect between the heart's two lower chambers (the ventricles) is called a ventricular septal defect (VSD).
When there is a large opening between the ventricles, a large amount of oxygen-rich (red) blood from the heart's left side is forced through the defect into the right side. Then it's pumped back to the lungs, even though it's already been refreshed with oxygen. This is inefficient, because already-oxygenated blood displaces blood that needs oxygen. This means the heart, which must pump more blood, may enlarge from the added work. High blood pressure may occur in the lungs' blood vessels because more blood is there. Over time, this increased pulmonary hypertension may permanently damage the blood vessel walls.
If the opening between the ventricles is small, it doesn't strain the heart. In that case, the only abnormal finding is a loud murmur.