January 14th, 2026
8:19am
Ruth’s stomach swelled by 1.5cm between 8pm and 2am last night. She got an Xray and a whole bunch of labs, will likely have a transfusion this morning, and will have another stomach ultrasound tomorrow morning. The nurse on shift today and I agreed that she looked better this morning (and her stomach swelling has reduced somewhat). Might have passed a little stool? A little perkier than yesterday. No longer vomiting dead blood.
9:50pm
Ruth had a quiet day—she had a transfusion and a med to increase urine output. She is probably more swollen than I’ve ever seen her, but not in visible distress. During her diaper change we found some meconium, which was very encouraging—the doctor mentioned that she heard rumblings in her gut this afternoon, so we’re hopeful that this means her digestive system is becoming fully functional.
Towards the end of this week, she will theoretically come off her antibiotics. I am curious to see what effect this has on her—she’s been on antibiotics since birth and I know that antibiotics are no joke even for adults. So we’re praying that she can actually leave this part of her life behind.
Please continue to pray for her swelling, for her bones, her heart valve, and that we would be able to feed her soon. We are immensely grateful for all of you as you bring Ruth before our heavenly Father.