Showing posts with label The Posts When It Happened (Read from Bottom to Top). Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Posts When It Happened (Read from Bottom to Top). Show all posts

Saturday, March 15, 2014

No Longer with Us


March 14 at 11:28pm
On March 11, 2014 Addison River Rusch was born and had been in the NICU for many complications at birth. On Wednesday evening we got the news from the first EEG that there was no brain activity. At that moment we wanted to spend every possible minute with our lovely Addison. We were able to tell her how we met and as much about ourselves that we could on Wednesday and Thursday. This morning at 11 they took the cool cap (which was meant to help preserve any brain function) off and started the rewarming process. Around 3 her stats were getting worse and they did the EEG and got it to the doctor to interpret it as quickly as he could. The results were again that she had no brain activity and with Addison being maxed out on meds and her life support, it was clear that heavenly father needed her back in heaven. We were able to bathe her and dress her and Nathan was able to bless her and give her a name of Addison River Rusch. Around 6:10 we removed her life support and were able to hold her for the first time. At 6:25 it was confirmed that she was no longer with us.
Addison River Rusch 3/11/2014 to 3/14/2014
We know that she is in a Better place and is no longer in pain. We love you Addison and we will always remember you and you will never be forgotten. — with Nathan Rusch.
93 likes 5 shares
Krista Mullins: Oh Emily!!!!! Oh my heart. Emily, I'm so. so. so so so so sorry.... ohhhhhhhh I can't believe this. So many prayers, we love you guys!!! We're here for anything you might need! Oh I am in so much pain for you. Hang in there, be strong. Sending our love and prayers for peace and comfort
Jessica Snider: I'm so sorry!!!! I can't imagine how you must feel because I'm crying and hurting for y'all! I'll keep praying for y'all and if there's anything you need just name it. We love y'all.
Sarah Marsh Hamilton: Oh Emily. My heart is breaking for you. Lots of love and prayers.
Deborah Paulukaitis: My heart aches for you. Prayers will continue for your peace and extra measures of love and strength....{{{Hugs}}}
Stephanie Graham: Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Victoria Romero Clearfield: We are just crushed! Stephanie Waters just sent me a text letting me know. We are so sorry to hear this. I'm crying as I type this. We have you and will continue to pray for you and Nathan. Please let me know if we can do anything for you. Addison knows how much you both LOVE her! Sending you a big hug!
Nadya John: My deepest, sincerest, most heartfelt condolences to you and Nathan and your families. You still continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. If there's anything Joe or I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask!
Brendi Hazelton: Family is eternal. God bless your family. We are continuing to pray for you.
Maggie Kennedy Wilson: Still praying. Always.
Jessica Brandon: Nathan and Emily... My heart pours out to you during this very difficult time. You guys are in our heart and prayers. Stay strong... And families are forever. Thank the heavens for such blessings.
Taurus Womble: Many prayers to you guys, I'm grateful I got the opportunity to meet her. She had the best parents anyone could ask for!!!
Kevin Yancey: I'm so sorry Emily. We will be praying for you and Nathan.
Rebecca Lyn Hyde: Oh how my heart breaks for you both! I am so sorry you have had to experience such loss. You have been and will continue to be in our family's prayers.
Emily RuschL She will always be the first Rusch girl.
Jelaire Womble: We love you guys our heart breaks for you. We will continue to pray for you.
Rooker Vojtas: There are no words that can take away the sorrow & pain of the loss of Addison. You'll always have bitter sweet memories. It's my prayer that God gently restores & comforts you & Nathan as time only can.
Tamra Goldsberry: Praying for you both and your family!! My heart aches for you. Love ya!
Justin Coleman: So sorry for your loss. Not even capable of understanding what yall are going through. Know that yall are in our prayers.
Megan Wallace Rogers: So very sorry. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jana Waisath Houghtelling: So sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort and strength for each of you.
Channy Hansen: Fish Sweet little family, my heart hurts so much for your loss. I wish I could carry some of the pain for you. Many prayers for your strength, comfort, and peace. She is your sweet baby girl forever. Her short life has impacted the lives of many. Much love from a stranger  (I'm friends with the other Emily Rusch  ).
Kristina Pearson Cersey: My heart aches for you. I'm in tears, but you are right, she is with the Lord. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Cry, take a deep breath, and cry some more. I pray that the Lord will give you the strength you need to cope with this. Love you both!
Stephanie Waters: Sweet Angel Addison,
We watched you grow in your mommy's belly each day, and we watched your dad and mom's love for you develop from whn they first spoke of you even before you were conceived. When you were named, my boys mentioned you often in their day to day, and boy did they love to feel you kick! We watched your mom and dad prepare for you and we all waited for you with lots of love in our hearts. We will always think of you and we are thankful for the love that your life brought into our home each day. We will miss you dearly but know that you will be peaceful in your heavenly home and that Jonathan and Zach will have a little angel up above. We're going to try to get home from Cabo early to be there for your mommy and daddy as they say goodbye and to share the huge loss that we feel right now. We miss you already, we love you and you will always be in our hearts. Love, Stephanie, Jon, Jonathan and Zachary
Debra V. Wade: Ye have lost a child--nay. She is not lost to you, who is found to Christ; she is not sent away, but only sent before; like unto a star, which going out of our sight, doth not die and vanish, but shineth in another hemisphere. We love you and we are here for you.
Brooke Cheesman Hochstein: I'm so so sorry. We love y'all.
Kaolee Hoyle: Love you Emily.
Ginger Faulk: Tears of sadness for you both. Words can't begin to express. How sorry I am for your loss. Heavenly Father needed her more. Love and continued prayers for you both.
Tamra West: I don't know what to say. I can't imagine your pain. Of course you will be in our prayers.
Christian Austin: So sorry for your loss out prayers our with you :))
Jessica Urquhart: Jones I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. It absolutely breaks my heart to see yall go through this. Always Remember that families are forever and you will see her again. Praying and thinking of you both. We are here for you whenever you need anything. Love y'all.
Robert Winsor: Kristal and I send our love and deepest condolences. Let us know if there's anything we can do.
Gracie Smith: Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as well.
Shelly Smith Overton: Words can't express how sorry I am. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tabitha Weiler Armstrong: Oh Emily. I can find no words to express how deeply sorry I am. I pray that you and Nathan will be filled with all the peace and comfort our Father in Heaven can bestow. I love you, sweet friend.
Jennifer Culp: I'm just heart-sick for you both! Lean on each other and lean on heavenly Father! Little Angel Addison truly touched so many lives in her short time here! She was born to goodly parents that shared their light with us all and I pray that the love everyone pours out to you will help you through this pain!
Alisha Martin: I am sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you and Nathan and your family during this loss.
Kristal Zahniser Winsor: I am so saddened by your loss. Our prayers are with you guys.
Elizabeth Jefferson Espinoza: I'm so sorry to hear this. I hadn't realized it was so serious. But, I will say, what a blessing that Heavenly Father let your little Addison live her life with you guys. Every day is a blessing, and I know if you're anything like Nate that you're just a good person through and through. She couldn't have more loving or attentive parents than the two of you are. And remember, she will always be yours, and you will get to hold her again one day under such joyful circumstances. You are in my prayers.
Richard E Brown: I'm so sorry. I know how you feel and my heart breaks for you!
Melissa Jensen Allen: Oh Emily! I'm so sorry for this loss. Such a sweet baby! You both are such loving parents. She listened and heard you both and loved you too. Prayers are for you and Nathan always. We are here for you if ever need anything! I'm crying with you! Love you guys!!
Brittany Goodyear: Oh Nathan and Emily I am so so very sorry for your loss. If there's anything I can do please let me know.
Lisa Schwartz: Prayers for you, Nathan and family during this time of healing
Chelsea Johnston: Emily, your testimony really strengthens me. I can't imagine what you guys are going through, but please know that we love you and we are praying for you and we also know that family are forever  sweet Addison is now up in heaven looking out for you.
Megan Dollar: I am so sorry for your loss. It must be so hard to deal with this! We will keep praying! I know you can get through it!
Deb Sutton: I am so sorry for both of you! I have 2 children in Heaven and I am well aware of the joy we feel for them but we pain we feel for ourselves. I'm praying that the Heavenly Father hold you close and give you grace for each moment and peace for each day.
Chelsea Johnston: I was having a really hard time sleeping just with all of the emotions that were weighing on me and I found this article... Hopefully it will help give you a little more peace. Even though you know this, I still found it comforting to read https://www.lds.org/.../the-salvation-of-little-children... I love you, Emily.
Danice Lewis: Emily and Nathan, It was such a privilege to see your sweet little family together!! Although Addison was only here for such a short time, her sweet spirit touched many! I pray that you both are comforted during this time of separation from her!
Tiffany Spagnuolo Burlew: God be with you and your family at this time. May He put you in his loving and healing hands and hold you close, that you may feel his love and healing power. I am so sorry for your loss and pain.
Becky Christensen Angell: Our hearts are broken for you and our prayers are with you! The Angell family
Aubrey Pett: I send my condolences. I am so so sorry for your loss.
Sarah Latchaw: My mom went through this if you ever need someone who does completely understand to talk to. Lots of prayers and support from us.
Rachel Horlacher: This was what happened with our first child, so if you need to talk to anyone in the future, I'm here and I've been through it. I know it sucks.
Katherine Brown Selin: My heart hurts so much for you and your family. We love you and are sending our thoughts and prayers your way. I can not even begin to understand how you all must be feeling.
Meredith Smith Addison was such a beautiful girl! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of her life, she has touched many people in her short time with us! You are all in my prayers.
Brandie Hill: I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Please let me know if you need anything.
Tina Hunsaker Hoskisson My heart is breaking for your little family. We are so sorry to hear about Addison and our prayers for healing and peace will continue. I am so glad you were able to hold her and share some memories together.
Tana Castleberry: I'm so sorry for your loss. That is incredibly heart breaking. You and your family are in my prayers. I pray you find peace at this time
Ashley Tremblay: My heart aches for your dear family. I pray that angels surround you in love and peace. Know that there are many of us who have never met you, yet pray for you and your strength. With love.
Cathy Diane Lynn: So sorry for your loss Emily & Nathan words can not express how I feel for u.
Rebecca Harris Roberts: I am so sorry Emily & Nathan Rusch for your loss. My heart is broken for you & you will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Kimberly Diego: So beautifully said Emily, my heart aches for you and Nathan, but comfort comes in knowing she is with the Lord and not suffering anymore. We are blessed to have another angel in heaven. May God continue to give you peace and healing through this difficult time. Keeping you all close in prayer!!!
Kristi Yancey: I'm so sorry for your loss. You'll be in our prayers. May Heavenly Father hold you close through this heartbreaking time.
Lisa Cheesman Forsyth: For one who doesn't get teary eyed often this does bring me tears for your family! So glad y'all got to have a few wonderful moments with the first Rusch girl! Babies are such a precious gift on loan to us... But she must have been too sweet for this rotten world- we love y'all! She will be watching over y'all from a better place and in good hands
Bethany Anderson: Dearest Emily and Nathan, I am so sad for the loss of your Addison. My hope for your family is that comfort and peace beyond your understanding may surround you right now.
Jessica Jones Marsaw: She will be in our hearts until we meet again. Such a special little spirit, and she's yours forever. Sending our love and support.
Stephanie Gray Albritton: I know you don't know me, and I wish I could say something to ease the hurt, but I know that words will never be enough. Please just know that I am crying with you and my prayers of comfort and strength are sent for you and your family.
Shauna Baang: Well said Stephanie I feel the same way for Emily Rusch and all of her family from immediate to all extended family
Lisa Cornish Kotter: I am so sorry for your loss. We have all come to love sweet Addison. She will be greatly missed. May the Lord bless you as you endure your separation from her and look forward to one day holding her again. I wish I could take away your pain. We continue to pray for you.
Brittni Troxell Walker: I am so sorry for your loss, words can not adequately express my condolences. My heart hurts for you. Sending you my love and prayers.
Jackie Clark Ober: Our hearts are breaking for your sweet family. We're so glad you were able to hold her and spend that precious time close together making memories  you are in our prayer continually.
Cheryl Solomon Collins: Like many others there just aren't words to express how I wish I could help you carry this grief. We have had all three of you in our prayers and will continue to! Love you and would love to help anyway we can!
Shaun Michael Arenas: I am so sorry for y'alls loss.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Pray for her Blood Pressure


March 14 at 11:13am
Pray for her blood pressure to go up. It's not extremely critical (life or death) but would really help. Cool cap just came off and it can cause fluctuations in blood pressure either up or down. We need up.
28 likes
Lisa Schwartz: Many prayers your way for all 3 of you
Chelsea Yancey: Praying!
Shelly Smith Overton: Praying
Debra V. Wade: Haven't quit praying yet....and won't!!! I DO believe in miracle's!!!! Get rest and breathe...she's gonna need her mommy.  Hugs to all of you.
Jennifer Culp Praying so much!

Addison's LDS Nurse


Nathan Rusch March 14 at 11:53am
We had talked with her air and respiratory nurse and found out that she is a member of the church and in the winder ward in the areas stake. Her name is Denise.
34 likes
Debra V. Wade: Lords got your back!!
Tana Castleberry: we're in the winder ward, she's a great lady. glad she's with Addison. praying for your little girl
Trudy Moncrief Troxell: Praying go Addison go baby girl you got this sending love
Taurus Womble: what, I Know ALL THE Respiratory therapists!!!! Never knew there was a member there...... crazy!!!
Jennifer Wallace Wells: That's awesome!
Emily Beth Rusch: Danice Lewis would like this post, except for spelling her name wrong...

Pictures after Cool Cap


Nathan Rusch March 14 at 11:14am
The 72 hours is up and she had the cool cap off.


 
51 likes
Emily Rusch: Let that head get some air!
Trudy Moncrief Troxell: Love all that hair my goodness wow
Amber Croxall Such a pretty girl. I love those little baby lips.
Debra V. Wade Boy does that girl have the hair!!
Melissa Jensen Allen: She is so cute!!

Pumping Issue Resolved


March 14 at 11:12 am
Thank you to those who have shared advice and support in relation to my pumping issue. I think I have a pretty good plan worked out.
20 likes

Daddy Time


Nathan Rusch March 14 at 9:59am
Last night while mommy (Emily) was up in her room. Daddy (Nathan) was telling her about his life. About sports and school and mission. Where I was born and when I met her mom. I also talked to her in Spanish and I think she liked it.
96 likes
Jefrilyn Ellison: I'm sure she loved it!
Lisa Cornish Kotter: You are a great dad!
Chelsea Yancey: So sweet!
Debra V. Wade So when her first words are in Spanish we will know why!!! LOL
Emily Rusch: Daddy bonding time. Totally necessary in a girl's life.
Ginger Faulk: That's awesome...of course she loved it!
Moncrief Troxell: You are such a great dad. How sweet. Wish I had a dad as wonderful as you. And yes she heard every word I'm sure of it.
Mary Rusch: You are a great dad!
Stefanie Vaught: Every positive step is a step in the right direction! Just keep hanging in there!
Cheryl Solomon Collins: This little girl is so blessed with a mom and dad who already love her dearly! You are in our hearts and prayers!
Megan Bartlett: You are a great dad already Nate-dawg! Those are the best bed time stories. We love you and are praying for you and your sweet family
Krista Mullins: What a precious memory I know you will treasure your whole life long. I am deeply sorry for your loss, I can't even imagine.

Cool Cap is Coming Off


Nathan Rusch March 14 at 9:47am
Today they are going to wean Addison off the ventilator and some other meds and let her try and breath on her own. After she has warmed back up from having the cool cap on. Once she is warmed up they will do am EEG Today as well. Mom and dad are by her side as much as we can be. Thank you all for the prayers.
Nathan Rusch
60 likes
Jennifer Culp: AWESOME news!!!!!!! Love you guys!
Becky Christensen Angell: That is wonderful news! We are praying!
Jennifer Carroll Neale: Sending loving thoughts to you, Emily and strong, beautiful Addison!
Shauna Baang: Yay! The Baang's are keeping y'all in our prayers sending hugs!
Jessica Brandon: Praying hard for your little family. I'm so sorry you guys are going through this.

Pumping Issues


March 14 at 4:12am
Well I'm up again. This may be TMI for the men but I'm gonna say it cuz I need suggestions. My milk has come in. I'm pumping every three hours for about an hour try to prevent engorgement. I don't want to necessarily encourage milk production, I just feel like I'm going to explode. My nurse said there are a lot of pumping mothers who have a hard time with the let down reflex. I cry thinking about it. How I wish I could nurse my baby. I feel so mechanical trying to use this stupid electric pump. They don't teach you in breast feeding basics how to solely pump for your baby because no mother should have to do this. What I think I hate most is that I can't really pump when I'm with her and so this takes me away from spending as much time with her as I would like. Anyway, if there are any ladies who can somehow relate or think of ways to help me "let down", I would really appreciate suggestions in a side message. I will still talk to the lactation consultant tomorrow for help. My midwife suggested that letting the hot water run over me in the shower may not be the best idea because my body will think it needs to produce even more milk and that is not the goal. I guess this also points out that we are not currently feeding Addison. I am able to put a few drops on her tongue when I am with her about every hour but they don't do it when I'm not there. It may sound bad that they aren't feeding her but she is still so young and it just isn't the main priority right now. I imagine next week is when they maybe would add a feeding tube but they are giving her IV fluids and she has a catheter to relieve her bladder. The doctors had been trying to press on her tummy to release the fluid but it wasn't working very well.
I would like to share another thing that is very personal and the only reason I am really sharing it is so that I have it on record because I am currently using this group also as a journal for myself. Because of the cooling cap, they have a heat lamp over Addison that has to be at its highest setting. they have little napkins over her arms and legs to keep them from getting too hot but some areas of her skin were looking dry to me. I know it is probably more of a cosmetic concern but it was sad for me to see her getting worse. They said that lotion would trap more heat in and wasn't a good solution. I started thinking about all my friends who are into essential oils and how they would probably just love to lather her all up. Then I remembered that I have something even better than oil.. Colostrum. The neonatal staff said I could try and so I gently put little drops on her dry areas, being careful not to rub them in too much because any movement can overstimulate her and possibly cause more seizures... yes, she is having seizures, but because they need her to not pull out all her tubes, you don't see them. They just show on her brain monitor. Anyway, it was finally something I could do to help! Her skin looks so much better now and I really look forward to applying more if need be.
There is a baby crying next door. I haven't had a neighbor until recently. o, s not helping me let down, it is making me upset because I haven't gotten to hear my baby cry. I think this is what I'm most afraid of for when I leave the hospital, just hearing babies cry. There are a lot of things I am afraid of.
Right now I'm going to give up on pumping cuz I have been trying for over an hour, and go see my baby. What else would you guys like to know in these posts. I am not going to share much about Addison's tests and conditions until things are more definitive but I would like to be able to post about something.
I hope every one else sleeps well, I look forward to reading your comments tomorrow.
 Emily.
16 likes
Cade Robertson: Can they not put it in the feeding tube for Addison?
Joedian Douglas-Hullinger: Have you tried a manual breast pump? It's a little harder but sometimes works better for the letdown.
Emily Beth Rusch: I haven't tried that but I will next time. Thanks
Tabitha Weiler Armstrong: I'll send you a message after I get Adam on the bus...
Shauna Baang: Emily just pump when you can, you can freeze it so you could have a good supply of it. But only do it when it's best for you. Addison's demand will help your body to produce what she needs when that time comes. Just pump enough to keep producing this way you can spend most of your time with Addison and not stress about the rest. I'm shocked that they haven't helped you more with this at the hospital. It seemed almost like a priority before I left the hospital with Vincent. (Knowing how to pump and teaching me how to store it and all)
This is just my opinion, and hope it helps
Rachael Bonitz Sanders: I have to close my eyes and relax and think about letting down and then it comes. And it sounds strange but taking deep breaths helps me too. When I pump, I let down quicker if I pump both sides at the same time. Milk is all about supply and demand so if you don't want to encourage milk production, don't have the pump on for an hour. I would Give it 15 minutes, about a typical newborn feeding time. If you let down, just drain an ounce or two, the typical amount a newborn takes.
Emily Rusch: So smart about the colostrum. It's the small victories.
Sarah Latchaw: I pumped for a year because I was working and at first to get your milk to let down nothing helped. My mom finally suggested smelling a blanket or the clothes that Fiona slept in the night before. There are pheromones that help you let down. I told the lactation specialist about it with Jackson and she said she never had heard of that but of course it would work. Anyway might be worth a try to relieve some of that milk. I didn't see clothes on her but maybe there is a sheet or something they can give you. Hope that helps.
Amber Croxall: If you would like to dry up your milk, and I am not sure that is what you want, or even produce less, I would recommend cool cabbage leaves against your breasts, held in place by your bra.
Heather Farhy: Emily, you should be able to pump at the bedside with Addison. There are pumps available in the NICU to use. Just bring down your attachments and ask one of the nurses to borrow a pump
Nadya John: It always amazes and humbles me how our bodies and the Spirit work together sometimes. That is exactly what's going on here. It's amazing that you were able to use your colostrum to nurture Addison's skin! What a beautiful blessing!
Joedian Douglas-Hullinger: I did it for Emily's breakouts when people kept touching her face. Cleared it right up.
Jennifer Wallace Wells: I solely pump for my babies and I take a washcloth and run it under some warm water and lay it on me or I take a shower before I pump and it helps bring the milk down
Jessica Jones Marsaw: Just two quick things- not feeding babies in the NICU is normal, they are kept hydrated with their IVs. Seems crazy, I know. And I'm sure the lactation consultant will have some advice for you but I would pump every three hours for no longer than 20 min (if you're using a dual pump). The more longer you pump the more milk your body will produce. Regardless, you won't get much milk in the beginning. I know time with Addison is a priority for you, don't let anything get in the way of it.
Stephanie Gray Albritton: Do not pump for more than 20 minutes at a time!! It can damage beast tissue! Go to kellymom.com they have fantastic EP (exclusive pumping) advice. Kellymom also has a fb page for breastfeeding support. You can ask questions and get answers from people who have been through the same thing! It feels good to be part of a community of people who know and understand what you are feeling, and the admins are board certified lactation consultants.
Jessica Snider: Have you tried massaging your breasts? Lightly pressing on either side of one breast and rubbing your hands circularly can help...it will also stimulate production of milk though...but if it also helps the let down that should at least give you some relief. It helped me.
Deborah Paulukaitis: If you really don't want to 'encourage milk production' then don't pump if you can help it. When I had to stop nursing abruptly, my midwives told me to resist all I could and use cold compresses and bear through the engorgement as much as possible. It helped a lot to do that. The first 72 hours were the hardest and it gradually got better after that. I even took benadryl and ibuprofen and those things helped a LOT. No stimulation AT ALL was the best remedy for me....(((hugs)))
Jana Waisath Houghtelling: Thinking about all of you constantly! Lots of prayers for each one of you. Hugs from Alaska!
Rachael Robles: You are awesome Emily. You're the best mommy already. Jason and I are praying for you.
Rebecca Lyn Hyde: Maybe this has been said and I missed it....but have you tried heat? Hot showers... letting the water beat on your breasts? Or hot packs?

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Dying for an Update


March 13 at 8:46pm
I know some of you have been dying for an update, and although I'm not going to comment on Addison's health status right now, I will say we have had a pretty good day. We have spent a lot of time in the nicu and will be there more this evening. It's nicer to be there in the evening because there are less families visiting other children. As long as I'm in the middle ish of my Percocet dose, I am able to stand up straight and walk around with minimal pain. The doctors have been very impressed. Don't worry about me pushing myself too hard, I sit when I need to and use the wheel chair.
It is very touching to see how many people are praying for us, even the ones we don't know. I do try to read all the comments everyone makes. We feel very loved and cherished. Thank you all.
 Emily.
50 likes
Jennifer Culp: You feel loved and cherished because you are!
Michelle Granger Moose: Stay strong we love you and are praying for you!
Martha Mooney Granger: Absolutely!
Joan Vernott: We are all praying for you up here in Connecticut! We love you!
Nadya John: <3
Ginger Faulk: Glad you're improving and glad you know your limits. Continuing to pray for all three.
Trudy Moncrief Troxell: Wonder news so good to here. Glad you are moving around and gaining your strenght. Amazing how our tummys seem to effect all parts of movement lol. Please tell Addison how loved she is and we know many angels are with her. So grateful for the knowledge of the gospel that Heavenly Father knows just what we need. Love y'all
Tamra West: We've been including all three of you in our prayers when the boys go to bed. And I think of you constantly all day.
Channy Hansen Fish: You don't know me, but I am pleading for you in my prayers tonight. Mommies and babies are near and dear to my heart, and you, Addison, and your family are in my heart and prayers now. May love, hope, peace and comfort surround you all.

Mommy Time


March 13 at 6:56am
I couldn't sleep after my fever went away so I just got back from spending over an hour with Addison. Nathan stayed and slept. It was so nice to have some mommy daughter time. I'm really looking forward to spending all day with her and am in a pretty good place emotionally right now.
45 likes
Emily Rusch: Sounds like a tender mercy. Enjoy sowing the day with your sweet one.
Amber Kunkee Boyd: Sounds sweet. Enjoy your day, if I can come visit let me know, I lined up a babysitter this time
Stefanie Vaught: Your strength is more admirable than you'll ever know, if I were in your shoes I would be a puddle of a million different emotions! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Krista Mullins: Very sweet, have the best day! Sending love and prayers!
Ginger Faulk: So glad to hear you had that time together...there's nothing like that mother-daughter relationship!
Brigetta Blair Love: So good to hear I'm sure she loves mommy time

Mommy Spikes a Fever


March 13 at 3:45am
This post is less about Addison and more about me. Around midnight I developed a fever of 101.something. My fever has now broken and I'm down to 99.something. I am hopeful that it won't happen again but they are running some tests on my urine. I really don't think I'm sick, just my body doesn't know what to do with the stress. I'll make another post in the morning as to my health status.
7 likes
Jennifer Rooker Vojtas: I've been up since one praying for you & Addison & Nathan...rest in Him. He continually is praying for your little family! God is able...
Serenity Anderson: Thinking about you both. Praying for you both.
Nadya John: I wish I could give you a hug! Hopefully this fever doesn't come back. I'll be praying for that too.
Deborah Paulukaitis: Emily, you are in our constant prayers. (Your whole family is.) So many people are praying for you....
Tabitha Weiler Armstrong: Praying for all of you, sweet friend. I hope you're able to get some good rest. We love you guys!
Ginger Faulk: Emily, you're going through so much both physically and emotionally that it's no wonder your body is reacting. I hope it helps to know your friends and family are constantly praying for you, Nathan and Addison. Love you all.
Jennifer Culp: Ginger is right-constant praying!!!
Martha Mooney Granger: been saying prayers...sending y'all love from your dad and me
Stephanie Waters: Emily you, Addison and Nathan are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Remember in our weakness He is strong. Love and prayers are with you. Please keep us posted.

No More Visitors

March 12 at 10:16pm

Thank you all for your prayers and support. We have decided to no longer have visitors at this time. Thank you for respecting our need to spend time with our precious daughter. We will update you over the weekend. Again, thank you all.
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Karen Jones: Love you.
Chelsea Yancey: Praying for you.
Nadya John: Please let us know if there's anything we can do for you. Still keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all.
Jefrilyn Ellison: We love you!
Ginger Faulk: Totally understand that you need bonding time as well as healing time. Will miss the updates but will keep the prayers coming your way. Looking forward to hearing from you when you are ready. Love to you all.
Victoria Romero Clearfield: We are praying for you and your sweet family. May God's loving hands continue to comforts you during this time. Please let me know if I can help. I'm a friend of Stephanie Waters. The boys are friends. Hugs!!!
Jennifer Culp: Love you!
Lisa Schwartz: Lots of prayers and love your way
Joan Vernott: Cherish every second!! Addison knows you are there beside her.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Captain Jack


March 12, 2014
Daddy
Addison River Rusch was born yesterday 3/11/2014. Jack Milan Rusch ( my grandfather) was born 3/11/1915. He was a pilot on the USS Arizona and then was a Panam pilot for years. She was born on a good day. Heavenly father is watching over her.
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Emily Rusch: I didn't realize that was his birthday!! How cool!
Patti Mendez Cagle: That is really wonderful, Nathan! You'll be able to tell her about that wonderful connection to her great grandfather.
Amber-Tim Shurtliff: Congratulations Nathan! Prayers for you and your wife and sweet baby. You have a lot of people thinking about you all.
Karen Jones: That's a wonderful legacy. You and Emily and Addison are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris Rusch: Very cool. We pray for you guys constantly. I know I am far away but if there is anything you think I can do to help give me a call and I will let you know what I can do.
Joseph Chamblin Flock III: Cool stuff man I'm happy for y'all

First Family Photos

 
March 12
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Tabitha Weiler Armstrong: Precious, beautiful family.

Emily Rusch: This makes my heart so happy.
Joan Vernott: Thanks so much for sharing. I am so glad that you got to touch Addison. Beautiful pictures!! Love You!!
Laura Kaiser: Good to see y'all smiling! She is beautiful! Still praying for her
Mindy Gomez Reyes: hermosa familia felicidades

Emily Mullins Heaton: Look at those proud parents!!! We're thinking of each of you.

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Jennifer Culp: Awwwwww! So sweet!
Amy Dupras Granger: Precious. So much love.
Lisa Dupras Levernier: What a precious family...thoughts and prayers are with you...
Kami Walker: a family bound together!
Melissa Jensen Allen: Sweet!! Addison keep fighting!!!
Diane DeVos Marco: Prayers and hugs coming your way
Nadya Greene: Beautiful family!
 
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Debra V. Wade: There is no look in the world as loving as a father as he looks upon his newborn daughter. Those same loving eyes will not leave her alone ever on her journey through mortality. Congrat's Mom and Dad!!! She is beautiful!!!
Vickie Winsor Faletagaloa: Nathan - Toetu and I are deeply saddened by your loss. Our thoughts are with you and Emily and both of your families. We are praying for you all to find some peace in your hearts during this difficult time and to gain strength from those around you.
Cornish Kotter: Congratulations to the new father!
Marcy Howard: can't wait to meet her! Tell her that her ward family love her very much!
Jennifer Culp: love
Kami Walker: God bless your family.
Katie McGuirl: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cousin Katie
 
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Lisa Cornish Kotter: Congratulations, Mama Emily!
Rachelle LeBaron Guymon: Hey Emily, my first was a c-section, I hope you are doing well, those can be rough. Just don't let Nathan make you laugh too hard, doesn't feel too well on the incision:) You are in our prayers, take care.
Ginger Faulk: Great seeing you girls together


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Debra V. Wade: Hope all is well!!
Marion Granger: BEAUTIFUL baby girl.
Vern Larson :Our daughter's first son looked like this. He was connected to tubes, etc. for several days. Our prayers are with you.
Estella Brianne Killpack: Congrats to you both!
Jillian Nicole Rowley: Congrats to you both and hope your having a great day and I'm also keeping you guys in my prayers.

A Little Scare


March 12 at 3:34pm
So we just had a little scare with Addison. We got a call that they had her on a manual pump and we needed to go down. We got there as fast as we could, fortunately it had already been resolved once we were there. Apparently the ventilator was filling up her lungs a little too much and it was putting pressure on her heart. That caused many of her stats to go south at once but after a chest x-ray, they were able to tweek her machines and she immediately returned to her previous status. I am so thankful for the staff her to be letting us know when we need to be concerned. It makes me trust them even more. While we were down there, we took a couple family photos and will post them a little later. We were only just now able to do this because I am able to stand and walk a bit.
Another small update on me is that I am going to be getting 2 blood transfusions in a little bit because I am a 7 out of 10 on blood volume. I am down to one IV, am taking perkaset orally, and can walk myself to the toilet. I am also much less itchy which is FANTATASTIC. We aren't sure if this is because the anti-itch meds are working, my cholestasis is getting better, or the pain medication got changed. I hope to get a shower tonight and see our daughter again.
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Jefrilyn Ellison: I'm glad you are doing better! I'm glad the hospital staff knows what they are doing!
Krista Mullins: Thank you for updates!! So good to hear when we're all so worried!
Kristina Pearson Cersey: You need a blood donor for your transfusion? I am O negative.
Emily Beth Rusch: Thanks Kristina Pearson Cersey! Nathan is O- too! It apparently takes 3 months for them to process blood from specific donors so that won't be an option but I appreciate the offer!
Kristina Pearson Cersey: Oh, shows how much I know about blood  I'm glad they have everything under control.
Jennifer Culp: Glad you are doing a bit better!
Tabitha Weiler Armstrong: Thank heaven for modern medicine! I'm so glad they got things under control, especially before you got down there. I'm glad you're getting around on your own, too, and that your itchiness is better and your pain is lessening. Percocet became my best friend.  Saying extra prayers for your transfusions!
Ginger Faulk: Gosh that had to be scary, but at least they let you know to come down even if the crisis was resolved before you got there. I'm glad you're able to go see her. Looking forward to the family photo!
Martha Mooney Granger: Sorry I missed seeing you today, so glad you and Addison are doing better, love you!
Emily Rusch: No more scares! Tell Addison to behave.  Can't wait to see your family pics! Glad to hear you're feeling a little better Em.
Rachael Robles: I hope you and your sweet baby feel better soon.

Visitors and Updates Page

March 12, 2014
I have created a group called Addison River Rusch Updates for all the information about how our daughter is doing. I am also open to visitors today between 9 and 9. If you do come, please know that you may not necessarily see Addison and that emotionally we are very raw right now. Please message me privately if you would like our room number- this will also keep me aware of how many people to anticipate. Thanks for all your support.
 Emily

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Clinton Hinckley: Wishing you both a speedy recovery!
Shelly Smith Overton: Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way!
Trudy Moncrief Troxell: Thank you for the up date love yall and still praying all will be well!
Trudy Moncrief Troxell: I'm not good at this how do I find the group to request to be a part of it sorry fb ignorant
Nadya Greene: Trudy Moncrief Troxell, just click on this link. If it doesn't work, you can search for the page with the name Emily has provided above. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1395118007426171/?ref=ts&fref=ts

No Cool Cap Picture!

March 12 at 2:16pm
About to post a picture of Addison with out her cold cap! They decided to do an EEG today which measures her brain activity but we won't know the results for a day or two.
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Emily Beth Rusch: It is now the group cover photo

 
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Krista Mullins: OH I'm so jealous of all her hair!!! I tell Evan every day I want our girl to have a head full of dark hair! (Good luck, right?) Ohhh she's beautiful! Keep fighting little one!
Nadya Greene: She's got your beauty Emily! What a precious, strong little girl.
Amber Croxall: She is so sweet looking. I love the hair.
Kristi Yancey: Such a precious little one!
Ginger Faulk: Precious baby girl!
Nicole LaDeau Ward: Beautiful!!
Tabitha Weiler Armstrong: Oh my heavens! So much hair! She's just beautiful...
Jefrilyn Ellison: Love it!
Beth Anderson Ray: She is so beautiful!
Marsha Mourdock: Our love and prayers coming your way.
Valerie Jones Merrell: Darling girl!
Jackie Clark Ober: <3 J<3J<3J
Rachael Bonitz Sanders: She is absolutely beautiful! We are still praying for you sweet baby girl!
Katie Cannon Mullins: I don't personally know you, but my husband knows Nathan. We are both so deeply sorry and our hearts ache for you. I wanted to comment on this photo because Addison is so beautiful! You said in one of your posts she is all girl, so true. We are praying for you all and sending our love your way. Our thoughts will be with you as you celebrate her tomorrow
Kacey Verrault: Beautiful beautiful angel. Please know, despite the distance, my heart and prayers will be with y'all tomorrow as you celebrate the wonderful blessing that is Addison and her all too short but so powerful life. She's a lucky girl to have such wonderful family and prayer warriors

Machines and More Machines... pictures


March 12 at 11:54am








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Michelle Granger Moose: She has Granger blood... she's a fighter!
Kristina Pearson Cersey: She is beautiful! 
Jefrilyn Ellison: Sweet girl! I can't wait to hold her!
Krista Mullins: Sweet girl! Hate that she has to be there but she looks like she's being very well cared for! I cried reading your story Emily, what a scary scary experience! I can't even imagine. And poor Nathan must have been terrified being left to wonder like that... Our prayers for peace, comfort and a speedy recovery for both you and Addison continue! Sending hugs and warm thoughts and lots of love.

The Summary of What Went Wrong


Emily Beth Rusch created the group March 12 at 10:36am
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Emily Beth Rusch This is a group I created to share what is going on with our daughter, Addison River Rusch. She was born March 11th, 2014 at 37 weeks 3 days. On March 5th, I started to experience some itching all over my body. It was only slight but I mentioned it the following morning on fb to see if anyone else could relate. My wonderful friend, Serenity Anderson, suggested I might have Cholestasis. This diagnosis would explain my itching and dark colored urine. I made an appointment to see my doctor that day. They suspected I might have PUPPS (another itching problem) but I did not have any rash to fit that diagnosis. My blood work revealed high ALT levels but nothing extreme. I had to wait till Friday morning to complete the bile serum test so that I could be fasting. I did not get those results until Monday morning. Normal for that test is 0-19, I was 141. I called the nurse help line but they did not get back to me till about 11am that day. I went in for fetal monitoring at 1:30 and all was perfectly normal. After consulting with high risk maternal medicine, they diagnosed me with cholestasis officially and scheduled me to be induced between 6 and 7pm.

Emily Beth Rusch: I went in and they started me on cervidel to soften my cervix about 9pm I was hooked up to the fetal monitor and everything looked perfect. I took a shower around 8 am which required the removal of the fetal monitor. After I went potty, around 9:30 am, they went to replace the fetal monitor and could barely find a heart rate. The nurse hit the all nurses button, called the midwife (Diana), and put an oxygen mask on me. Suddenly there were about 10 women in my room. They leaned me back in the bed and attempted to place a monitor on Addison's head but I only had about a nickel size opening to her head. This was extremely painful and unsuccessful. They brought in an ultrasound machine and also could hardly find a heart beat. They started unplugging my bed and raced me down the hall, leaving Nathan alone. Once I was in the operating room, there were about 15 staff racing around. I was already crying and so scared at this point. They had me lift myself to another bed, and started washing my belly. Soon they put me under general anesthesia. From the time they noticed her heart rate being down, to me going under was about 10 minutes.

Emily Beth Rusch: This is an extremely rare and shocking case for the hospital, my doctors, and all involved. I'm extremely itchy, am getting a blood transfusion, but am otherwise improving well. Feel free to post questions if you want to know anything else.
Lisa Cornish: Kotter Emily, thank you for sharing such a personal and intense experience with us. I am so sorry you are going through this and am praying for a miracle for sweet Addison with all my heart. You mentioned on your Facebook page that you will know more about Addison's situation on Friday and that she has had a couple of slight improvements. Do you feel comfortable telling us more about the improvements and about what you expect to find out on Friday? ((Hugs))
Amber Croxall: We will keep your sweet family in our prayers.
Ginger Faulk: I agree with Lisa, thank you for sharing this with us. I've watched your pregnancy progress and now want to see the progress of your sweet baby girl. Are you able to see her and spend time with her? I realize she's in the NICU but hopefully you can spend time with her letting her know Mommy and Daddy love her and that you have family and friends who are praying mightily for her (and you).
Emily Beth Rusch: Improvement are that they adjusted her ossilator (I have no idea how to spell that) meaning she is getting better use of the oxygen she is getting. Her heart rate is also in the normal range as of sometime this morning. We are able to see her and place a hand on her but are not aloud to rub, pat, or move her otherwise. She can hear us but cannot respond to anything. She sorta looks like she's bouncing quickly because of the machines.
Ginger Faulk: You also said you would have a better idea of her prognosis on Friday...what happens then? Will they do testing of some sort?
Tabitha Weiler Armstrong: Every little improvement is so important and wonderful! I love Addison's little sign.  We decorated Ian's bassinet with a sign and lots of pictures that the kids colored for him. It definitely made things more "homey."
Jennifer Culp: Emily & Nathan, God bless you! Hold onto each other & the faith! Soooooo many prayers are being said for your sweet family! We all are just in love with baby Addison already and will continue to send heart felt prayers up in her behalf!
Victoria Romero Clearfield: We are all praying for your precious baby Addison!! My sweet 12 year old is praying for her so much! Let me know if I can bring you and Nathan anything! In God's name we pray! Amen!

Peeing a Half Gallon every Hour


March 12, 2014
Got my catheter out tonight around 10 pm. I have been peeing what seems to be a half gallon about every hour which is good because that means to me that some of swelling is draining also. Each time it also gets a little less dark which means hopefully my cholestasis is going away cuz dark urine is a key indicator. Poor Nathan Rusch has been sleeping like a rock. He has been more than I ever imagined through this whole thing. I am so thankful for him. Sometime later this morning I will make a big post or maybe an event site to tell everyone the real details about what happened to Addison and what her prognosis is. We love her so much already. Thank you for all the support. We are truly blessed to have such a loving community of friends and family.
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Taurus Womble: I stopped in to check on you guys I saw Nathan asleep so I decided to come back tommorow, got a chance to see Addison she is beautiful!!!!! Let me know if I can bring something tommorow before I go into work.... Glad to hear your peeing well (it's the nurse in me that makes me say that sorry) hope all is well see ya tomorrow.
Emily Beth Rusch: Thanks Taurus Womble! Addison has a couple slight improvement which we are very thankful for although we definitely aren't out of the woods yet. Do you have any ideas about what could make me less itchy?
Amber Kunkee Boyd: I've been thinking about you all day. Praying for all of you too. We love you!
Melissa Jensen Allen: My heart goes out to you both! I hope you are feeling better as well as Addison!! She looks so healthy and so sweet!! I'm sure it won't be long!! Are you still in the hospital for a while? How long do they think she will be there? Our prayers go out for your family!!!
Catherine Doerr: Good morning! Needed to see how u guys r doing. Sounds like some improvement all around. U r blessed and loved.
Emily Beth Rusch: I will be admitted until Saturday. I am thinking maybe a month or more for Addison but Friday will tell us more.
Cornish Kotter: Aren't we all supposed to be sleeping?  sending lots of prayers your way.
Tabitha Weiler Armstrong: Can't stop thinking about you guys. You're in our prayers!
Tamra West: I don't know about you Lisa Kotter but I've been awake since about 2 hours ago. Maybe if I'd checked Facebook sooner I could've gone back to sleep lol. Emily, we're praying for you and Addison and Nathan.
Jefrilyn Ellison: Still itchy? Boo! You need to employ a scratcher!
Trudy Moncrief Troxell: Emily that is great news. So so happy to here sweet lil Addison is improving. She is so beautiful and love the lil toes. Sorry I love baby toes. It is amazing how you can be so in love with your children at first sight. Thanks for posting I have been praying for the Lords hand to strenghten you all. Of anyone I know you can do this you are so strong and Addison is so blessed to have such tender love parents. Walk if the will let ya that will help your tummy muscles so you can be strong. Love ya girly still praying.
Ginger Faulk: Can't get you off my mind...praying for all of you and was glad to see your post this morning telling of slight improvements. Baby steps! Still praying for you and sweet little Addison.
Nathan Rusch: Like a rock.
Jennifer Culp: Love you guys so much! If you need ANYTHING!!!!!!! Constant prayers for you three!!!!
Valerie Jones Merrell: Good morning to Addison! (And you guys, too, of course!)
Jon Allen: Thx for the post Emily. Glad you and baby are improving (somewhat) and Nathan was able to sleep. Baby steps is right. We are continuing the prayers. We love you all!
Gina Granger Heise: Congratulations on Addison! We have been so worried! Our hearts & Prayers are with you all!
Kristi Yancey: Praying for all of you!
Jennifer Carroll Neale:  Emily - we haven't yet met, but Russ, Spencer, Juliet and I are sending lots of hugs and thoughts to you, Nathan and Addison. Congratulations on your beautiful little girl - and lots of positive thoughts are headed your way for her. And remember to take care of yourself as well! Xoxo
Brigetta Blair Love: Praying for Addison!!! These are such hard things you are going through
Jessica Jones Marsaw: Keep the updates coming!
Emily Beth Rusch: Request to join the group I recently created- Addison River Rusch Updates. All updates will now be on there
Joedian Douglas-Hullinger: Praying for you and your family.