Update on Ella's appt.

I still don't have my computer yet, but should have it back soon thanks to my dad for working on it! 

Ella's appt went well, she has gained a little weight and is almost back up to her pre Fontan weight! Ella chatted it up with everyone and was pretty good during all of the tests. The tests all looked so good we don't have to go back until the beginning of April, unless we have concerns before then. That is nearly 7 months!!!!! That is by far the longest we've ever gone between appts., so we are thrilled about that! Ella's appt. was on the 13th which is also the same day 3 years ago that we brought our baby girl home for the first time! It was neat to drive that same drive three years later to the day and just think about life then vs. life now. Ella did have a nightmare last night, but they are far less frequent then before. Overall we got a great report and Ella is doing very well! Praise The Lord! 

Jon and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary on the 14th and got to go on a date while Ella got some much enjoyed time with Nana! Ella also got her first big girl haircut at the salon! She was so brave about it all. I'll try to post some pics once I get my computer back! Jon also took Ella on her first "daddy date" and oh my goodness they were cute! he took her to get ice cream and then shopping where she got candy, jewelry, and a new hair bow! Ella is really blossoming in her personality, and I love sharing her sunshine with others and seeing the happiness she brings to them!

As hard as it is to believe that it's already that time of year, it is mid September and it's FLU SEASON. I heard today that there have already been some cases of the flu in the city. We ask that you PLEASE get your flu shot, if not for yourself then for all of those around you that the flu could be fatal for. Also if you are sick, stay home. Another thing you can do this season to help you and others stay healthy, is to remember to wash your hands often and use your arm to cover a cough not your hand! 

We really appreciate your continued prayers, especially during the flu season and as Ella is being exposed to more germs then before. We know that something can go terribly wrong at anytime with Ella, so we always cherish your prayers. 

Heading to Dallas on the 13th

Sorry again for the lack of updates. All is well with Ella! Our computer was hacked and is needing a pretty major rehaul so I don't have an easy way to update right now. 

We will be heading back down to Dallas on the 13th to have Ella's next check up. We don't anticipate any complications, but we will be dropping one of the doses of lasix she is currently taking on the 6th. At her appt. she will be getting some x-rays to check for fluid build up in her lungs. Please pray with us for strong lungs and no fluid! Also, as always, we ask that you pray for safety in our travels to and from Dallas, and also from germs while we are there. 

I'm so proud of Ella! She is a remarkable person. As she grows I am starting to see glimpses into the girl and woman she may one day be and I am humbled. She has so much strength and she is so smart, she isn't afraid of others, and she is kind. I know God has already used her life in great ways, but I can't help but think about the possibilities that He may have for her future! As her mom I feel the weight of the responsibility that is ours as Jon and I seek to raise her to be the woman God has created her to be. We know that God is the reason she is doing so well. It is ONLY by His mercy and grace. 

She can now count to 30 with only a little help, can do very simple addition and a few other early math equations, knows all of her letters and sounds (mostly), knows all shapes and colors, can undress herself and mostly dress herself, she is day potty trained and mostly dry at nap, she is eating so many more solids since her last surgery... Etc. the list goes on and on and she just turned 3 last month. I am in awe of just how far she has come.

I am enjoying Ella growing up so much and at the same time missing her as a baby. She was such a wonderful perfect baby! Always smiling, happy, content. Now that she is older and has so much energy from surgery she isn't always as easy as before, but still happy and wonderful, just in new ways. My mom always taught us to treasure every age because they all are special in their own way. That is so true. Ella may not be as easy every single moment of everyday as she used to be (although I can honestly say she is still a VERY easy child), but it is so rewarding to have a conversation with her and to hear her heart and mind. They aren't long detailed conversations, but they are enough for me to get to know who she is and how she is feeling. I love that about this age. We have had more moments of disapline then before, but with that comes the strengthend relationship when the lesson is learned. The chance to snuggle after the hard part of the lesson. To confirm my love for her and to see her love for me grow. She told me the other day in the sweetest voice as I was cradling her and looking into her beautiful eyes "I'm not a baby anymore, I'm a big girl Ella" oh how true that is. Of course she is and always will be "my baby", but she is no longer a baby. 

Thank you all for continuing to pray for our Sunshine!