2 Weeks Home with Ellie

It is hard to believe that we have already been home for 2 weeks with our Ellie. She is doing so well that I can say that this has really been very easy - so far. Her personality is much calmer than Lilly's which is a very good thing. She is a sweet, easy-going child until she doesn't get her way. Then the head starts shaking "no" and the hands start pushing you away. However, those "fits" are decreasing in frequency and duration. She loves to eat, is a deep sleeper, and is a smart little girl. She is catching on to things very quickly. Ellie is trying to say lots of words and already can point to her basic body parts in English- eyes, ears, nose, etc. She has learned to do some simple puzzles and loves to have a book read. She already tries to "read" because she will talk the whole time I read although I'm trying to teach her to listen to the story. The other children all adore her except little Lilly. She lost her baby spot so naturally she is having the most difficult time, but there are really sweet moments shared by her and Ellie. There just aren't very many of them yet, but I know it will get better each and every day.



We have been to see Ellie's cardiologist and the Cleft Clinic. Her VSD/ASD heart repair was done well in China, and she does not have to go back to the heart doctor until 2010- praise God! The cleft clinic visit also went well. Ellie is scheduled for her palate repair on 10/28 at 7:30 AM. She will also get ear tubes at that time. I've never asked for advice here before, but if there are any cleft moms out there reading, please share the most important thing we should know before her surgery. Any tips on the 2 week liquid diet would be appreciated too. The speech therapist said Ellie could have applesauce and pudding, but the doctor said "liquid". I guess I'll know more when we are preparing for discharge. All in all, we are doing well and praising God for bringing this sweet little girl into our lives.





This is my very favorite picture of Ellie thus far. She is such a cutie and has a beautiful smile- when she chooses to show it to the camera! Much better than the next picture.

I tried to get some cute pictures of Ellie and of Ellie and Lilly. Ellie isn't real cooperative with picture- taking yet as she is always looking around. I guess she still has so many new things to see that she is easily distracted. This was the best one. I'll keep trying. I'm taking her tonight to Olan Mills for her 2 year old picture. I hope that she will sit and not be afraid, but if she is we will just try again later.

At first Ellie was terrified of the swing as Lilly was last summer. It only took Ellie a few days and then she was ready to give it a try and now she loves swinging.

Ellie really having fun with Lilly in the Cozy Coupe. The little girls are starting to get along more often although Lilly is still adjusting to having to share everything and more importantly, everybody with Ellie.

Everybody having fun in the sandbox. Well, actually, I should say that they were just posing for a cute picture! Shelby and Katie didn't stay there long! We have had this turtle box since Shelby was 18 months old.

Ellie has learned quickly how to put the shapes in the shape sorter bucket, but of course, her favorite part is using the bucket for a hat.

This was on Saturday, Ellie's very first day at home. She thought the Cozy Coupe was fun, and Lilly loved holding the balloons until she accidentally let them go- oopps!