More "Hoppy Easter" Fun

Happy Easter!

Our baby bunny has enjoyed Easter all week, getting sweet cards and treats from family and friends. We have played dress up several times, and she humors me because she has figured out I am the one who controls the candy. She is signing a lot more now, and we are amazed all the time at how quickly she picks up new things. Ellis is working on 3 (!) new teeth on the top, which will bring the grand total to 6 in a few days. She's scooting all over the floor and loves to pull up on furniture and anyone that will lend a hand.

"Hey...hey...Mr.Bunny...I heard there's candy hidden around here. Pssst...I'm talkin to you...if you tell me where they hid it I'll split it with you..."

In the middle of our picture session Ellis stopped to ask where Daddy was. She must have thought he would rescue her from Big Bunny.



There is a little Scarlett O'Hara in this child. She is mine, after all. 



Standing with the help of Granny Janny

As far as the major issues go, we are in a holding pattern right now until Ellis has her MRI next month and another scope is scheduled to take a look at her airway. We are always praying for progress and improvement and are so grateful that she is happy and full of energy.

Our Little Spring Flower

Ellis's checkups last week went fairly well. We do have to start patching her good eye for six hours a day to make the other one catch up, but we are encouraged that we will probably only have to do that for a few months. So far Ellis is tolerating the patch pretty well, and we just pray that her eyes continue to heal. The really good news is that in a few weeks Ellis will have an MRI, followed soon after by another scope to check out her trach. If all goes well, her ENT would like to downsize the trach, which will allow her to breathe a little more through her nose and mouth and will also let her use her voice! This is the first step in getting the trach out entirely, so we are very excited. It may take many months before she can be decannulated, but she is headed in the right direction. We consider this an answered prayer, one of many.

Ellis and pretty Miss B

Ellis is Nine Months Old!

Ellis turned nine months old yesterday! We can't believe time is passing so quickly! She is sitting up on her own now and is starting to pull up on us and anything within arm's reach. She is signing more, especially "Daddy," and has three teeth now! We are sure the fourth is on its way. She gets bigger and stronger every day. We have enjoyed some walks outside with the warmer weather, even though this is still a challenge for me to manage by myself with all of her equipment and accessories. We enjoy visits from Amy & the darling B during the day, and an extra set of hands is a big help on those walks! And now that Auntie Ally is near again, we look forward to being more social during the day. This weekend we have also had Grandma Robin and Ken here to help entertain Ellis and what a big help they have been!
Ellis will have several checkups this week, which I am hoping will not be too hard on her (or us). She will see her eye doctor, ENT, pediatrician, and pulmonoligist. At the time, it seemed like a good idea to schedule everything so close together but now I'm not so sure. The visit we are most nervous about is with her ENT surgeon where we will surely be discussing Ellis's trach and what the schedule might be for getting it out. We know we have to be patient and trust God's timing for everything. It will be a great day when Ellis is strong enough to breathe unassisted and we can hear her sweet voice again. We appreciate everyone's prayers for her progress.

Last weekend at Granny Janny and Granddaddy's

Beatrice and Ellis playing charades

Amy says they are discussing the merits of a red bucket in this one. :)