Boooooo

Sorry for not updating much this week but this tired mama has been fighting a stomach bug. Ellis seems fine, however, and has been extra sweet trying to make me feel better. Since I haven't felt like taking any pictures, here are some of Ellis's latest iPad art projects. She creates them and saves them all by herself.
We are still scheduled for capping trials beginning next Thursday, so we appreciate your prayers for a smooth process.

Housekeeping

Ellis is doing great this week and has been so full of energy that I haven't had much time at all to do anything else but wrestle her into clean clothes and keep that valve on. We have enjoyed a visit from her Uncle Grant and look forward to seeing him again soon. The two of them get along very well, and she was sad when he left.
We are preparing for Ellis's upcoming capping trials, and while not at all looking forward to them, are glad to be making steps forward. Speaking of steps forward, we are taking a big leap of faith and have signed Ellis up for the baby dedication ceremony at our church on Mothers' Day. We have never been able to take Ellis to church because of all those trach issues that prevent us from going, well, almost anywhere. Greg and I have continued to take turns attending but definitely are anxious to get to the point where we can go as a family. But for this special ceremony we are determined to make it work and look forward to sharing this special time with friends and family. And we get new dresses!
Here are some pictures that I have been meaning to post for a while. Just a little housekeeping. Have a great weekend!

Our buddy Joe took us to the arboretum on a beautiful spring day! 

Did you know the blue bottle tree is native to Kentucky?

We moved an old cabinet into the living room for more storage. But Ellis was excited when I told her it was her new room.

Jailbird

Uncle Grant Is Here! Uncle Grant Is Here!

We looooove Uncle Grant.

More Easter Pictures!

This dress is so cute I still giggle at the pictures

Ellis the Bold

Happy Easter! (A few days late)

We got some very encouraging news last week. Ellis will be going for capping trials the first week of May. This is the next step toward getting her trach out. It will require thee or four days in the hospital, but we are praying this will not be too stressful for her and that she will do as well with capping as she has with her speaking valve.  We had a great Easter, and I finally organized some pictures. Ellis got to hunt Easter eggs for the first time in the park across the street! And then we had a very fun time at Granny Janny and Granddaddy's house. I will probably share more pictures later this week as I sort through them. Enjoy!



Getting ready to go hunt eggs



Ellis was having too much fun to sit still for a picture with me

The cutest little Easter dress ever

We were so glad our friends Carolyn and Charlie could join us for dinner!

Checking out the creek

Granddaddy and Granny Janny and a new pinwheel

Sunshiney Day

Right now Ellis is getting over a nasty ear infection, so she's not up for posing for pictures. But here are a few from last week, when she felt like running through some spring colors.

Also, we ask you to be in prayer for our little buddy Owen and his family. Tomorrow he will have his kidney transplant. We are praying for strength and comfort for his parents, who continue to amaze us with their perseverance and faith, as well as for his aunt (the donor) and all the doctors and nurses that will be caring for them. And of course we pray for safety and a quick recovery for Owen. We know he will be feeling much better very soon!