Ugh...Again

Ellis is doing well and is enjoying being outside in this summer weather. But this Mama has something new to worry about, even if it is currently minor. Ellis has another swollen area around the site of her original malformed lymphatic mass, similar to the one that occurred at the end of last summer. It is currently small and doesn't seem to be causing her any pain but if it follows the pattern of the former one it may increase in size before it goes away on its own. Last time it took about two months to get to it's full size, almost like a golf ball, then completely disappear. We have a call into her doctor about it and whether she wants us to do tests or just wait and see, the thing I am concentrating on the most is trying to keep Ellis happy and distracted. We appreciate your prayers for this problem to go away quickly and on its own. The last time her surgeon was on the verge of removing the swollen tissue when it began to decrease in size, so we are praying surgery will not be necessary this time and that any swelling will not cause her pain or interfere with her activities.
So...in an effort to keep things positive around here, here's a preview of some super cute pictures Greg and I took of Ellis a few weekends ago. I'll post more as I have an opportunity to edit them.

Fun Things

Here are just a few fun things for your Wednesday. Ellis threw a pajama party last night, starting at 4 a.m., so we are tired and looking for a pick-me-up.

I don't know why I love dressing Ellis up in my old clothes so much, but it must run in the family. This is my mama's (Ellis's Granny Janny's) baby bathing suit from 1950something ,which she put on me in 1980something and I put on Ellis this weekend. Too funny. 

No Instagram needed with this one. It's faded and square all on it's own. 

And Ellis's hair is finally long enough to be put in a tiny little ponytail! I have been giggling all morning. 

Game Farm

This week we had so much fun at the Salato Center in Frankfort, which was just known as the game farm when I was Ellis's age. Thank you to our buddy Joe for taking us! Granny Janny got to come meet us, too. Ellis didn't know what to think of all the animals, trails, and displays. She spent the first five minutes just running around pointing at the (stuffed) animals and squealing.

This is the closest I have ever been to a live owl. Ellis says her, too. 

Lots of things to climb in and on.

This very polite bear suggests you make donations. Ellis enjoyed helping him out. 

Feeding the geese at the game farm is one of my earliest memories. Perhaps it will be the same for Ellis. Perhaps they are even the same geese. ;)

This one actually took it out of her hand and scared me to death because I was sure he had eaten her finger. I don't remember being scared of things like that when I was little.

Eagle!

Coyote!

Bear!

An even taller bear!

A short, cute video of the day's adventures. We called the geese "ducks" because Ellis knows that sign.

In spite of all this daytime fun, Ellis has had some rough nights lately as she recovers from her surgery. It's only been a little over two weeks since her last procedures and she still has some minor swelling and stitches at the back of her throat. During the day she is distracted and seems back to normal, but our nights lately have been sleepless and cranky. We hope she will get some relief soon so we can all rest. The best news is that she is back to wearing her trach cap all day now, which makes trips like this possible and gives the muscles in her throat the exercise they need to get stronger.

Park Fun

Ellis loves the park for many reasons.

I let her go crazy with the washable markers.

She gets to taste yummy drinks. 

And again with the markers.

tee hee tee hee

Ellis thinks she's adorable when trying on my baby clothes from 1978. 

check the shag carpet

...yawn.

We have had some grumpy evenings and sleepless nights since bringing Ellis home from the hospital this time, but things are slowly getting better. She's doing okay now without so much pain medicine and has even felt like getting outside some. She is taking little sips of water now, which she wouldn't do after the surgery for a few days.
A special thank you to our friend Joannie's Sunday School class for sending sweet cards to Ellis. She especially loves the animals!

Home

We are glad to be home and so thankful that Ellis is feeling better. She's still uncomfortable at times but is resting a lot and tolerating her medicine. We all hope to feel better tomorrow after a good night's sleep. Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and encouragement. This is not the most invasive surgery she has had, but hospital stays just never get easier. We hope to have some happy pictures tomorrow.