First Things First

Well I have been a very neglectful blogger in recent weeks...I could come up with million and one reason's why, but there is really no good excuse. I have certainly thought about writing. I have wanted to write. I have even had time to write, but for some reason I found a way not to. I am not sure what I am avoiding. Ella is doing really, really well. In fact, life is really good! Perhaps it's my subconscious mind really just wanting to keep the good chi that has been surrounding us recently.

Ella on the plane with Jason!

There is so much to share and a lot to smile about. We are about six weeks away from going from a family of three to a family of four. While that is exciting in itself, it's really just the icing on the cake. We have had the chance to enjoy so many "firsts" as a family recently....like Ella's first plane ride. It's a big moment for any kid, and Ella will always be able to share a special story when it comes to her first flight. We went to Tampa at the beginning of April for the Frozen Four. Union's awesome season concluded with a trip to the National tournament. This was such a huge moment for Jason's career and one that Ella and I did not want to miss. This was his first trip to the tournament and it happened in his first season as a full time assistant with Union! (I told you we had a lot of "firsts"!)

 Ella was such a great traveler. She wasn't phased at all by the plane and behaved so well throughout the entire trip. I was able to get time away from work....by agreeing to work while I was there. I sent back stories every day and even did live shots the day of the game.

Game day live shot!

It was so much fun to be able to cover such a great moment. We also even had some time to spend with our dear friends, The Taylor's who just happened to be in Tampa on spring break the same week. We snuck in some beach time and a few dinners. It was the perfect treat!

Ella and Samantha at the beach :-)

We've even had a moderate break from doctors and therapies and everything else. It has been a welcome break...and one that seems to have refreshed all of us. Between traveling, holidays, and school vacations, we have been off more than on with appointments, but it hasn't set us back which is a huge bonus for Ella. It's a great indication of how strong she is getting and how much she is catching up. Ella only has a few months left before she transitions into the preschool program. We are back on schedule now and ready to get the most out of her final summer in the EI program. Her paperwork and preliminary transition plan are set. Preschool here we come in September!

The recent weeks following the end of the hockey season have provided some wonderful family time. It is great to have Jason home more to soak up every minute we have before life becomes (blissfully) hectic with a new baby. Ella continues to surprise us every day with a new word or a new dance move. She is such a happy girl. I can't wait to see how she adjusts to being a big sister!