Stand Up TALL!

Look Mom, I can stand up!

Sometimes it seems like Ella is under a microscope because of all the therapy and doctors visits. So when she makes strides, it's always a celebration. Tonight we are celebrating! Ella can now get herself up to standing without having to pull up on something. It seems like such a natural thing that most kids manage to accomplish with little fanfare. However, for us, this is a goal we have had for a while. In true Ella fashion, she decided tonight was the night and she stood up and walked away like she has been doing it for years. Although I do think she may have even been just a little impressed with herself, since she practiced her new skill in front of the mirror for quite some time.

I love the excitement that I feel EVERY time Ella surprises us. It's almost like she knows when we need a little pick-me-up. While we are by no means sad or upset, there is always a worry. This morning it was the phone call telling us last week's blood work shows her growth factor is low again. Her levels dropped to 36 (normal is over 100). It's an easy fix. We just have to increase her growth hormone dose. In fact, Dr. Gleason says this just shows she is growing quickly and her body needs more of the medicine to continue her great progress. This is something we'll have to deal with and monitor for many years. The hope is that as Ella gets older, she'll be able to recognize when she's not feeling 100% and we can make adjustments accordingly.

So tonight we will boost her shot up a bit...and who knows, standing up on her own today....running tomorrow?!

Movin' On Up....

Caught red handed climbing the stairs.



All my fun is gone...Mom and Dad were afraid I might jump out!

Our quiet, cautious little girl has become a daring little monkey in the last week. She has discovered the fine art of climbing. She climbs the stairs, she tries to climb up my leg, she climbs on poor Tucker, and this morning we caught her climbing out of her crib! She's now just one step away from the toddler bed....how did that happen?! Jason lowered her crib to #3 tonight...the lowest it can go. 



This was Ella's first day at home...so peaceful in her basket.

 It's better than hearing a thud during the next nap time, but I couldn't help but think about how fast she is growing up. I remember her sleeping so peacefully in her moses basket two summers ago. I also remember being so frustrated that she seemed content to sit and play last summer, rather than crawl and explore. It's just another reminder that we are on Ella's timeline.

 I love her new adventurous side. It keeps us on our toes, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Bring on the wild child...yes that's right, I want to spend the afternoons chasing her up the stairs, running across the playground, and moving all my picture frames, candles and vases above her little arms reach. I don't think you'll hear any complaints from Jason or me :-)

It seems like our life is moving on up as Ella grows up. Everything is slowly being put out of reach (for safety), all while Ella reaches some very important milestones. Every day is more exciting than the next. It is so fun to see the world through the eyes of a two year old..I can only imagine how I will feel when she reaches Kindergarten or college...YIKES! At least we have time for all that. For now I'll just cherish the endless trips up the stairs !