FEBRUARY 2008
Wow! Time goes by so quickly. I can’t believe that we have been
home for 3 months. Ella has changed so much from the child we
met 3 ½ months ago. Her progression has been nothing short of
remarkable.
Ella started pre-school and it did not go very well. I ended up
easing her into the schedule because of Ella’s hesitation to the
new experience. She would cry and say “no school-stay with
momma.” She would even cover up the seat belts hoping that I
could not get her out of the car. Although she was scared, I was
proud of her courage-being in a new setting with new faces and
momma leaving was stressful for Ella. After one month, she has
done a total turn around and loves going to school.
Ella was evaluated by a cardiologist at Phoenix Children’s
Hospital. We were told that Ella’s surgery was a total success.
The doctors in China were able to repair the hole in her heart
and the patch that covered the hole has been covered by her own
heart tissue. Ella will have to be monitored every six months,
but should lead an active and normal life.
The last week of January has been the most difficult week of our
family’s life. Bart’s mother died unexpectedly. We flew to Utah
where Ella had the opportunity to meet most of her relatives for
the first time. Even through all the tears and sadness, Ella was
a trooper. She loved all of her relatives, especially her
cousins…some of which are a wild bunch who made her laugh...I
won’t name names, but you know who you are =). We were so sad
that Grandma could not meet Ella in person, but we believe that
families are eternal and Ella will have an opportunity to give
Grandma a big hug someday. In the mean time, Grandpa is taking
two hugs from the grandkids-one for him and one for Grandma.
Life is fragile. Losing someone you love suddenly is almost an
unbearable trial to bear. Love your family!
We have had visitors come to stay with us these last few weeks.
Ella enjoyed having grandparents around to spoil her. This last
weekend Ella had the opportunity to go to Pinetop, Arizona to
play in the snow. Ella does not like the snow-she says “nooo
cold” which means snow is cold. We did manage to get her to go
down a hill on a sled, but she only wanted to do that once. We
took her up to Sunrise Ski Resort to watch her brothers and
sister snowboard, but she was not having fun trying to walk on
the slippery snow.
Ella also got to experience what happens when one does not stop
properly on a snowboard-she got to watch big sister Madison get
taken to the hospital for torn ligaments in her knee. We are
keeping our fingers crossed that Madison will not need
surgery-we consulate with the doctor this week.
We have much to look forward to. Ella is still holding her “rock
star” status in our household. Ella’s English is coming along so
well, she is smart and her spirit is strong. Ella makes us laugh
until we cry-Ella is so funny. Ella has brought so much
enjoyment into our home-we are so blessed to be honored to raise
this beautiful little girl.
|
Loving The Park
Valentine Red
Making “Bear” at Build-A-Bear
Snowboarding at Sunrise Ski Resort
Madison and Klein-3 hours before being carted off the mountain
by Ski Patrol |
