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We're Home
November 2007  |  December 2007  |  February 2008  April 2008

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


Hunter and Ella


My hat says it all!


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