New beginnings

This week has been one amazing week for our Ellie. She has had a week filled with new beginnings.

To start our week, Ellie received her first set of wheels! Our new friend, Mr Eric, brought Ellie her first wheelchair. We are trying this one out to figure what Ellie likes or needs on her new one that will be ordered soon. She tried the wheelchair at physical therapy last Friday. She was very shy at first, and nervous about trying it out. But quickly at PT she figured out how to maneuver the chair by herself. But on Monday when she was in the comfort of her home, and she sat in that chair, she experienced a whole new world.

She was able to reach the piano by herself. She could go into the pantry and pick out her own snacks! She could even look out of the window on her own.

She loves being in her "stroller" as she calls it! Outside she can chase the other children, or go as she pleases. The very next day she wanted to go all by herself to get the kids from school. She did almost the entire way by herself. Ellie is loving her independence! And we are learning to watch our toes when she comes close. Once again, she amazes us, and everyone who meets her!

Today was another "new beginning" for Ellie, a day I dreamed about ever since I found her special gown last March. Today, november 18th, our baby girl was baptized! Baptism is such a special sacrament in our faith. And we were so excited to share in this moment with her.

At the beginning of the ceremony she was not happy at all. I think she was nervous about what was happening. I've learned that she does not like anything out of her routine! She cried for most of the beginning.

Our good friends, Brian and Lisa, are her godparents. We are so blessed to have them in our lives, and Ellie's!

She cried until this moment.....well until after it.......

Welcome to our Catholic faith Elizabeth Xiao Fang

"Every precious gift comes from above." James 1:17

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Updates....and more!

It has been two months and 3 days since my precious girl was placed in my arms.....

This was the very first moment Elli was placed in my arms.

It only took her a few moments to give me a glimpse of her amazing personalty

And now, we have learned more and more every day about this remarkable, wonderful gift we have been given.

Ellie loves to sing, and if you are singing the right song you might be able to join her. She was afraid of dogs at first, but now LOVES Molly, and refers to every dog we see as Molly! She enjoys her bath very much, but doesn't like it when her fingers get all wrinkly. She is shy at first with most people, but quickly warms up to everyone. She is amazing at climbing, and loves to sit on anything.....even a bowl turned upside down, a toy, a bench, or her brother! And she can also zoom across the kitchen floor on a turned over bowl, bucket, or plastic pumpkin (which, by the way, made her big brothers and sisters roll on the floor with laughter)! She is amazing! She loves to smile and giggle!!....and boy, those dimples can melt your heart....

Her English vocabulary is building so quickly! She repeats almost anything now. She always says "God bless you" when somebody sneezes (even herself), "excuse me" after she burps....or does something else that also makes her giggle! And if anyone falls, cries, or gets any kind of boo-boo, she will repeat over and over again "are you okay?" until that "injured" person says back to her "Yes, Ellie, I'm okay". During the day when the other children are in school, she misses them periodically. So she will go around the house singing "Where is Thomas (or whomever it is she is missing)? Where is Thomas? He's at school, he's at school." it's so cute!!!

Another great blessing, is that we have been able to make great strides in her medical treatment plan! She has seen her physical therapist for the last three weeks, and enjoys her time with her. Ellie even got measured last Friday for her first wheelchair. We are super excited about her getting a chair....she will be so happy to be more independent. Last week she saw her urologist, neurologist, and orthopedic surgeon. We have several tests scheduled to have her completely evaluated to ensure we are caring for her Spina Bifida in the best possible way. Thursday, she will be having surgery on her ankles and feet to hopefully lengthen her tendons. Right now her little adorable feet and ankles are contracted in the pointed position. With this surgery, and with the use of casts and braces, the doctor is hoping to be able to correct her feet to the neutral position. So even though our little princess may not be able to walk, she can still wear whatever fancy shoes she would like!

So please pray for her as she endures all of these upcoming procedures, and the surgery. Please pray that she will have quick healing.

God is so good, and His love is everlasting. Ellie, and all of my beautiful children, are everyday reminders of His love and goodness. I love them so much, and oh, how much more that He loves all of us! Praise you Heavenly Father, and thank you for my babies!

 

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