200 Days Old

This past Saturday marked Ella's 200 day old birthday!! Woo hoo!

In more exciting news, last Thursday we visited her hematologist/oncologist where she was deemed "a picture of health!" Dr. Ambrusko was also the first one to spot Ella's first tooth!!! I swear it must have erupted as we were waiting (we were there awhile). Ella will continue to go every other month for her hem/onc check-ups. The doctor also said that we could start doing her blood work every other month instead of once a month. Although the more I think about it I'm not sure I'm ready to let two months pass between blood draws.

Thanks to our families, Todd and I had the opportunity to venture out on our own twice this week. On Saturday Todd's parents came over for breakfast and then stayed with Ella while we went to the mall for almost 5 hours! And then on Wednesday, Dad and Heather came over for dinner and then Todd and I went to the Sabres game. Do you see the pattern? If we feed them they will stay!!! We're so fortunate to have them able and willing to help raise Ella!


On Wednesday Ella and I also had a lunch/play date with Megan (a girl from school) and her 4 month old, Emily. Joe, Megan's husband and also a kindergarten teacher, made yummy Mediterranean chicken breast with a balsamic reduction and mozzarella cheese sandwiches for us before going to work. Emily and Ella enjoyed their time together (as did Megan and I)! We can't wait to play again!


Physically Ella keeps getting stronger and stronger! She is now able to play in a sitting up position on her own...at least for a few minutes before leaning too far that she is unable to 'right' herself back up. Even though she takes her falls like a champ, we surround her by pillows to cushion her tumbles. And because Ella is now sitting up, Carol (her physical therapist) says she is most likely ready for a front facing stroller, to sit up in shopping carts (of course with a shopping cart cover), and to sit in restaurant high chairs!


Ella continues to be a rolling champ (we often find her on her belly in her crib) but still gets stuck on her tummy. We are currently working on getting Ella to push herself up to a sitting position.

I can't express how thankful I am that we have a physical therapist and occupational therapist working with Ella. And I'm not talking about the fact that they are helping Ella catch up physically. I am thankful because they are teaching ME so much!! Even with the books I have been reading and the talks I've been having with other mothers, I still would not know to do a quarter of the 'exercises' we do with Ella if it wasn't for Carol and Teresa. They have really taught me how to play and interact with Ella so that it benefits her motor skills development!

In the meantime, Happy Birthday to Uncle Brian on the 10th, Yia Yia on the 12th, and Grandma Rassman on the 18th!!