Ella, Keep up the steady progress and before you know it you will catch up. This is not a sprint but a long race and you have plenty of time to catch up and you will. I am glad you like peaches me too. I am also glad that you are so happy and full of smiles. I am on my way to work and will check on you later. Love,Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!

She is such a doll! I love that bow. Too cute. It is so great that she is happy often now!! It is the best feeling as a parent to know your child is happy. You guys are doing great!!

It isn’t the age that matters – it’s the steady improvement – she is so awesome — I know the Lord has great plans for Ella – One day at a time – Lord Bless – Steve and Joan

Just watching the progress that Ella has made is inspiring to me. Many years ago, one of our twins started out life at 4 lbs as opposed to her sisters 5 lb 10 oz. Cheri was much slower in development–obviously didn’t have the challenges that Ella has experienced, but it was significant along side her twin sister. She didn’t smile like Ella does for many months. We were scared that she had significant impairment. However, a little over a year, when her little legs were too short to climb on the couch like her sisters, she dragged a chair over and got up. She didn’t have to study as hard in school as her sisters to do well. So, even though things may be slower for Ella, she has wonderful potential and her smile says it all. She is a very happy baby with a wonderful Mom and Dad who are supporting her all the way! Many blessings to all three of you. Anne & Bob

Luke was 11 months old developmentally at 3 1/2 years old. I remember reading that on paper and totally having a meltdown. It’s hard having those numbers in front of you. But fast forward 5 years…he has really made so much more progress than anyone ever predicted. Ella has proved that she has a fighting spirit and will work hard to exceed everyone’s expectations. You are doing a great job at giving her everything she needs to succeed. Praise God that he has given all this strength to this precious little girl and to her mom and dad! Love, Lesli

As a mother of an Autistic child, I know that it can be hard to see those numbers on paper; they seem so much more “real”. Seth is 6, the Autistic one and his younger brother is 4. Seth is pretty much 3 in all areas but growth (he weighs 60 pounds!). It just seems so normal until we go to an evaluation or something similar. But, we are blessed that he cares about us and his two older brothers and one little one, as most Autistic children don’t really care, or have the ability to care, who is around them. So, there are sad and rough issues with a silver lining in other aspects. That is what I see in Ella. She may be behind in so many areas, but the ones that she is up on are great. To have a child that responds to you with such smiles can never be a bad thing, even if you would have to carry her on your shoulders for the rest of your life! The Lord is carrying you all right now and it is so evident in your blogs. God Bless, LoriAnn, Tom, Tyler, Zackary, Seth and Jonny

I love that she is getting those round baby cheeks. Such a sweetie.

West family! It has been some time since we last spoke, but I think of you often. I’m wondering as you write of Ella’s congestion, do you think she may be allergic to cats or maybe just has allergies in general?

Don’t worry about her developement, she’s beautiful and it will all come in time 🙂