Ella had an active day.

Aside from hanging out with Kelly, her new OT came by for a visit. Kelly had nothing but amazing things to say about her. We’re excited that she has been assigned to Ella. She gave off the impression that she really wants to help Ella. That is one of the most important aspects of a therapist in Ella’s life: someone that really cares and wants to help her make steady progress.

She had lots of great ideas to share about tips to implement that might help Ella. Some things are just technique and practice while she also recommended that we purchase a few tools. When I came home and read the progress notes, it makes me realize how behind Ella is with her feeding skills. We made so much progress in Gainesville and yet, now it seems like Ella’s oral aversion is stronger than it ever was before. It just means that we have lots of work ahead of us. And just like her health issues, you take a ten steps forward and several back. Yet, your net gain is still there. Hopefully, we can get a consistent OT therapist and begin moving consistently in the right direction.

As we have shared, we know we are blessed with a great PT. Now, we think we may have found our match for an OT. Heck, we already felt connected before she walked in the door. She is from Southern CA and just moved from Rancho Santa Margarita. We used to live in Ladera Ranch just down the street.

Later in the day, the PT showed up for physical therapy, but Ella decided that she was done working for the day. We’re so fortunate that Ella has multiple sessions each week, so that she can have these off days and it doesn’t delay her progression too much.

We did not hear about labs today. That is a bit annoying. We want to know so that we can adjust her medicines, if needed. We’re hoping for some correspondence tomorrow before the holiday weekend.

Once again, I still can’t believe that it is Thanksgiving week. It’s crazy. It is amazing to think that Ella was in the NICU last year. She was hanging out with her boyfriend Par who was near her crib. And I’ll never forget when Par made matching hats for him and Ella to sport on that glorious day.

Also, it makes me reflect on the special NICU nurse that opened up her home to us so that we could partake in a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal while we were away from our family. Although it was a different Thanksgiving, it is one we will never forget.

Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.