Ella’s China Blog

Seeing More Improvements

August 18th, 2009

I am happy to report that we continue to see many more changes with Ella.  Today especially has been a wonderful day for her and for the other children and myself as we marvel in her progress! 

Ella has spent the afternoon rolling constantly from side to side…..almost going over numerous times and pulling herself up.  She is so happy and we can tell enjoying her new moving skills.  She has been tracking more objects and Zoe has been making all sorts of things for Ella to look at today, it has been wonderful.  Blake starting yelling this morning as he found Ella up on her legs, tummy and all off the ground trying to crawl!  WOW! 

Ella really has increased stamina and strength.  Her movement has increased so much, it is so exciting.  One of the most wonderful developments since Ella returned home is that she can sit in her little swing.  This is not something Ella had done since she was an infant due to her hypertonia.  Being able to put her in her swing and see the big smile on her face and listen to her laugh is more than I could have asked for right there.  It brings tears to my eyes…..tears of happiness of course.

Now, one thing I do want to mention is that Ella is not suddenly doing certain things, it is just  that people didn’t realize she could do these things before.  For instance, Ella has always been able to hold her head up very well.  The thing is when in a large group she has a tendency to tuck her head down into our shoulder as she is scared of all the noise, etc…Some of our visitors have commented on her holding her head up, I just want to let people know this is not something new for Ella.  I do believe she is becoming a little more social and not so scared of strangers now.  Also, Ella has been a ble to tripod sit for a very long time now and also hold her head up while on her tummy.  So while these may be things some people are seeing for the first time themselves, it is something we have enjoyed watching Ella do for a very long time. 

Like I said the main things we are seeing is increased movement.  Ella moves in many different ways now then before.  Her overall strength is just amazing.  She chatters in different ways too, loads of new sounds and she said Blake yesterday!  We are very happy with all the new progress Ella has made, it is incredible.

Oh, the other thing someone asked me about was Ella seeing light.  This is not something new either.  Ella has always been able to see light.  The only thing we are noticing is increased sensitivity to the sun and the flourescent lights at the hospital drive her nuts.  She rubs her eyes all the time which we have been told is a good sign the stem cells are working:)  Again, all good things!

I plan on typing up a patient experience story to share on the stem cells china website and I look forward to getting that done.  We have been contacted by other families thinking of making the journey and we are happy to be able to help them on their way.  We continue to keep in touch with many of the stem cell family members although only a couple of families are left in China.  We are so happy to hear when another family has made it back to their homes safe and are reunited with their loved ones. 

Our contact person from Beike, Luca, called me the other morning and I was so excited to hear from him!  He was not in China when Don and Ella were there so they were not able to meet him but he was so very helpful throughout our whole process of planning the trip.  Whenever I would worry about something I would send an email to Luca and he would put my mind to ease.  I would be worked up and then tell Don that my best friend Luca calmed me:)  So it was so nice to hear from him and to have him check on Don and Ella and make sure they had a safe trip home and to see how Ella was doing.

I will continue to update as Ella continues to do exciting things!

Tanya

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