Life with Ellie is wonderful! Okay, yes, I am tired, my back hurts and there is still no sign of adult life in our house, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I can't believe how much she has changed in the three months since we have had her home. Thank God she is still sleeping through the night, a huge blessing! But she seems to really be comfortable now. She enjoys going to school...it is really a Mother's Day Out program...and she goes one day a week. At first she was very quiet and didn't play alot. Not anymore! Ms. Rhonda and Ms. Karen say she is happy, participates and laughs and plays. Ellie is blessed to have them, they really care for her and are sensitive to what she has been through.

We took a "road trip" to Memphis a couple of weeks ago. A dear friend of ours passed away and we wanted to be part of his memorial service. It was a beautiful service for a beautiful man. Although it was a sad occasion, it was nice to see our Memphis family and friends. Ellie did great on the trip, better than I expected. What a trooper! It was a 7 hour car ride there and back. She enjoyed the videos in the car, sang and only had a couple of minor meltdowns. One thing about her...she loves to be on the go!

Jim and I took her to the Dallas Arboretum a couple of weeks ago, what a beautiful place! They have a huge pumpkin patch in the fall. Ellie had so much fun. It was wonderful to watch her running around screeching with delight!

She is beginning to really use "bye bye" all the time and gets what it means, when Jim or I leave the room she says "bye bye". When we leave the house she tells the dogs "bye bye". She calls Jim "da da" and me "daaaaa". I am hoping for "mama" soon! She can say "bear" and "ball" and will call her toes "ta". When we pull up to the house she says "hoooome". She talks a lot and sings, I just have no idea what she is saying...I am sure that will be changing in the coming months!

I am beginning to really "get" that she is here. I did have to pinch myself on the way to her open house for school. I couldn't believe after all these years I was going to a function for my daughter! I am sure to some people it is no big deal and it will likely be that to me one day. But, after the long, hard road to motherhood...well, I confess I cried when I saw her little "art work" she had done for the open house.

I am so excited about the holidays...another huge milestone for us! I will be sure to post.

As I close for now I again want to thank you for your prayers and support for all of us during the adoption process. What an incredible journey, and it has only just begun! What a miracle Ellie is. Her strength, determination and resilliance are amazing. Yes, it makes those tantrums hard to endure because she sure is spirited, but it is that strength that enabled her to survive her first year of life. It is also helping her to really thrive now. Ellie doesn't seem to be one to follow, she will most likely blaze her own path. I can't wait to see where it leads someday!

Much love to you all,
Donna