Ella is nearing three...

Here she is, such a funny, spunky and passionate little girl! Ella will be three in November. Look how her hair is curling on the ends! My baby is growing up.

From Milly this evening (with permission)

Third IVF cycle, Egg Retrieval Day:

"I feel like it was a success today, and I'm pleased with the results. Ben and I both feel like this will be a successful cycle, and I think we are both entirely ready. I'm excited. Because of all the eggs they got, there is a chance we might be able to go to blastocyst, and might even be able to freeze some embryos. I'm being hopeful, I'll know more tomorrow when we get a call from the embryologist with the fertilization results.

I think the weight that I have lost has been a factor this cycle. I feel healthier and better about myself, and like I'm taking better care of things in my life. I also think that the Lord has played a big role in this as well. I'm glad for Ben's blessing this morning, and I am very grateful for all the prayers that my beloved friends and family have said for me on my behalf. Thank you to you all."

Milly & Ben

Today and the next several days are very important for my daughter Milly and her husband Ben. My heart is with them. Please pray that all will go well!

"Respect" PSA

PRODUCTION NOTES

This public service announcement was produced for and with the Arc of Northern Virginia and the Arc of Virginia by Will Schermerhorn.

"Why? Because my son is the teammate in the PSA."

Email Will at will@blueberryshoes.com

Blueberry Shoes Productions, LLC

Ella's ABR hearing test

Yesterday Ella had her ABR hearing test. This is the one that is done while she is sedated/asleep. Here are the results: After only six weeks since her surgery to have ear tubes placed and fluid drained, part of the test showed that there is again fluid in her ears, indicating that either her tubes are out already or they are plugged. ? :o(

She has a moderate hearing loss in her right ear and a mild hearing loss in her left ear, both for the lower tones. She can hear high tones.

We are to follow up with the ENT again. Good, because I have a lot of questions!

The Wilson and Lora Cooking Show

Here are photos of Wilson (our student from Hong Kong) and Lora (our daughter who went on exchange in Taiwan) making "wontons". These little sausage, onion and cabbage filled dumplings can also be fried, but they boiled them. MMMmmm! They were gone fast at supper! We have a silverware compartment full of re-usable chopsticks, by the way. :o)

Update on exchange student

Wilson seems to be doing great, he's having some fun and we're seeing more smiles and flashes of his personality now... I'll add pictures later, we do have some good ones!