Girls

There was a time not too long ago when I was terribly outnumbered in my own house. My husband, two sons, and heck even a boy dog were my posse. Then we had Ella, and a bit of pink and purple and wisps of curls entered my male-dominated life. I didn't even know what I was missing, but our family felt all the more balanced and complete with our sweet girl in it.  We've added a female dog for good measure since that time as well.

Content with the thought of either a boy or girl, I entered the ultrasound room last week with great anticipation. What a joy to learn that we would be having another girl! The boys were there with us and learned the news at the same time. Though they were a little distracting and grew tired of the process, I'm really glad we were able to bring them.

While we are on the subject of girls, our daughter gave us quite a scare last night. Ella developed a very high fever in a very short time and began seizing. I was already at work, and Chris was home alone with the kids, but in no time, Chris' mom had come over to watch the boys, my coworkers were able to take over the care of my patients, and I met Chris downstairs in the ER. We were there a really long time, both because it was very busy and because they were trying to find the source of Ella's illness. Everything came back negative so it is assumed to be viral, and today she has remained seizure and fever-free, so that's good. We'll probably go see the pediatrician tomorrow just for follow up. 

In other Ella news, I discovered tonight as I was trying to get everyone's things organized for school tomorrow a note from Ella's physical therapist recommending she be fitted for orthotics. While I'm not surprised by this, I am a little sad. Once she gets them, friends and strangers alike will immediately see her as "different," whereas up to this point she has been able to blend in pretty well. I guess I won't have to explain anymore to people why she doesn't readily answer their questions, which might be a little easier for me. I'm sure they'll assume not talking goes right along with "walking funny." I just don't want her to be treated differently. She's very smart and though she doesn't talk much, she is very good at reading people and I worry that she will notice any change. And she primarily learns by observing and mimicking others, so it'd be a shame if her opportunities to interact with people were lessened by these devices making her seem less approachable. Also, I have a feeling that Ella will not be very keen on wearing them, so it may be a battle to keep her happy in the darn things. As with everything else though, I'm sure we will adapt and make the most of it.

And now I really must be off to bed. Tomorrow is Cooper's first day of school, his last year before kindergarten! Jackson will start 1st grade on Wednesday. Where did the summer go?

♦