Cardiac Update

Yesterday Ella had her one year check up with her cardiologist, Dr. Peiris. They assumed when she was born that she had a VSD, or ventricular septal defect, a type of congenital heart defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the dividing wall between the main pumping chambers (or ventricles) of the heart. VSD's are the most common type of heart defect in newborns. However, since she was experiencing no symptoms and was growing fine Dr. Peiris said it will most likely close up by one year and he wanted to see her back then to check it and go from there.

We went in at 11:00 and he first performed an EKG. On the EKG he saw some slight discrepancies so he listened to her and didn't hear the murmur but wanted to see what was causing the blip on the EKG. So, he sent us over to the hospital to do an Echo cardiogram, basically a sonogram of the heart. No one had told us at this point that the Echo would take about 45-60 minutes. Yeah right- you get your 13 month old to lay still for that long. Did I mention she hadn't had anything to eat? Poor thing! Well, Ella did FANTASTIC! She layed there still the whole time and even fell asleep for a while.

So after that was over we talked with Dr. Peiris for a while and he noted that all of her valves had minor leaks including her Aorta (the main artery to the heart.) There was no sign of a VSD. So, although not great news, for now Ella is doing really well and he told us not to change anything about her lifestyle for the time being. This is something that can get better with age, stay the same, or get worse. All we can basically do is watch it and if it does get worse do something about it such as have surgery to replace the valve.

Yesterday was quite a LONG (we finally got to leave the clinic at 3:00) and emotional day since this is not at ALL what I expected. Please keep Ella in your prayers that her heart will heal on it's own and she can continue to be a healthy and happy little girl.

Little Pumpkin

Here's Ella at her first pumpkin patch and she loved it! I love the fall and pumpkins just add to the fun.

Mr. JC

Just had to post the cutest picture ever. This is JC, he is the son of Ella's former pediatrician (former because they will be moving.) He is also 4 days older than Ella. His mom Kristie and I have become great friends though our pegnancies together and our children being so close in age. We are going to be very sad to see them go! I have loved having a pediatrician in town. Kristie has had me do JC's pictures ever since he was born and I just thought this one was so sweet!

Well..........It's a girl!

Yes, we are good at having girls. I am so excited that Ella will have a sister so close. I know they will be great friends and I already have everything (pretty much.) I just had to break down yesterday and buy them their first matching outfits. Which, I promise it won't be an everyday thing (or even a weekly thing at that)!! I am a bit nervous about having 2 kids but I know it will be a lot of fun and hard work at the same time and I'm so glad Ella will have a play mate. Please pray for my sanity and for the pregnancy to continue to go well!


Miss Sadie (we don't have a middle name yet so if anyone has suggestions we're open.)
She will be here at the end of January/beginning of February!

Happy 1st Birthday!!

I can't believe it was a year ago today the Miss Ella was born. This year has gone by so fast and we have loved every minute of it. It's really amazing to see how much things change in such a short time! Ella is walking all over the place and says a lot of words like mommy, daddy, papa, kitty cat or ki ca, hi, bye bye, all done, uh oh, and recently grandad (in a broken form.) She loves to clap when she is proud of herself or when people get excited. She also loves dancing when she hears music she likes.

We had a birthday party on Friday since Jim was off and he was here to help me. We had a great time and Ella LOVED her cake. Here are some pics of the big day.




All ready for my party in my birthday dress


My first Lady Bug Birthday cake


Swinging in my big girl swing


Eating some dinner




Playing with my friends


Yay it's almost time for cake


Yummy Cake






Time to open presents.


Now I can help Daddy mow the lawn. Thanks Gran and Dan-Dad!


Thanks for coming everybody!!

16 Weeks

I'm 16 weeks today and time is flying by. I can't believe it! Ella will be turning 1 in a few short weeks and there is so much to get done. I went to the dr. today and got to hear the heartbeat again. It took her about 5 minutes to find it because the baby kept moving everywhere. Looks like we have another active one. We have a sonogram scheduled for Sept. 17 so we should find out what we're having. I'm kind of hoping for a boy but I also think it would be really neat for Ella to have a sister so close in age. I haven't taken any belly pictures yet but as soon as I do I will post.

Our new nephew

We have a new nephew! Kohen Micah Hale was born August 4th and weighs 7 lbs 2 oz. Congrats to Lucas, LeeAnna and Big Brother Miles! We're excited to meet him.