We are starting off 2014 on a wonderful note. This is the first year that our Ellie-bug has NOT spent Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years in the hospital or the ER. She had her scheduled procedure to have her GJ tube changed between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and this was the best OR change she has ever had. So far we have had her healthiest school year since she entered preschool. She LOVES being homeschooled, but misses her friends at school yet, does not miss getting sick like she did last year.

We are starting this year with her being almost 8 1/2 and weighing 48lbs and she is 50" tall and is now wearing size 6-7 clothing. She started last year at 45lbs then dropped down to 42lbs, had her GJ tube placed. She went through 6 GJ tubes last year, changed formula, dropped down to 12 regular daily medications, she has learned how help make her formula, and help run her pump. She has also learned how to pull her back into a ponytail by herself.

Ellie has begun to learn her cursive and calligraphy letters. She loves calligraphy because Merida from Brave uses calligraphy. She loves drawing and painting with acrylic and watercolors. Her other favorite school subjects are math and science, and her reading is starting to take off. She also loves Minecraft and has become quite good with building houses and other buildings.

Ellie is our little miracle because she was not supposed to live to see her first birthday yet, has defied all odds. When she left the NICU she had minimal lung function and we had feeding, beeping, screaming, annoying machines at home to alert us is something was wrong. Fast forward 8 years 1/3 of her life has been spent in the hospital. Everywhere we go the staff gets to know her well enough the nurses know when she is sick, really sick, or in for observation.

We have blessed with an amazing child who goes out of her way to make others smile, make sure everyone has a friend, and is nearly always happy. We have never had nursing staff not want to help care for her. She always thinks of those around her before herself.

We are looking forward to a wonderful 2014 and hope it keeps up like this.