Happy 40th anniversary Mom & Dad! Our original plan had been to be in MA this past week celebrating my parents anniversary but obviously that plan changed. The picture above was taken when my parents were visiting us this summer, a week before we found Ella's tumor. I know that they want to be here with us so badly and were ready to fly back the moment they got the news. But, I have asked them to stay home because I fear them bringing east coast and travel germs to us in this crazy flu season.

Off of the path near our house there is a natural circle of trees that make a great picnic spot. Ella and I agree that if we were fairies we would totally live there.


If it's 10am or 1pm Bini falls asleep, no matter where we are.

Last week Greg had vacation and some of our friends let us use their cabin up in Glacier, about a 45 min. from our house. There was no TV, internet or cell reception so we really felt like we got away from it all.
The cabin was full of books, which Ella loved. She was introduced to Stewart Little and they even had a Magic Tree House mystery book (her favorite series.)


Obviously a serious conversation. Probably Ella saying "Biniyam, it's not funny" he smiles and coos at everything she says which can be frustrating to her when she doesn't think the conversation warrants smiles. Another overheard conversation was "No Biniyam, I really don't think I want to touch a stingray."
One of our favorite paths along the river in Glacier.




As you can see we were not "roughing it"

A smile for Ella

Ella started her "Beads of Courage" necklace. These are beads provided for kids going through chemo. Each bead represents a test, treatment or challenge overcome. Seattle Children's doesn't have the Beads of Courage program so Auntie Faye and Nana got busy & contacted the program so that Ella can receive the beads through the mail. Ella looks forward to adding new beads and for each poke etc. & in the ER Thursday we were able to talk about what color beads she would get (magenta for ER visits, black are port access etc.)

This week Ella's chemo dose had to be decreased because she is having some neuropathy of her vocal chords. Her voice had softened and sounded different. They don't want it to get worse and cause any swallowing problems/ aspiration risk. Since the decreased dose her voice is better but she does cough sometimes when eating or drinking.