The last couple of days have not been typical Ella days. I say typical because, based on her wake up mood, you can usually get a pretty good idea of what her day will look like. Not so much lately.

Two nights ago we started using the compression sheet. Let me just say that putting that sheet on Ella’s bed was a project and a half. Of course I did it alone, which I am now certain was a horrible idea. I sweat my butt off, pulled my back out, and may have strained my pinky toe. You must know that Ella has a trundle day bed with little room to maneuver around, so that didn’t help. Next time I will make sure Steve is home to help, but can almost guarantee with his help will come a plethora of colorful language.

The good news is that I really think it’s working. She has been going to sleep much faster and has stayed asleep the last two nights. Not tonight. (When I post my video later, you will see why). She wakes up mad though. Like she wants to move her little body all around but can’t figure a way out. Once I pull her out of the sheet her mood immediately changes, and she hangs out for a bit watching tv before we head down for breakfast.

Even with her excellent sleep pattern last night she still ended up taking a two hour nap, on the couch, today. Both of those are rare occurrences. Perhaps her body was playing catch up from the last week? Didn’t see either of those things coming and honestly was a little concerned at first.

When she woke up Amanda was here to start her first day with Ella. She jumped right in giving her lunch, and Ella was on cloud nine. She was laughing and so expressive with her. It was great to see. I wasn’t worried about the transition from Dani because Ella thrives when she gets one-on-one attention. I was more concerned with her mood. Even on Dani days she isn’t always happy and cheerful. We also had a FaceTime call with Ella’s care manager today so Amanda got to meet her too.

She did great. Ella ate, they played, and Amanda even found a new movie Ella loves. Looks like we might be watching something other than Goldie and Bear this summer. After some relaxation and hand holding, Ella devoured her dinner, and we all hung out laughing and chatting until bedtime. It was as though Amanda has been with us forever. She is coming back tomorrow, so I think it’s safe to say no one scared her away. Jack was loving the additional company and CJ was even telling her stories. A win for everyone I would say.

Still no word from Boston, but Mara (Ella’s Medek therapist) did inform me that she won’t be reopening her office until September. I mentioned home visits, and she is doing them but on a case by case basis. She is being extra cautious, and I respect that, but I do miss her tremendously. We will be the first ones at her door when it opens.

Today felt like it flew by. Tomorrow should be low key, then Thursday is Ella’s follow up hearing test, and Friday she heads to Westchester for her final assistive tech eval. I am looking forward to hearing what they have to say.

We keep plugging along and are taking things one day at a time. Check out my IG stories if you get some time! I tried to get more up today!

https://www.instagram.com/zurlnick_five