We always like to check in with Ella’s school before our annual IEP meeting. Over the years I have come to realize that avoiding any unforeseen surprises is better for everyone, especially them. I tend to lose it if something arises that I am not aware of, which can make for a potentially ugly scene. Last year things got so bad that they asked me if I needed to end the meeting to calm down.

I have to say that I am impressed with Ella’s team this year. They gave me all the time we wanted and really do know her, and her quirks, so well. While we may not agree on some of the little things, we all clearly have Ella’s best interests at heart and are working toward the same goal.

I was excited to hear the Ella has met all of her vision goals and will not be needing that service next year. It’s the first time anything big has been taken off of her IEP. Her therapist said she has progressed nicely, is doing great, and as much as she loves having Ella she can’t justify keeping her. She’s the sweetest, one of my favorites, so I am low key going to miss her but grateful that Ella responded so well to her therapy. At the end of last year we were increasing vision so this was a nice change.

Ironically the day after our meeting Ella’s progress report was sent home and she is meeting a lot of her goals this year, another huge change from years past. So much is has changed since September 2020 so it’s hard to say when things shifted but I have to believe it’s a combination of all the things. We finally feel like we are in a good place with most things in regards to Ella. It’s been a long time since we have remotely felt close to that. Fingers crossed we continue down this path.

The most exciting news though was that her team will be recommending that she get the Tobi communication device. My mama heart exploded when I heard this news. She has been killing it at school learning the skills she needs to effectively communicating her thoughts and wants. I can’t wait to get it home and see how she responds when she is here. I have yet to see her in action but know I will be impressed. I promise to share that progress. The next step is getting the district on board. In the past, they have been our wild card.

It’s always hard to hear all the things your special needs child can’t do that come so naturally to neuro typical kiddos. As always, we focus on the things she has accomplished because they make Ella the amazing resilient, bad ass girl that she is. We continue to be in awe of her determination and are grateful we were chosen to take this ride with her.

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