Ella update

Throughout the month of October I became more and more worried about Ella's childcare arrangements.  The adults who were suppose to be taking care of her seemed to be sabotaging things frequently.  At the end of October I finally hit the brick wall and found a new place for Ella to receive childcare while I work.  Best decision ever!  Ella is finally being treated like a 3 yr old not a baby.  She is playing and getting dirty.  She is having the structure she needs and being taught pre-academic items too.  I couldn't be happier with where she currently is at!  Not only have those things changed, but Ella has reduced several behaviors she picked up and was getting in trouble for at home.  She is a stubborn child, but the testing has dramatically reduced since she has a similar structure across settings.

Ella has finally decided that grandma is a lot of fun and ok to spend the day with.  It took her some time to realize that it is ok to like more than just mom and Maria.  She loves her big sister and looks up to her all the time.  Maria handles things well and enjoys Ella too (as long as she isn't crying).  We really saw this when we went to see Santa.....Ella was great until the big guy started coming towards her and then, wham full on ugly crying face ready to release the banshee scream (yes, it is that loud).  Maria stepped up to the plate and held Ella while the picture was taken.  As long as Ella was in Maria's arms she was fine.  

Ella is also our protector of the Christmas tree.  She is bound and determined that the cats should not be under the tree.  When they go under it, she will stomp over to them and give them a firm talking to, while trying to shoo them out from under the tree.  Needless to say this is very entertaining to everyone except the cats.  

I'm sure there is much more, but I'm tired and will try to do a better job of keeping things updated.