I think it’s pretty safe to say that I’ve always been Ella’s number one fan. I never believed she would be anything less than incredible, and she’s proved herself to be just that, as well as sassy and hilarious. Her giggle is infectious and her sentences are so observant. Listening to the girls talk to each other is one of my favourite things in life; Raegan will do something silly and Ella will giggle incessantly and then Raegan will ask if she should do it again and Ella will say yes and the cycle continues. To be an outsider to their bond is amazing, but I know she is sometimes sad that she can’t do what her siblings can.

Last week, Ella was on my lap and we were all playing on the floor. Ella said she wanted to be on the floor, so I put her down, and she rolled around playing a bit before saying she wanted to play with the instruments we have. I asked if she wanted help, and she looked at me and said, “I can do it myself.” And so, I watched as she army crawled on the floor and got to her instruments and happily played while I excitedly watched and saw how proud she was.

And, the thing is, she really can do it herself. She feeds herself more and is more independent than ever before. She asks for help when she needs it, but is emphatic when she does not. Here’s the thing; my Ella Bella has been fighting since she was two pounds, and has always been doing her best to keep up with her sister, who is desperate to do the same things as her brother. And that girl, that amazing girl, who crawled on the floor, once was told she may never move, she may need brain surgery, and a shunt. That she may not survive. Not only did she, she is thriving and sassy and loves cuddling with her panda bear.

Recently, I saw a print of the quote, “She believed she could, so she did,” and I thought of Ella, her bright smile and her determination, never giving up, always getting stronger. That’s my Ella.