Status Quo.

Ella had her yearly visit today.  First we go to speech therapy to get tested on the nasometer and the flip chart of words.  The last couple of visits they have said that Ella is still hyper nasal which is what the Flap surgery was to help with. But the surgeon never agreed, he always said she was just fine.  I like that very much about Dr Wood and his team.  They put all the information out there but weigh it realistically. 

But, today the speech therapist Tracy said something new.  She said Ella is only registering slightly nasal on some sounds and not at all on others.  WOOOO HOOOOO.  I love the progress she is making.  We all gave Ella high fives today for sure.  Elizabeth told her good job too. 

After the therapy tests we saw Dr Wood and he said she looks and sounds great and we talked a little bit about the next procedure. The next one might be a bone graft and Dr Wood said it would be up to Dr Cermain (pediatric cleft dentist) if Ella needs it.  If its needed, it won't be until Ella is between 7 and 11 years old.  So we are status quo for now.  I can't tell you how much I like status quo.  :-)

Next week Ella sees Dr Cermain.  She is getting her palate expander / butterfly out of her mouth.  Its been a year and she is ready to go.  I'll post pictures showing Ella's profile before and after.  Ella wants to take a picture of the butterfly in her mouth but I don't know if that will show up well.  She also wants to keep the purple butterfly.  So, we will be bringing a zip lock bag to that appointment. 

When I got Ella's referral and saw she had cleft lip/palate I was worried about the time involved.  I did talk to other moms that have dealt with it as well as my pediatrician before I accepted the referral.  Accepting Ella's referral was perfect for us and I am so proud of all the work Ella has put in to be so successful.  She does it with a smile and that joy is wonderful to see. 

GREAT JOB MISS ELLA!