Partner on this road of Cleft Palate

Today Ella and I went in to Gillette again because her retainer broke again.  We had gone twice in January for the same reason.  The first time in January they were able to rig that retainer but then the second time it was not fixable and they put a new one in.  So, I was surprised when I got the call from Ella from school that her retainer broke last week.

It happened while she was eating the chocolate cake from lunch / dessert.

Pretty sure it wasn't because of the cake.  Jane, the lunch lady at school makes awesome lunches and bakes all the desserts too.

I was out at lunch when the call came in and heard the message from Ella that she has all the pieces in an envelope.  Well it turns out it was the piece where the binder attaches for her night mask - so was hoping we could jerry rig it again.

Today they were able to bend some of the metal in the retainer and had Ella test out the mask with binders to make sure it didn't hurt.  They also said she is so close to being done.  When we go back in July I expect she will get the OK to be done and they will remove the retainer.  Let's hope it lasts that long.  ;-)   I think I need to take that day off work so we can go celebrate after.

When we got in the van for the ride to school, I told Ella again how proud I always am with her attitude when we are at Gillette.  I told her she is a true partner in all this and her attitude is the major reason it has been so smooth.  She thought it was because she was more mature. Although she is maturing, I told her I think its just her - she has been like this since day 1.  And she also is the same with her speech therapy.  She is the driver behind all the success and I really appreciate it.  You are an awesome kid Ella Bell and I am proud to be your mom.

Back in 2009 at the beginning of the Pediatric Dental adventure.  And this is the only time Ella wouldn't show me her mouth.  This was after the initial appointment and she was tired and done. 

Here is Ella and Elizabeth the first morning after wearing the first mask in 2009.  Bummer is her mouth moved back and she had to redo the process in 2014.   

Ella did a report in 3rd Grade on what a Pediatric Plastic Surgeon does and described her process with Dr Wood.  She smiles all the time for them and thanks them all for what they are doing.  

At Gillette in January

One of our favorite staff at Gillette.  Great interaction with Ella every time. 

January with Dr Cermain.  We love Gillette and all the staff.