During the evening, Ella’s raspy voice from her cold the week prior turned into wheezing. By 1:30am, it’s was clearly abnormal breathing (mom and dad learned the term “stridor”) and the nurse advised a visit to the ER. She was diagnosed with “croup,” an upper-respiratory viral infection. She stayed for a few hours for a steroid shot and breathing treatment. By 4:30am, everyone was back home and asleep again.

Although she wasn’t able to attend, her classroom was ready to party

Who’s the birthday girl?

Ella’s the birthday girl!

Desmond and dad return from daycare and shopping for sister’s birthday present. Dad leaves present on front porch, explaining to Desmond that we’ll sneak the toy in later to wrap it. Des walks inside, dad walks in side. Dad returns to living room a few minutes later to find that Desmond has gone back outside, retrieved the toy and then gave it to sister. Oh well, she liked it anyway.

Ella’s birthday cupcake, enjoying the singing and learning not to touch candles