How about a first name that starts with L and a middle name that starts with E? More options that way for the formal name, but the nickname "Ellie" still works.

The latest generation in my family is being weird about nicknames. My cousin's daughter is named Morgan Katherine, but she gets called "Mo-Mo." Her brother John Carlton is "Jack." Their cousin Emily is "Em."

Oh no, -t. I am so very sorry.

Oh, -t. Oh, I'm so sorry for you and DH.

March can go now.

{{{-t}}} I'm so sorry.

Oh, -t. I'm so very, very sorry. I wish I could say or do more...a few words just feel so inadequate. Many hugs to you and your DH. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Oh -t. I'm so sorry for your loss. Much ~ma to you and your DH.

Thanks, guys.

{{{Deena and Aidan}}}. I'm sorry to hear the diagnosis but paradoxically glad that you found out so early and have a plan for coping. My best friend from high school's younger sister is autistic, but they didn't figure that out until she was in her 20s. And she does surprisingly well, considering. So early intervention and ongoing treatment has got to be an improvement, I figure.

Yes Deena, what everyone said about the strides being made in understanding and adapting for autism. The younger brother of one of #1's classmates is autistic. His mother is a musician and she teaches autistic children using music.

Aidan was so very lucky in the Mommy draw.

Much survival~ma to Susan's dad. My lung cancer knowledge is 20 years old, so I will leave it moldering in the back of my brain until I can update it. I hope he gets to read your book, hon, and Annabel gets to know him for a good long while.

Oh God, -t. I'm so sorry. {{-t}}