Photos and videos show off kids with special needs

You've almost made it through the week; what you need is a bit of inspiration to see you through to Friday. Check this space every Thursday morning for a little pick-me-up of photos and videos on Flickr, You Tube, and other spots around the Web that feature children with special needs. This week's picks:

• Follow Ellie, who has cloacal exstrophy, through the first year-and-a-half of her life, including 11 surgeries, some developmental milestones, and a whole bunch of smiles.
• Watch a news report about a ballet class for little girls with cerebral palsy. (Have tissues handy.)
• Spend a day at the beach with Jakob, who has autism and an appreciation for waves.

Do you have photos or videos of your child on one of these sites, or anywhere on the Web? Post the address in a comment below, and I'll consider featuring it in a future blog entry like this one.