October Eve
Well, I promised another detailed update next time, so here it is...get a cup of coffee and sit down.:)
1. Annie is more "at home" in her body. I don't know how to explain this, except that she just seems more "normal" in the way she uses her legs and feet. For example, I don't have to use the bath chair anymore in the bathtub because she can sit in the tub without slipping around. First, she sits on my lap while I sit on the side of the tub, and then she reaches with her toes to touch the water, to see if it's the right temperature before I lower her into the tub. Reaching in with her toes is a subtle improvement in her awareness of where her body is and how to make it work.
2. Annie taps her shoes on the floor when she sits in her chair at school. Her preschool teacher sings a greeting song to the tune of Frere Jacque, (which Annie used to sing), and it goes: "Where is Annie? Where is Annie? Stomp Your Feet, Stomp Your Feet." Well, last week, Annie was anticipating her teacher saying, "Stomp your feet," and she began to tap her shoes on the floor after the teacher said, "Where is Annie?" So--both memory and motor-planning were at work there.
3. Annie can stand up when I ask her. This is huge. Especially when attempting to potty train her again. "Please stand up so Mommy can pull up your pants." Standing on command is a BIG thing.
Please keep praying that:
1. Her seizures be controlled--or HEALED! She usually has at least 4 head drop seizures a day. We are still weaning up on one drug. Pray that it works to stop her seizures, and that we can begin to wean down on the other 2 anti-seizure drugs she's already on. I really want to quit the seizure meds that AREN'T working, but that ARE causing cognitive slowing.
2. She regain functional use of her arms and hands. She doesn't naturally use her arms and hands, unless prompted to. So she doesn't reach to get toys, (unless they are right in front of her hands on the floor), and if she would fall, she wouldn't catch herself with her arms and hands. Now, she CAN hold a sippy cup with her hands and she can lift up the sippy cup to drink it--but not without alot of guidance and prompting. So please pray that the functional use of her arms and hands keep coming along, and that we do all we should here at home to help her do that.
3. The school find a nurse for her. There is a person who is interested in the position, but the paperwork is going to take a while to clear--please just pray that the nurse get to know Annie quickly, and that it is a good fit for all.
4. The therapy place can schedule LOTS of hours for her. Cascade Children's Therapy is a busy place, and we are in line behind alot of other kids. We have 2 hours so far a week, and really, I'd like to just move into the place so she could have as much therapy as possible. I have to say, Annie & I miss Beth, Debbie & BJ. from Rehab w/o Walls. We were spoiled having them come to the house so much. :-(
4. Strength, endurance, wisdom, and God's peace for us. I know you guys pray for these things, because I feel the answers to your prayers. Just please keep them coming. I just really appreciate your prayers for us.
Have a good week and enjoy the colors of the falling leaves. I love autumn.
Jean
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Thomas Chisholm