So--I was thinking about doing a video of one of Annie's therapy sessions. I'll see what I can do today, and maybe Bill can put it on the blog this weekend. I don't know why I didn't think of it before.

Annie is getting used to the seizure medicine dose, and so is more alert during the day. She took a couple of big jumps this week in her ability to use her right hand--she uses it regularly now to hold the syringe of water. Water seems to be very motivating to her, and she sucks it down pretty fast. Other foods still gag her, but I did get some milk down her yesterday. Maybe if I work from water to milk to whole milk to milkshakes...??

Like I said, the water is a big motivation, and now when I tell her I'm going to get water, she sits up, her face brightens in anticipation, and she watches me go into the kitchen and come out--visual tracking that is much more attentive. I've also noticed that when I bring in a syringe of medicine, she thinks it might be water, and seems disappointed when it's not.

Her facial expressions took a leap this week, too. I read a book about a doctor who had a head injury, and she actually would practice smiling in front of a mirror. I'm not sure Annie would get the value of that, so I play "This Little Piggy" with her toes, and when I cry "wee-wee-wee-wee all the way home," and tickle her under her chinny-chin-chin, the corners of her mouth turn up. Progress.

I also got some more responsive vocalizations from her this week. I say, "I....Love....Annie." "Now, your turn--". And she tries to repeat it. Usually only one syllable, but more progress.

Let me work on that video.

Jean

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9