Friday, July 27, 2007

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

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, I don't know why I have not been able to send you any little notes. Everytime I try to they end up going away. I get frustrated after I have said some brillant thing and then it is gone. So today with my luck, all of this griping will show up on the blog.

I have been reading and keeping up with you. Praying and Praising along the way. Just a bit ago Jean you were asking God to bring more expressions to Annies face, and I now read that that is happening. Wow, way cool!

The person God is growing all of you to become will bring joy unspeakable.

To Him who is able to do exceedinly abundanlty above all that we ask or think, accoring to the prower that works in us, to Him be glory in the chruch By Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever amen. Eph. 3:20-21

Anonymous said...

Oh the power of Living Water.

Jean Sullivan said...

Thanks for your comments--God IS able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. That was one of my favorite verses to think about when Bill was sick 7 years ago. THAT's a story we'll have to tell, for those who haven't heard it yet.

:)Jean

Anonymous said...

Dear Jean,

I have been thinking about you a lot lately. So I decided to google you to see if you would come up. Here you are with another daughter, Wow she is a miracle after all you and Bill have been through!!! It has been many years since we have seen or spoken to each other. My oldest boy, Colt, had Kawasaki's disease that you diagnosed before the doctors did. He is now a healthy, 19 year old United States Marine in San Diego and living faithfully for the Lord. I am a member at Real Life Family Center, the church that bought the building from Clover Creek and have grown and served there many years. Ironically I worship and serve with many families that our children grew up with as they are now with Real Life also. In spending time with Our Savior this morning I found myself drawn to 2 Corinthians 4: 7-18. Please soak it up and be encouraged as it is an amazing perspective passage. I will always have great thoughts of you and look forward to seeing you in eternity if not sooner. stephanie4jesus@aol.com

Gretchen said...

Hi Jean,

I'm so encouraged about the water and the facial expression/discernment Annie is showing with liquids. Go Annie! Praying...

love, Gretchen

Jean Sullivan said...

Thanks, Stephanie, for the verses--they do remind me to have an eternal perspective. Life is full of bumps in the road, but it is good to remember that this life is but a brief preparation for the one to come.

:)Jean

Anonymous said...

Hi! I've been out of town but following along on Annie's progress when I could latch onto a computer! Praise praise praise for the progress... facial expression, standing, water. Yay God!

Jean, I would love to hear Bill's experience! I have heard "bits and pieces" but never the "whole story."

Blessings and prayers
Sue Powell

Anonymous said...

Hi Jean!
I am a friend of Andy, you son, from Cru at Cascadia, and we have been praying for you her for some time now, and it is a simplistic blessing to put a face to the name.
I will seek that our Lord, Creator and Seeker of our hearts - would grant you and Bill peace and rest, and a new knowledge of Him that you wouldn't see otherwise, and of course, God's healing - but most of all - glory, be done in and through Annie.
You have a beautiful family with some good genes!
Seeking to trust and run with you,
Linda Williams