Wednesday, June 24, 2009

All about Sophie...

A post dedicated to all the new things that Sophie is doing...26 days post-op...26 wonderful SEIZURE FREE days!!!

Cognitively...

She is beyond what she was doing before the surgery. She is doing better than what anyone would have ever expected. She is saying new words all the time. She is using words appropriately. Instead of just crying when we walk into the building where she gets private therapy, she now points to the door and says "byebye" and "door". In general, she just talks more. Requesting things using words instead of just pointing.

She is very expressive in other ways. She laughs a lot. I think she actually "gets it" when someone does something funny...especially when it is Elsa. She is more alert and interactive. She makes a lot of eye contact and she really seems to check things out.

She is starting to count but I don't think she quite understands it. If I say "one", she will say "two" and "three".

Most of all, it's the little things that she does that I notice the most. Like the other day, when she walked over the vent on the floor. She stepped back, bent down, touched it and stood back up. It was like she noticed it for the first time.

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Physically...

She is gaining her strength back but she has some work to do. She mostly lacks endurance. It is all just a matter of time. Her walking is getting more stable. She is starting to adjust to her right peripheral vision cut in both eyes.

Today was the first time she was able to climb into bed. But she refuses to walk up the steps to the second floor. Though, she is okay with walking up a few steps to get into the house and the small staircase at therapy.

The more tired she is, the less she uses her right hand. That is where I see the most deficit in her physically...the use of her right hand. Though, she is doing phenomenal with her left hand. She is independently using a fork and spoon on a consistent basis. She has never self fed herself like that before.

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I've tried to explain all the new things she is doing. There really is so much more. So much more than "what" she is doing. It really is just that look in her eye. You notice things clicking. Things make much more sense to her. She truly understands what I say to her. If I say something she doesn't want me to do, she will get upset as the words come out of my mouth. Before, she actually had to see the action to fully understand what was about to happen.

And for whatever reason, she has become much more attached to me. It's like she is finally going through the whole separation anxiety stage.

She has a new cry. That's kind of weird. It is a very high-pitched, scream-like kind of cry. Maybe she realizes I jump quicker when she cries like that...hmmm I wonder.

No matter what it is...it has all been wonderful. Seeing her change. Seeing her grow. And enjoying every single minute of it.

18 comments:

JSmith5780 said...

The sky's the limit for your little girl. I am so glad she has rebounded so well. Witht he new baby arriving soon, I am sure that gives you a little peace of mind!

blogzilly said...

An awesome update. How's she looking this far out from the surgery? How do you manage the hair/scar thing? Who removes her stitches or are they already out or are they designed to fall out?

I'm loving the news that she is not having seizures and that she is really moving forward. Can't wait to see new posts about the newbie!

Sophie's Story by Elaine said...

Blogzilly...I need to take and post some pictures. With her having such dark hair, I'm not sure how it will all blend in. She picks at the "bumps" on her head. I think the "bumps" are actually where the bolts are. She had her stitches removed on Sunday - the day we left Detroit.

Jen...Oh ya, the new baby. He is due in 9 days. I need to start preparing for that!!!

MJStump said...

Wow, it is so weird because it seems like 26 days has just flown by, but then you think she Just had brain surgery!

I think Sophie doing so much more is going to give you more energy...just feeding off of the pure excitement of her growing development. Also, she is becoming so much more independent and doing more that you can just set back a bit and take it all in and not have to be so hands on...oh, how special that must feel to see her do so much more all the time!

I can only imagine the feelings you must be having as you see her eyes light up as she is beginning to really see so much more of the world and all of her new discoveries. That just makes me teary eyed thinking of you guys right by her and seeing her experience so much more, so many more milestones that you get to witness and celebrate!

So happy for you guys :)

Lori said...

Sophie sounds like she's is doing great. It is wonderful to read all the new things she is doing. Nora never had separation anxiety until recently. I just love it when she cries when I leave now. Strange I know. It means she gets it. Sophie gets it too! Yay Sophie! Good luck with the new babe. Can't wait to see pics of all the kids together!!

Adesta said...

Amazing. Sophie is simply amazing! I'm so glad to read that she is doing so much already and really starting to understand things that go on around her.

Can't wait for pics of the new little one. I love babies...can't believe mine is nearly 3 months already!!! *sigh* Time sure does fly...make sure you grab hold and hang on tight!!!

Jonathan said...

oh elaine!

...danielle

Anonymous said...

Elaine....
I am so glad to hear all about Sophie's new accomplishments. How exciting! Good for her...

I'm also so glad that you are happy with her preschool experience. I know we talked about it and you were really nervous..so I am thrilled to her that she is happy...and that you are comfortable there.

Can't wait to see pics of the new baby! Help is on the way....Erin can't wait to get out there!

Krissy said...

I'm SO glad to hear she's doing doing so well!

Reagan Leigh said...

What great news! Thanks for the update, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now!

Anonymous said...

We are so happy for Sophie and you all! And we start dreaming of such a great experience.
Eric

Holli said...

I'm still just in awe of everything...of Sophie and her new achievements...of seizure freedom (yes!)...and of you and how much you've taken on..and managed so beautifully.

Absolutely wonderful!

blogzilly said...

Um...bolts? Do I dare ask you to elaborate?

Colby said...

Elaine....

Remarkable....Simply remarkable....Your beautiful little miracle girl....I am SO very happy for you and your family and what you are finally achieving!!! Y'all deserve this peace....

Now...Get ready to rock 'n' roll with the new little bundle! Take good care of yourself...We will be waiting on news!!!

Blessings,

Cyndi

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear of all Sophie's accomplishments. All those wonderful little things that we normally take for granted. We remember Trevor's first laugh after his surgery...he was watching the movie "Angels in the Outfield." We thought it was so amazing that a movie made him laugh....that he actually understood that it was funny. I can still picture it.....

So happy for all of you. Life is good.

Aloha!
Sheila

Anonymous said...

What fun we had this weekend visiting with you guys!! And Oh what a joy it was to see Sophie so happy. It's like avery day must be a new discovery for her. I think what I enjoyed most was her laughing. Just to see haw she gets a joke and how she enjoys playing little jokes of her own.

Hope "junior" gets here soon so we can make another trip in and meet the newest member of the family.

Love,
Barb

Anonymous said...

Elaine,

Thanks for the update. All those new things she is doing! How wonderful.

Jen

Sophie's Story by Elaine said...

Blogzilly...Yes bolts. To hold the section of skull in place that was removed during surgery. She picks and picks and picks at this one bump on top of her head that it won't heal and bleeds all the time. Drives me nuts to the point that I can't sleep next to her because it makes my skin crawl and makes me feel anxious. And you are right...Sunday (yesterday) was the 30 day seizure free mark!!!