Sunday, August 02, 2009

Happy...

There is so much to say but I can't seem to motivate myself to update the blog. Not that I don't have MANY wonderful things to say...it's just that my mind is mush nowadays. Everytime I sit down at the computer, I stare at a blank screen and my fingers don't seem to move. So I'll try to update as much as I can right now while I feel somewhat coherent.

I'll start off by saying Sophie remains SEIZURE FREE!!! It has been 2 months and 3 days!!! Her development has really taken off. She is doing so much more than I would have ever expected. Both physically and cognitively. I had no idea that her physical development would take off too. She is hopping and running. Her gait is much more steady and normal. When she came out of physical therapy last week, she ran to me. Really ran to me. It wasn't her usual head down, knees locked, funky little run. She looked straight at me and ran by lifting her feet off the ground and bending her knees. My heart about bursted out of my chest with excitement. Her therapist said that she had worked on running that day. Therapy...what a wonderful thing. It is amazing how they know exactly how to put a child into position to help them learn. I remember when Sophie was learning how to transition from laying to sitting. There are so many steps involved that normally you wouldn't think about. But they know exactly what muscles are involved and what exercises need to be done to get those muscles working properly. I am so grateful for ALL of Sophie's therapist.

Sophie is learning NEW WORDS EVERYDAY!!! Words that I don't even teach her. She is picking them up on her own. Just this past Friday, I was talking to her therapist about how happy she is to go to therapy now. Before surgery, she would scream and cry when we walked into the building. Her therapist had to carry her off because she would cling to me or drop to the floor. After surgery, she wouldn't cry as hard but when we walked into the building she would point to the door and say "bye-bye" and "door". Now she is SO excited to go to therapy. She walks right into the building and plays with the toys in the waiting room. When the therapist comes to get her, she grabs their hand and walks away without giving me a second glance. So as her therapist and I were discussing how happy she is now, Sophie was busy munching away on a snack. I didn't think she was even paying attention to what I was talking about. That was until I was buckling her into her carseat. She said in a clear voice without her little spin on the word...HAPPY. Just like that. With no prompting. With no teaching. She is now learning things without having me sit down with her for hours trying to teach her something new. Absolutely amazing!!!

I promise to update again soon...with photos and a video. I am trying to capture some of Sophie's new words on video so you can hear her sweet voice.

12 comments:

Liz said...

I love reading such positive news! Thanks for updating us with all of Sophie's accomplishments. It is definitely inspiring and uplifting. So glad to read about a success story and a child who is so happy!

Anonymous said...

So glad to see the update although "Grandma" keeps me posted. I check every morning and figure now no news is good news! Busy mom of three has little time to get on the computer.

Keep up the good work, Sophie.

Love to all
Barb

blogzilly said...

Really is fantastic news to hear. The HAPPY word, unprompted, is a pretty complex thing. Unreal. Can't imagine how great you guys must feel, and am looking forward to the videos!

JSmith5780 said...

I am so HAPPY for everyone. It truly is amazing once the kids are SF to see the development start to take off. Keep up the great work Sophie!

Anonymous said...

oh elaine! I'm sitting here using the freebie internet at this very swanky hotel. Seriously...I feel SO trailer park! ;) And I'm just reading about everybody else...not intending to comment...just stalk. But this post... Wow... You made me come out of hiding! XOXOXO I want to hug you SO much that I think I feel it! So if you feel a weird warm squeeze this morning...it was me mentally hugging you!

...danielle

Adesta said...

So glad to hear that Sophie is learning at a fast rate! That's such wonderful news!

I'm sure it's kind of like watching a baby learning things for the first time, but 10x more special since you know the hurdles that Sophie has had to overcome to get where she is.

Can't wait to see photos and video! It's so exciting!!!

Keep up the good work Sophie!!!

Holli said...

This is wonderful news, Elaine! 2 months and 3 days! I couldn't be happier for you all! And development? That is amazing!

I'm just now starting to see some clarity with Austin now that his meds are down and the hyps are gone. I seriously can't imagine what a difference seizure free must be with development.

You guys have waited so long and worked so hard for this. And I'm so happy it came before Baby Charlie made his arrival. It must have made his birth that much sweeter!

Love you guys!

Colby said...

Elaine...Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful news! I was hoping and praying that the reason you hadn't posted in awhile was because you were so very busy! Seems like you AND Sophie are!

She is AMAZING....as are her two parents.....We are all in awe of your little miracle!!!

Please continue to share....And about little Charlie and the rest as well!

Cyndi

Kim Arns said...

That is sooo wonderful!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Elaine,
Reading about Sophie gives me happiness and hope,although I am really anxious right now,since Kanak is scheduled for surgery next week.You already know the feeling.
I am sooooo happy for you guys.

Anita

Jackson's Blog said...

Yeah! So happy for Sophie and all of you too! She is making leaps and bounds! Jack and I are coming to St. Louis in a few weeks to see my sister. I'll email you the details!

Sophie's Story by Elaine said...

Thank you all for continuing to be so supportive...even with my lack of posting. I have so much catch up to do.

Anita...I am drawing a blank so I am so sorry if I should know your back story but where is Kanak having surgery? Do you have a blog? Feel free to e-mail me directly if you need anything at all.

Meghan...I am so excited that you will be in St. Louis. I would love to see you and Jackson!!!