Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 ~ 18 Days Until The Wedding! ~ Tracy Vomits About 2 - 4 Ounces At 2:30 AM ~ Tracy woke up around 2:30 AM this morning and vomited! Mom and Dad woke up just in time. It is a good thing that Tracy sleeps at the foot of Mom and Dad's bed. Not even Luca or Luna woke up! Mom Goes To Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ Mom had a good practice this morning at Bikram Yoga. Kim taught and she was excellent! Tracy Has Speech Therapy With Aimee At Nova Southeastern University ~ Tracy had Speech Therapy this afternoon at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. She worked with Tracy on several activities. First, Aimee had Tracy feel different textures for tactile stimulation: rough (sand paper), spongey (little spongey letters of the alphabet), soft (a furry, feathery boa). Then it was time for Tracy's eye gaze board so that she can choose the activities for the session: Do Vowels or Do Talking. Of course, our girl chose TALKING! What else would our Tracy choose? She is trying so hard to talk! So, Aimee hooked up her Step By Step sequential switch with the dialogues that she prepared, one of Tracy's weekend and one which is a surprise for Tracy at the end of her session! They discussed the weekend activities, which included Tracy's hippotherapy session on Sunday that Aimee observed. Aime was so proud of Tracy's hard work and performance on Breezy! She commented on Tracy's posture: sitting up with a very straight spine! After their conversation, it was time to work with the Dynavox. Even though Tracy was a little sleepy, she managed to do well with the Dynavox and her switch. At the end of the session, Aimee hooked up the other Step By Step that she prepared, and she and Tracy practiced the toast which Tracy is going to give at the Rehearsal Dinner as part of her Maid of Honor duties. It was so beautiful that it had everyone in tears! Whew! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Dee This Evening ~ Dee gave Tracy a massage this evening and then it was time to work! He used the e-stim on Tracy's T-10, T-11, bilateral traps, and left Ilio-Tibial Band. Tracy is responding well to the e-stim. Then Dee got Tracy in long sitting position and worked on trunk rotation. Tracy's trunk strength is really improving with all her aggressive therapy. Mom & Dad Work On Wedding Details ~ Amother busy night working on wedding details! Time is flying by! Tiffany and Benny arrive on Saturday, July 12th! We are really getting excited and can't wait to see them! Saturday evening, Mom, Dad, Tracy, Tiffany and Benny are going to the Dave Matthews Concert in West Palm. What a great way to kick off the wedding week! Woo Hoo! Daily OM: The Feeling Underneath : Compulsive Apologies ~

Monday, June 30th, 2008 ~ Happy B'Day Cousin Sophia Lillian! ~ Mom Goes To Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ Mom really enjoyed going to Bikram Yoga this morning. Her goal this week is to get back to a consistent practice! It is amazing how quickly one gets out of practice! Argh! Tracy Has Occupational Therapy With Melanie & Jeff ~ Tracy worked very hard this afternoon with Melanie and Jeff. They worked with Tracy in long sitting, placing e-stim on her triceps for muscle reeducation. Tracy is doing a great job sitting with a very straight spine with support. Jeff and Melanie spent the entire session working on trunk rotation and flexion, in an effort to strengthen Tracy's core. We all know that muscle has memory and the goal of therapy is to rebuild those neromuscular networks through repetition, repetition, repetition! Melanie is ordering hand splints that will help maintain Tracy's thumb position to prevent them from subluxing. Mom Meets Aunt Diane & Uncle Johnny For Spinning This Evening ~ Mom, Aunt Diane and Uncle Johnny went to Spinning this evening. It was just what the doctor ordered! Daily OM: Messengers Of Direction : Animals In Nature ~

Sunday, June 29th, 2008 ~ Tracy Has Hippotherapy At Bit-By-Bit In Parkland ~ Mom, Dad, and LuLu took Tracy to Bit-By-Bit in Parkland for her Hippotherapy session. It was a great session, with Tracy sitting up very tall in the saddle. Her head control was also really good today. She held her head up halfway around the ring. Aimee, Tracy's Speech Therapy student clinician from NSU made a surprise visit. She was very impressed with Tracy's performance on Breezy! Tracy Has Aquatherapy This Afternoon With Jeff & Greg ~ Tracy had pool therapy this afternoon with Jeff and Greg. Dad heated the pool to a toasty 90 degrees. It was really hot and humid, with temperatures in the low 90s. Pretty soon we won't have to heat the pool at all. Tracy did a great job in the pool. Jeff and Greg worked her really hard. After her shower, Tracy was ready for a nap! Mom Works On More Wedding Detail ~ Mom sure is enjoying her role as MOB: Mother of the Bride! She has been working hard (and making Dad work hard too) to get everything done. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch The Men's & Women's Olympic Trials For Swimming ~ Everyone enjoyed watching the men's and women's Olympic Trials for swimming this afternoon. Mom is really looking forward to the Olympics in Beijing in August. Daily OM: Everyone Has A Story : Interesting People Everywhere ~

Saturday, June 28th, 2008 ~ Mom & Dad Go To Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ It had been nearly a week since Mom had been to Bikram Yoga. It was back in the saddle again for both Mom and Dad. It sure feels good to be back! Wilmene Gives Tracy A Facial ~ Wilmene gave Tracy a facial this morning. She sure does love her Spa days! Mom & Dad Worked On Wedding Details For Most Of The Day ~ Mom and Dad worked on details for Tiffany and Benny's big day! They spent quite some time at Kinkos getting some printing done. Tracy, Mom, Dad, Luca & Luna Watch Wimbeldon This Afternoon ~ Everyone watched tennis at Wimbledon this afternoon. Tracy is rooting for the Williams sisters of course! Daily OM: Employing Presence : Being Present At Work ~

Friday, June 27th, 2008 ~ Happy B'Day Cousin Dawn! ~ Mom Makes Breakfast For Nana ~ Mom made oatneal for Nana's breakfast. It is so nice to have her staying with us this week! Mom Goes To Yacht Club To Swim Laps ~ Mom swam 40 lengths of the Jr. Olympic sized pool this morning. It felt so good to swim! Tracy Rests In Her Chair This Morning ~ Mom let Tracy rest in her chair so that she would be ready for Hippotherapy this afternoon. Everyone Watched Wimbledon With Nana Today ~ Everyone enjoyed watching tennis at Wimbledon today. Nana expecially loves tennis. Tracy Has Hippotherapy This Afternoon At Bit-By-Bit In Parkland ~ Tracy did a great job sitting up tall on Breezy and controlling her head during her thirty-minute lesson. Susan, Tracy's Physical Therapist, said that this was Tracy's best lesson. She is thinking about trying Tracy on a saddle with stirrups on Sunday to see how she does. Keep your fingers crossed that Tracy does well in the saddle. Mom & Dad Work On More Wedding Details This Evening ~ Mom and Dad worked diligently on more wedding preparation details this evening. It is time for count down mode to Tiffany and Benny's Big Day! Daily OM: Everyone Has A Story : Interesting People Everywhere ~

Thursday, June 26th, 2008 ~ Nana Stays With Us Another Night ~ Nana's air conditioning is still broken so she is going to stay another night. We are enjoying her visit. Tracy, Nana, Tania, & Wilmene Sit Outside By The Pool For Some Fresh Air & Vitamin D ~ The girls spent some time outside in the heat and humidity (in the shade) while Mom worked on updating the webpage. Tania fed Tracy 12 ccs of vanilla yogurt while she relaxed in the sunshine. Mom, Tracy, Tania, & Nana Go To Finalize Wedding Flower Arrangements With The Florist ~ Tracy earned her title as Co-maid of Honor today when she accompanied Mom to finalize the flower arrangements for the wedding. Nana and Tania were also a big help to Mom. It is going to be so beautiful! Mom Catches Up On Tracy's Webpage Entries For One Week ~ It took Mom many hours to catch up on Tracy's webpage updates for the past week while she was away. Mom was so glad that Tania took such thorough notes of Tracy's daily activities while she was away. Dad & Mom Work On Wedding Details While Tracy Rests In Her Chair ~ Mom and Dad were busy with wedding details while Tracy slept in her chair until almost midnight this evening. It is less than three weeks away! WOW! Daily OM: Universal Awakening : Rippling & Tipping ~

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 ~ Mom Takes Nana To The Orthopedic Surgeon ~ Mom took Nana to Dr. Bromson Boca Raton this morning. She is still having neck and shoulder pain, persisting for nearly a month. He took some neck and shoulder x-rays and decided that she has arthritis in her neck. The doctor recommended Physical Therapy, moist heat, Tylenol, and Biofreeze. He also gave her a prescription for a mild pain reliever. Tracy Has Occupational Therapy With Melanie & Jeff ~ Tracy had Occupational Therapy with Melanie and Jeff this afternoon. Jeff and Tania got Tracy seated on the therapy table and Jeff worked on sitting with Tracy feet flat on the mat. Then Jeff worked with Tracy, positioning her in trunk flexion and assisting her in sitting upright (extension) to engage all of her abdominal muscles, for trunk strengthening and stabilization. Next, Melanie and Jeff leaned Tracy back in long sitting on the therapy table with one arm extended behind her, so she could weight bear through that arm and shoulder. Tracy is working so hard during her therapy sessions! Tracy held her head up for 25 seconds today, exceeding Jeff's goal by 10 seconds! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg & Jeff In The Pool ~ Mom heated the pool to a toasty 94 degrees and Tracy had Aquatherapy this evening with Greg and Jeff. They worked really hard on stretching, range of motion, and trunk stretching. They decided to leave Tracy's neck collar off, so Tracy had to work extra hard to hold her neck up. Then Greg and Jeff worked on trunk rotation and standing in the pool. She had a great session! Nana Spends The Night With Us ~ Nana spent the night with us because her air conditioning is on the brink! Everyone watched tennis and then the College Baseball World Series! Looks like Fresno State is the national champions! Dad Grills Italian Sausage & Saute's Zucchini For Dinner ~ Uncle Johnny joined Nana and us for dinner and Dad grilled some delicious Italian sausage that he bought at Gino's deli. He saute'd fresh zucchini and served some delicious Italian olives from Gino's! Ummm Good! Daily OM: Everyone Has A Story : Interesting People Everywhere ~

Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 ~ Happy B'Day Aunt Cheryl! ~ Mom, Uncle Johnny, & Nana Arrive Safely From New Hampshire Last Evening ~ After an hour and a half weather delay, Mom, Uncle Johnny, and Nana arrived safely from their short trip to New Hampshire to see cousin Jonathon graduate from high school. They had a great time and also managed to sneak in a quick trip to Loon Mountain and Ogunquit Beach with Aunt Candy and Tanya. The weather cooperated and everyone had a great time. Graduation was really nice, but LONG! There were over 400 graduates in the class! It was really, really HOT on the field. Mom held an umbrella for Nana to shield her from the sun! Candy and Michael gave Jon a great party after the ceremony complete with decorations and a Jumping Cage! Tania Reads To Tracy From Eat, Pray, Love This Afternoon ~ Tania read from Eat, Pray, Love this afternoon before Speech Therapy. They are really enjoying life with Liz in Bali! Mom Rides Her Spin Bike For 40 Minutes ~ Mom got a good workout in on her Spin bike this afternoon before Speech Therapy. Nana came over to spend the day this morning, and everyone watched Wimbledon on T.V. Nana sure does love her tennis! Tracy Has Speech Therapy With Aimee At NSU In Davie ~ Tracy had her Speech Therapy session with Aimee and Dr. Lowe at NSU in Davie this afternoon. Aimee started the session with some yummy scents for Tracy to smell. She added some new ones for Tracy to try. Aimee held up the eye gaze board with several activites posted: Do Talking, Vowels, etc. Tracy looked at Talking first, so Aimee hooked up the Step By Step sequential switch. Tracy hit the switch with her right cheek (it is mounted on her wheel chair with a universal mount) and the conversation began. Aimee had pre-recorded some phrases about Tracy's weekend, which stimulated conversation between the two of them (Tracy with the switch, and Aimee chiming in...) Then it was time for Tracy to practice her vowel sounds. Aimee demonstrated the various sounds Ahh, Ohh, EEE, Euuu, etc. Tracy did a good job mouthing the sounds and very softly vocalized some of them. When it came to EEEE, Aimee explained that it is like smiling, and Tracy laughed! She did a good job gettng her mouth in the EEE shape. Then it was time to work with Tracy's Dynavox! The Dynavox is an augmentative communications device which Tracy activates with her switch. Aimee plugged in her auditory speaker which gives Tracy additional auditory cues. Tracy has very strong auditory skills. When she hits the switch, the Dynavox goes through a series of categories which Dr. Lowe and Aimee have created for Tracy. Some of the categories are Fieldtrips, Friends and Family, Music, Feelings, My Adorable Luca, etc. Tracy visited several of the categories several times. She really seemed interested in My Adorable Luca! Tracy sure does love her puppy! She also visited Feelings and hit the Happy button! That was a huge improvement after the past several sessions when she hit the I Feel Tired button several times! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Dee This Evening ~ Dee came by to work with Tracy this evening on the therapy mat. He and Tania positioned Tracy supine (on her back) on the mat with her head elevated on wedges and pillows. Dee worked with Tracy's hips, hamstrings, and feet, stretching them through a complete range of motion. Tracy's left hip's range has really improved since Dr. Tidwell injected her obturator nerve last month. Then Dee and Tania got Tracy in long sitting and Dee attached the e-stim electrodes on Tracy lumbar region (T-10 area) to work her mid to lower spine. She is sitting up much better with some support, and really working hard on her head control. Finally, Dee spent some time massaging and stretching every one of Tracy's muscle groups! He and Tania do a great job keeping Tracy in tip top shape! Daily OM: What We Can't See : The Unseen World ~

Monday, June 23rd, 2008 ~ Mom, Uncle Johnny, Nana & Aunt Candy Head To Logan Airport ~ Aunt Candy and Michael took Mom, Uncle Johnny, and Nana to Logan International Airport to catch the 3:35 PM flight to Palm Beach. It was really foggy and raining and their flight was delayed one hour. The arrived around 8:30 PM after a very long day. It felt good to be back home! Tracy Has Occupational Therapy with Jeff & Melanie ~ Jeff and Melanie worked on Tracy's trunk and head control this afternoon. The weather was too stormy to get into the ppol for Aquatherapy. It seems to be the summe weather pattern: rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon. They got Tracy in long sitting on the mat and worked with Tracy's head control. Tracy's trunk and head control is improving every day.Tracy Gets A New Bed ~ Tracy got a new Hill-Rom Care Assist bed with Synergy Air Elite! It is soooo comfortable and soooo quiet! She should sleep well tonight! So should the rest of us, since it is so quiet! Tracy Has Some Yogurt This Afternoon ~ Tracy ate 18 ccs of yogurt this afternoon. She did a good job moving her tongue and getting the yogurt back! Daily OM: Hovering Around The Sun : Avoiding The Center ~

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 ~ Mom, Uncle Johnny, Nana, Aunt Candy, Tanya, Jon, Courtney, Olivia & Michael Have Breakfast At Ogunquit Beach ~ Uncle Johnny treated veryone to a nice breakfast at Ogunquit Beach this morning. Mom and Uncle Johnny walked the Marginal Way, while the rest of the group rode the trolley. It was a perfect day with lots of sunshine. Dad & LuLu Take Tracy To Hippotherapy This Morning ~ Tracy had her Hippotherapy session this morning with Breezy. She had good trunk control but her head and neck were pretty weak this morning. Dad and Susan side walked while Breezy and Tracy did all the work. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg & Jeff On The Mat ~ Tracy had her therapy inside on the mat this afternoon due to severe thunderstorm warnings. (No pool therapy today!) Jeff and Greg worked on Tracy's head and trunk control, getting Tracy in long sitting. Jeff sat behind Tracy and worked on her head and trunk stabilization. Tracy is working so hard to strengthen her neck muscles in order to hold her head up. Tania & Tracy Hang Out In Tracy's Room Watching T.V. ~ The girls hung out in Tracy's room and watched old movies: Airport 1975 and The Incredible Shrinking Woman. Dad watched World Soccer: Italy vs. Spain! Italy lost! Daily OM: Prioritizing Over Smokescreens : Giving Excuses ~

Saturday, June 21st, 2008 ~ Mom, Uncle Johnny, Nana, Tanya, & Michael Go To Jonathon's Graduation ~ Everyone piled into the cars and went to Merrimack High School Athletic Field for Jonathon's graduation. It was really hot with lots of people everywhere. The graduates looked so nice in their caps and gowns. The faculty provided each student with a beach ball globe which they threw up at the end of the diploma distribution! It was quite a sight. We are all very proud of Jonathon's accomplishments. Everyone Comes To Jonathon's Graduation Party ~ Candy had a nice graduation party for Jonathon, complete with decorations and a Jumping Cage for the little and big kids to enjoy! Tracy Has 12 ccs Of Yogurt This Afternoon ~ Tracy had 12 ccs of yogurt this afternoon. She is doing a good job moving her tongue and swallowing. Tania Shapes Tracy's Eyebrows & Waxes Her Lip ~ Ouch! Tania shaped Tracy's eyebrows this afternoon and waxed her lip. She does such a good job! Tracy Has Cranial Sacral Therapy With Melanie This Afternoon ~ Tracy had a Cranial Sacral Therapy Session with Melanie this afternoon . She really enjoys her CST and Melanie has the most healing hands! Dad Gets A Cranial Sacral Therapy Session From Melanie ~ Dad got a CST session with Melanie this afternoon. He really enjoys his CST sessions too; and believes that it helps his lower back! Tania Stretches & Ranges Tracy's Wrists & Hands ~ Tania stretched and ranged Tracy's hands and wrists this afternoon. She is doing such a good job maintaining Tracy's functional range of motion in her hands and wrists. Melanie, Tracy's Occupational Therapist, is ordering new hand splints for Tracy that should give her thumb more support. Dad & Tracy Watch The College Baseball World Series This Evening ~ Dad and Tracy watched the College Baseball World Series this evening. The competition is pretty stiff! Daily OM: Empowered Storytelling : Create A Supportive Life Story ~

Friday, June 20th, 2008 ~ Mom, Uncle Johnny & Aunt Candy Go In The Pool ~ The three kids went in the pool to swim laps while Nana watched. The water was a little cool. The thermometer read 80 degrees but it felt more like 55! Chilly, yet very invigorating! Dad Takes The Day Off To Be With Tracy ~ Dad got a lot of things accomplished today while he was off of work. He made all his appointments and spent some time with Tracy and the girls.Mom, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Candy, & Nana Explore Loon Mountain ~ Everyone had a good time exploring Loon Mountain today. It was a pretty day, with temperatures in the low 70s and no humidity. Tracu Has 21 ccs Of Yogurt This Afternoon ~ Tracy had 21 ccs of yogurt this afternoon. She is moving her tongue and swallowing well. Tania Reads To Tracy From Eat, Pray, Love By The Pool This Morning ~ Tania read to Tracy from Eat, Pray, Love this afternoon by the pool. Tania Works With Tracy On Her Dynavox ~ Tania worked with Tracy on her Dynavox. Tracy vocalized MaMa! Oh, maybe she misses her MaMa! Tania and Tracy practiced vowels: AHHH, EEEE, IIII, OHHH, etc. Hippotherapy Is Cancelled Due To Bad Thunderstorms This Afternoon ~ Tracy did not have Hippotherapy this afternoon because of very severe thunderstorms. The generator even kicked on when the power went out later in the day. It is good to know that the system works! Dad, Tracy, Tania, Luca & Luna Watch The Last Season Of La Femme Nikita ~ Dad got the final episodes of one of his favorite shows from ten years ago: La Femme Nikita this evening. It is hard to believe that it has been ten years since the show aired! Where does the time go? Tracy Relaxes On Her CPM This Evening ~ Tracy ranged and stretched her right hamstring and hip this evening for an hour and a half while watching T.V. Daily OM: Evaluating Media : Fresh Mind ~

Thursday, June 19th, 2008 ~ Mom Leaves Bright & Early For Boston With Nana & Uncle Johnny ~ Mom, Nana and Uncle Johnny caught the 10:35 AM flight to Boston this morning. They are going to cousin Jonathon's high school graduation which is this Saturday at 10 AM. Dad surprised Mom with tickets to join Nana and Uncle Johnny. Aunt Candy has planned a fun-filled weekend in the mountains and also at the beach. Mom is looking forward to getting away and recharging her batteries. Candy Meets Everyone At The Airport ~ Candy met everyone at the airport and shuttled them to her house in Merrimack. The weather was a comfortable 74 degrees and the visibility was clear all the way up the east coast to Boston. Candy sure was happy to see them. Everyone Heads To Loon Mountain This Evening For The Night ~ Aunt Candy, Nana, Uncle Johnny, and Mom arrived at Loon Mountain this evening. The mountains were so beautiful at sunset. It was biker week too, and there were over 50,000 Harleys on the highway! Varoom! The sound of rolling thunder! Tania, Wilmene & Dad Did A Good Job Holding Down The Fort While Mom Was Away ~ Everyone did a great job making sure that Tracy's therapies, medications, and routine continues without a glitch. It is so comforting to know that Mom can get away for a break every now and then. The last time she was away over night was in April of 2006! Tracy Relaxes On The CPM This Evening ~ Tracy ranged and stretched her left hamstring and hip for one and a half hours this evening on her CPM machine. She vocalized a lot this evening. (Maybe she misses Mom!) Dad Goes To Bikram Yoga This Evening ~ Dad went to Bikram Yoga this evening. It was a great class and just what the doctor ordered. Daily OM: Recharging Your Batteries : Getting Run Down ~

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 ~ Mom Takes Luna To The Vet This Morning ~ Mom took Luna to the Vet this morning to check her left front paw, where she has been chewing. Dr. Phillips said it looked a little infected but she did not think there was anything in her paw. She prescribed some antibiotics for Mom to give twice a day. Mom put a sock on her left paw to help keep her from chewing on it. Cousin Chip Arranges For Generator Start-up This Morning ~ Cousin Chip over saw the generator start-up and certification this morning. Everything should be in place and operative in case of a hurricane. Mom Goes To The Chiropractor For Adjustment ~ Mom had an appointment with Dr. Colavito this morning for moist heat, e-stim and an adjustment. She is still having some spasms around her left romboid insertion. Nothing a little motrin and some Biofreeze can't help! Mom Takes Nana To Get A Manicure ~ Mom picked up Nana to take her to her 12:30 PM appointment at Boca Nails for a manicure. Mom Helps Nana Pack Her Suitcase For Her Trip To Visit Aunt Candy In New Hampshire ~ Mom helped Nana pack her suitcase for her trip to New Hampshire for Cousin Jonathon's high school graduation. Dad surprised Mom with an airline ticket (Delta, not American! LOL) so that she can join Nana and Uncle Johnny on the trip. They leave tomorrow and return Monday evening. Mom Shampoos & Blow Dries Nana's Hair ~ Mom shampooed and styled Nana's hair this afternoon! She looks marvelous! Tania Reads To Tracy From Eat, Pray, Love This Afternoon ~ Tania read from Eat, Pray, Love this afternoon before Speech Therapy. They are really enjoying life on Bali! Tracy Has Occupational Therapy This Afternoon With Jeff & Melanie ~ Tracy had Occupational Therapy with Melanie and Jeff this afternoon at 3:30 PM. Jeff and Melanie got Tracy on the peanut therapy ball to work on trunk and head control. They worked a lot on lumbar stabilization while on the ball. Then they got Tracy in long sitting and worked on hamstring stretching and more head and neck control. Tracy is really working hard! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg This Evening ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Greg this evening at 5:30 PM. It was raining too hard for pool therapy, so Greg and Tania got Tracy on the therapy mat again in long sitting position. Greg placed the e-stim on Tracy's upper trapezius muscles and worked with her head and trunk control for muscle re-education. Then he placed the electrodes on her left quadriceps muscle to work on the front of her leg. He stretched Tracy's feet, mobilizing her ankle joints. He then stretched her hips, hamstrings, etc. Tracy sure did get a workout today! Mom Makes Tuscan White Bean Soup This Evening For Dinner ~ Mom made some Tuscan White Bean Soup for dinner this evening. It was a perfect evening for soup: rainy! Daily OM: The Friend We Want To Be : Evaluating Our Relationships ~

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to 9:15 AM Bikram Yoga this morning. It was a good class taught by Kim from West Palm Beach. There was lots of positive energy and intensity in the room which made it easier to focus. Oh, that's right, it was really, really hot! Fr. Brice Comes By To Visit Tracy With A Healer ~ Fr. Brice surprised Tracy with a visit this morning. He brought a healer with him and they both prayed over Tracy. He sprinkled her with holy water and also gave her Holy Communion. He broke off a very small piece since Tracy is not able to swallow! Mom Gets A Pedicure & Manicure This Morning ~ Mom got a pedicure and a manicure this morning after Yoga. She was well overdue and it felt great! Tania Reads To Tracy From Eat, Pray, Love This Afternoon ~ Tania read from Eat, Pray, Love this afternoon before Speech Therapy. They are really enjoying life on Bali! Tracy Has Speech Therapy This Afternoon With Aimee At NSU ~ Tracy had a great Speech Therapy session with Aimee this afternoon at NSU. Aimee prepared some various scents for Tracy to smell (coffee, lemonade, barbecue sauce, garlic, Starbucks coffee, etc.). Tracy seemed to like the coffee, the garlic, the barbecue sauce a lot! Then Aimee had Tracy feel some items with different textures: a furry boa, a bumpy vibrating massager, a prickly brush, etc. Then Aimee fired up the Step by Step sequential switches for Tracy to activate using her head switch. She recorded phrases about Tracy's weekend. Tracy did a good job hitting the switch. Next it was time to get out the Dynavox and fired it up. Aimee added a lot of new items to the Dynavox: music, pictures, etc. Tracy hit the switch which activated the Dynavox and she hit it again when it got to Luca's picture. Aimee had recorded a phrase about Luca which said that he is so handsome. Tracy must have hit that over and over again, hearing how adorable Luca is! She sure does love her Luca! Then she hit the switch and the Dynavox advanced until it got to Feelings, and Tracy hit the switch. She let the feelings cycle through: Happy, Sad, Hungry, etc. until it got to TIRED, and then hit it! The voice said "I feel tired!" This is the third session that Tracy has selected that she feels tired! She is working so hard, guess she deserves to be tired! Mom, Tracy & Tania Go Shopping At Target This Evening ~ Tracy performed one of her Maid Of Honor duties this evening, shopping for baskets for the ladies' and men's rooms at the reception. She helped pick out all sorts of cute items for the complimentary baskets in the ladies' and men's rooms. Dad Goes To Bikram Yoga This Evening ~ Lan taught a good Bikram Yoga class this evening. We all miss her since she returned to practice nephrology during the day time. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch The Celtics vs. The Lakers In Game 6 Of The NBA Final ~ The Boston Celtics are beating the LA Lakers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Go Celtics! Daily OM: Bud & Blossom & Beyond : The Life Cycle ~

Monday, June 16th, 2008 ~ Tracy Vomits 4 To 6 Ounces This Morning ~ Tracy vomited about 4 to 6 ounces this morning after her morning tube feeding. Mom Goes To Swim Laps This Morning ~ Mom managed to swim 6 lengths of the pool at the yacht club when the heavens opened up and it started to thunder and lightning. She jumped out of the pool and ran all the way home as fast as she could, in between raindrops and lightning bolts. She felt like Forrest Gump! Run Deb Run! Mom & Tania Take Tracy To The Cleveland Clinic For Baclofen Pump Refill ~ Dad met us at the Cleveland Clinic this afternoon for Tracy's appointment with Dr. Galvez to get her Baclofen pump refilled. He also increased her dose from 108 mcg/day to 119 mcg/day. We are hoping that this slight increase will help release Tracy's tone in her feet and heel chords. Mom Goes To Spinning This Evening With Uncle Johnny & Aunt Diane ~ Mom met Uncle Johnny and Aunt Diane at Spinning at LA Fitness. Paul taught a tough class, with lots of climbing and jumps (Mom's favorite!) Daily OM: Remember The Light Side : In Praise Of Fun ~

Sunday, June 15th, 2008 ~ Happy Father's Day! ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy & LuLu Go To Hippotherapy At Bit-By-Bit In Parkland This Morning ~ Tracy had Hippotherapy this morning at Bit-By-Bit in Parkland. She is sitting up so well on Breezy! Dad decided to forego the e-stim again this morning so Tracy had to work extra hard to keep her head up. It was all her this morning, and she worked really hard to hold her head up! Susan, the Physical Therapist, said it was one of Tracy's best sessions yet! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg On The Mat ~ Dad and Greg worked with Tracy on the therapy mat this afternoon. Mom, Dad, and Greg got Tracy positioned on her tummy (prone) to weight bear through her hands, elbows, and shoulders. Tracy tolerated almost 20 minutes in this position. Greg stretched and ranged Tracy's hamstrings and hips while she was prone. He also stretched her heel chords and feet. He really worked her hard today! Next, Greg got Tracy in long sitting to work on head control. Tracy is doing such a great job holding her head up, sometimes for as much as 10 seconds! She is working so hard during her therapy! Mom, Dad, & Tracy Go To Jeff's For Father's Day Dinner With Aunt Diane, Nana, & Uncle Johnny ~ Everyone had a nice dinner at Jeff's and Diane's! They cooked a delicious meal and everyone relaxed and watched The U.S. Open (Go Tiger) amd the College World Series. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch Game 5 Of The NBA Finals: The Celtics vs. The Lakers This Evening ~ Mom couldn't believe her eyes! The LA Lakers beating the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Looks like they wanted to take all in Boston on Tuesday evening. Go Celtics! Daily OM: Life's Transitions: The Death & Rebirth Of Self ~

Saturday, June 14th, 2008 ~ Happy B'Day Wilmene! ~ Mom & Dad Go To Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ Mom and Dad went to 10 AM Bikram Yoga this morning. It was a good class taught by Kim from West Palm Beach. There was lots of positive energy and intensity in the room which made it easier to focus. Tracy Relaxes On Her CPM Machine This Afternoon ~ Tracy stretched and ranged her hips and hamstrings for an hour and a half on each leg this afternoon, while Mom and Dad ran errands. Tiffany and Benny's big day is rapidly approaching and there is still lots that needs to be done! Dad Goes To A Social & Fundraising Event At Bonefish Macs ~ Dad stopped by a social and fundraising event that Cousin Chip was promoting at Bonefish Macs this evening. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch The College World Series This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed watching The College World Series this evening. We are pulling for U M Canes and LSU Tigers! Daily OM: Living In All Realms : Bear Medicine ~

Friday, June 13th, 2008 ~ Friday The Thirteenth! ~ Mom Pickes Up Nana & Heads To Lake Worth To The Hairdressers ~ Mom took Nana to @ The Hairnet, Kerri's new shop in Lake Worth to get her hair done. Kerri's new shop is so cute! Lori did a great job decorating it! Mom and Nana got their hair highlighted and cut. They look like divas! Tania Reads From Eat, Pray, Love To Tracy This Afternoon Out By The Pool ~ Tania read from Eat, Pray, Love to Tracy outside in the sunshine by the pool. They finally made it out of India and into Bali! Tracy and Tania are really enjoying Liz's journey from "pleasure in Italy, devotion in India, and on the Indonesian island of Bali, where she strives for a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence." Nana Stays Home While Tracy Goes To Hippotherapy ~ Nana came back and stayed at the house while Jeff, Tania, and Mom took Tracy to Hippotherapy at Bit-Bit-Bit in Parkland. Dad met us, and Tracy rode Breezy with Dad and Susan, Tracy's Physical Therapist, as side walkers. Dad decided not to use the e-stim this afternoon, so Tracy had to work extra hard to hold her head up. Tracy is getting so much stronger! She had the best trunk control that we have seen to date, and worked really hard to keep her head up. Daily OM: Life's Transitions: The Death & Rebirth Of Self ~

Thursday, June 12th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To 9:15 AM Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to 9:15 AM Bikram Yoga this morning. It was a good class taught by Kim from West Palm Beach. There was lots of positive energy and intensity in the room which made it easier to focus. Mom, Tracy, Tania & Wilmene Go To Lunch At Cafe Luxor To Celebrate Wilmene's B'Day ~ The girls had a day out at the Town Center Mall in Boca Raton for lunch and shopping. They dined at Cafe Luxor to celebrate Wilmene's birthday! They had the best menu, with lots of choices! Mom had an Asian salad, Tania had a BLT (without the T) and Wilmene had jambalaya! It was really good. Then the girls went shopping for wedding shoes for Tracy. They found a really cute gold glitter pair of sandals for Tracy! Mom even found a cute pair of sandals with little bronze beads on them! Tracy Has A Massage By Dee This Evening ~ Dee came by to give Tracy a massage this evening. He worked every single muscle through full range of motion. Tracy really likes Dee's massages. She lucked out this evening, because Dee did not have time to do Physical Therapy with Tracy! So, she relaxed and enjoyed her massage! Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch The Celtics Beat The Lakers: WHAT A COMEBACK! ~ The Celtics came back from a 24 point lead by the Lakers. They were smokin'! Mom, being from Boston, was really psyched! Stay tuned for Game Five Sunday evening! Go CELTICS! Daily OM: Living In All Realms : Bear Medicine ~

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes Swimming This Morning ~ Mom swam laps at the yacht club this morning. She made it to a mile, swimming 64 lengths of the Jr. Olympic Pool. The water was the absolute perfect temperature! She is trying to cross-train with swimming, Bikram Yoga and Spinning. Tracy Has 20 CCs Of Yogurt This Morning ~ Tania and Wilmene fed Tracy about 20 cc's of yogurt this morning using an oral syringe. Tracy did a good job moving it around in her mouth and swallowing. Tomorrow we will try adding 5 cc's! Tracy likes the Rogurt yogurt from Scooby Doo the best! They have some really tangy flavors. Tracy's Occupational Therapy Was Cancelled This Afternoon ~ Tracy's 3:30 PM Occupational Therapy was cancelled this afternoon. Melanie, Tracy's OT, had a family emergency and could not come. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Jeff This Afternoon ~ Tracy had a good Physical Therapy session with Jeff this evening. He and Tania got Tracy on the therapy mat and Jeff sat behind her, working with Tracy neck and trunk control. Tracy is working so hard to hold her head up! Jeff worked on stretching Tracy's hamstrings, and Tracy let him know that it was a really big stretch by vocalizing a lot! Jeff worked Tracy for over an hour, as they listened to the Blue Man Group CD! Tracy loves the Blue Man Group! Dad Returns Safely From His Meeting In New York ~ Dad made it back safely from New York this evening after his montly meeting with American Airlines. Daily OM: Accepting Yourself: A Dynamic Choice-Maker ~

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To 9:15 AM Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to 9:15 AM Bikram Yoga this morning. It was a good class taught by Kim from West Palm Beach. There was lots of positive energy and intensity in the room which made it easier to focus. Mom Takes Nana To The Emergency Room Due To A High Blood Pressure Problem ~ Mom got a call from Nana this morning stating that she felt lightheaded and not herself. Mom called Nana's doctor who recommended that Mom take Nana to the Emergency Room for some tests. So Mom and Nana spent 5 and a half hours at the Boca Community Hospital Emergency Room, where they performed a CT scan of the brain, A chest C-ray, EKG, lots of blood tests, and all were normal. Mom has an appointment with her family doctor on Thursday at 10:45 AM. Tania Reads To Tracy From Eat, Pray, Love ~ Tania read to Tracy from Eat, Pray, Love this afternoon. They are about two-thirds through the book and both are really enjoying it. Tania Reads To Tracy About The Rock (aka Dwayne Johnson) ~ Tania read to Tracy from Entertainment Weekly about Dwayne Johnson, aka "The Rock". He, like Tracy, is an alum of the University of Miami. Tania & Tracy Spend Some Time In Front Of The Computer Planning Some Fun Summer Outtings ~ Tania and Tracy spent some time in front of the computer exploring fun places to go this summer. Tracy indicated that she wants to go shoe shopping Tracy Relaxes On The CPM Machine This Afternoon ~ Tracy ranged and stretched her hips and hamstrings on the CPM this afternoon while resting in bed. She tolerated and hour and a half on each leg. Nana Comes Over & Mom Makes Pasta Fagioli For Dinner ~ Mom brought Nana home for dinner once the doctor discharged her from the Emergency Room. She came home with a few extra black and blue bruises on her arms from the IV and the blood pressure cuff. Mom made some pasta fagioli for dinner It really tasted good after a long day at the ER! Dad Goes To Bikram Yoga This Evening ~ Dad went to Bikram Yoga this evening. It had been a week or so since he had been there. He really enjoyed Lan's class. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch The Celtics Vs. The Lakers ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca and Luna watched Game Three of the NBA Finals! Mom fell asleep before the end and woke up thinking that the Celtics won! Too bad it wasn't all a bad dream! Daily OM: Personal Satisfaction: Doing Our Best ~

Monday, June 9th, 2008 ~ Happy B'Day Cousin Kathryn Jean! ~ Mom Goes Swimming This Morning ~ Mom swam laps at the yacht club this morning. She made it to a mile, swimming 64 lengths of the Jr. Olympic Pool. The water was so refreshing! It was just what the doctor ordered. Kerri Comes To Highlight & Shape Tracy's Hair This Morning ~ Our good friend Kerri came by to highlight and shape Tracy's hair this morning. She brought her son, Shawn and her daughter, Madison. They went swimming in the pool. Tracy's hair looks so beautiful! She does an awesome job! Tracy Has Aquatherapy With Jeff & Melanie In The Pool This Afternoon ~ Tracy had Aquatherapy in the pool again today. This time with Melanie and Jeff. She is doing a great job and working very hard! The water was nice and warm: 90 degrees! Mom got in with them and enjoyed the warm water too! Mom Heads To Spinning This Evening ~ Mom joined Uncle Johnny and Aunt Diane at Spinning this evening at LA Fitness in Deerfield this evening. Paul taught a super upbeat class. It was a lot of fun! Mom & Dad Catch Up On Office Work This Evening ~ Mom and Dad worked in the office to catch up on paper-work this evening. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch The College Baseball Playoffs (Geaux Tigers!) This Evening ~ It looks like LSU will be going to the college baseball world's series in Omaha! The Miani Hurricanes also made it to the world series. Geaux Tigers and Canes! Daily OM: Co-Creating With Nature : Concious Gardening ~

Phrase Of The Month: FRIENDSHIPS/RELATIONSHIPS! Affirmation Of The Month ~"Love and approval, which we all seek, must be found within first. To have a relationship of substance, ones that are solid and of real value, we must first have such a relationship with ourselves." ~ Anita Allison Goal Of The Month: "Always try to meet people with an open mind." ~ Anita Allison Quote Of The Month: "People go through periods when they just aren't connecting on the level they want to be, particularly in long-term relationships. This is to be expected. No relationship is perfect or stays the same. All relationships go through changes. And the longer the relationship continues, the more changes it will have to endure. That's why it is very important to understand that all relationships require respect and consideration, no matter how long it has lasted. It is always about give and take and seeing people for who they really are, and not what we want them to be. Never spend your time focused on trying to change someone else. Always work on yourself first, because when you do, you may come to realize that the relationship you have with the person you are trying to change is not what you really want. Then you will move on to find a relationship that will bring balance and happiness in your life, not frustration, disappointment, and anger." ~ Anita Allison Poem Of The Month: The Best Of Friends by Jill Wolf Song Of The Month: You Give Me Something by James Morrison Book Of The Month: Riding The Wave Inside Out by Anita Allison Yoga Pose Of The Month: Trikonasana : Triangle Pose Featured Website of the Month: Mindfulness.Com : This is a great website on Mindfulness!

Sunday, June 8th, 2008 ~ Mom, Dad, LuLu & Tracy Go To Hippotherapy At Bit-By-Bit In Parkland ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy, and LuLu went to Hippotherapy this morning at Bit-By-Bit in Parkland. Tracy sat up so tall on Breezy. Her trunk strength and control is getting so much better. Dad put the e-stim on her paraspinous muscles on level 20 and Tracy responded very well to 10 seconds on and 10 seconds off. She did a good job with head control. The e-stim is assisting with neuromuscular reeducation. Mom, Dad, LuLu & Tracy Stop Off At Starbucks For Lattes & Scones ~ Of course, everyone had to make a pit stop at Starbucks for lattes and scones after Hippotherapy. Everyone opted for iced versions of their coffee and chai teas because it was so hot! Tracy Has Aquatherapy In The Pool With Greg & Jeff ~ Tracy had Aquatherapy with Jeff and Greg in the pool this afternoon. Dad heated the pool to a toasty 90 degrees. Mom and Aunt Diane also got in to enjoy the water. Tracy did a great job relaxing while Jeff and Greg got her in some very aggressive stretches. Her flexibility has improved so much since the alcohol block was performed several weeks ago. Nana & Aunt Diane Come Over For A Visit ~ Nana and Aunt Diane came over for a visit this afternoon. It was a beautiful day with a light breeze, very comfortable for sitting on the patio by the pool. Nana enjoyed being outside with Tracy, Aunt Diane, Mom and the dogs. Mom, Dad, Uncle Johnny & Tracy Go For A Boatride This Evening ~ Dad took Uncle Johnny, Tracy and Mom for a boat ride on the intracoastal this evening. Luca also joined them, but Luna decided to stay back and keep Nana company. Tracy and Luca really enjoyed going fast over the waves! Mom was a little leery of the speed! Everyone had a great time. Mom Sautes Some Yellow Squash In Olive Oil (Extra Virgin Of Course) ~ Nana recommended that Mom saute the yellow squash in extra virgin olive oil and boy was it goooood! It was much more tasty that steaming! Dad Cooks Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts For Dinner ~ Dad grilled garlic chicken breasts for dinner. They were really good! Mom Shampoos & Styles Nana's Hair This Evening ~ Mom took a few minutes to shampoo and style Nana's hair for her. It looks really cute! Daily OM: Loving Presence: Surround Yourself With Love ~

Saturday, June 7th, 2008 ~ Tracy Vomits Around 7:30 AM After Her Morning Meds ~ Tracy vomited about 5 ounces this morning after Dad gave Tracy her medications. Mom Goes To Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to Bikram Yoga this morning. It was a really good class with lots of positive energy and mental focus. It was really nice to have Lan back teaching the class, after her recent return to practicing medicine. Wilmene Gives Tracy A Facial ~ Wilmene gave Tracy a facial this morning. She does such a good job! Monsigneur Brice Comes To Give Tracy Holy Communion & To Bless Her & Our House ~ Monsigneur Brice from St. Paul The Apostle Church came to give Tracy communion (a tiny piece of the host since Tracy has difficulty swallowing), and also blessed Tracy and our house! Melanie Comes To Do Cranial Sacral Therapy On Tracy Outside By The Pool ~ Melanie did Cranial Sacral Therapy on Tracy outside by the pool in the shade. There was a very calm and refreshing breeze blowing which was so healing. Mom & Dad Get A Massage By Melanie ~ Melanie gave Mom a swedish massage and Dad a Cranial Sacral Therapy massage this afternoon after Tracy. It was just what they both needed after a busy and stressful week. Dad Cooked Garlic Chicken For Dinner ~ Dad made a delicious chicken dinner this evening while Mom, Dad, and Tracy watched the college baseball playoffs. Daily OM: Cleansing Your Power Center: Trusting Your Gut ~

Friday, June 6th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Spinning This Morning ~ Mom decided to do some cross-training this morning and went to Spinning at LA Fitness in Hillsboro. Stacy taught and it was a killer class! She did lots of jumps on a hill and sprints on a hill! It was really tough! Mom, Tracy, Tania, & Wilmene Go To See Sex & The City This Afternoon ~ The girls went to the matinee of Sex And The City this afternoon. It was a really good movie and Tracy laughed at many of the very funny parts of the movie. Everyone had a great time. Tracy Has Hippotherapy This Afternoon At Bit-By-Bit In Parkland ~ Jeff accompanied Mom, Tania and Tracy to Hippotherapy this afternoon at Bit-By-Bit in Parkland. Dad met us there and everyone did their part to get Tracy on Breezy for her Hippotherapy lesson. Dad placed the e-stim electrodes along Tracy's spine and it cycled on and off at 10 second intervals. The e-stim helps to reeducate Tracy's muscles that support her head and trunk, during her ride on Breezy. Tracy is doing a good job sitting up tall on Breezy and is working very hard to hold up her head! Mom & Dad Catch Up On Office Work This Evening ~ Mom and Dad worked in the office to catch up on paper-work this evening. Daily OM: At The Feet Of The Divine : Laying Our Burdens Down ~

Thursday, June 5th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to Bikram Yoga this morning. The class was taught by Kim, a new instructor from Palm Beach Gardens. She taught a very informative class. Mom Runs Errands Around Lighthouse Point ~ Mom ran errands around Lighthouse Point after Bikram Yoga. Mom Goes To Check On Nana This Afternoon ~ Mom visited Nana this afternoon and changed the dressing on her left arm. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Dee This Evening ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Dee this evening. He did some deep stretching of Tracy's psoas muscle, which seems pretty tight. He and Tania positioned Tracy in sidelying and really ranged her left leg. Her hip is much more flexible since the alcohol block. Next, Dee and Tania placed the e-stim on Tracy's quadriceps muscles to elicit knee extension. Tracy did a good job responding to the electrical stimulation. Dee used 10 pound ankle weights to help stretch Tracy's hamstrings. Then it was time for Tracy's massage. Dee moved all of Tracy's major muscle groups through complete range of motion. Dee and Tania do a wonderful job keeping Tracy's joints and muscles in good shape. Daily OM: Ending The Cycle: Start Today ~

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Spinning This Morning ~ Mom decided to do some cross-training this morning and went to Spinning at LA Fitness in Hillsboro. Stacy taught and it was a killer class! She did lots of jumps on a hill and sprints on a hill! It was really tough! Mom Has Her Appointment With The Chiropractor This Afternoon ~ Mom had her appointment with Dr. Colavito this afternoon. He applied moist heat and e-stim and then adjusted her left hip and neck. She is feeling much better and has been able to extend her appointments to every two weeks. Mom Goes To Nana's To Shampoo & Blow Dry Her Hair ~ Mom went to Nana's to shampoo and blow dry her hair. While she was there, Mom applied some warm compresses to Nana's stiff neck, and massaged her muscle sprain. Her neck felt much better after the moist heat and light massage. While Mom was there, the Physical Therapist and visiting nurse came to work with Nana. Her neck should be better in no time! Tracy Has Occupational Therapy With Melanie & Jeff This Afternoon ~ Melanie and Jeff worked with Tracy on the therapy mat this afternoon. Jeff sat behind Tracy and worked with her trunk strength and flexibility while Tracy was in long sitting. He focused a lot of attention on Tracy's sitting balance. She is really doing a great job with holding her head in the middle and working very hard to keep it up, sometimes for eight seconds at a time. She is also working hard not to let her head fall forward, but instead, is controlling it down slowly. Jeff worked on stretching Tracy's pectorals and shoulders back, wrapping Tracy's arms around his. What a great stretch! Good thing Jeff is 6 foot 5 inches tall! Tania Reads To Tracy From Tiffany's Wedding Website & Gift Registry ~ Tania showed Tracy Tiffany and Benny's Wedding Website on the Knot.com. They perused through their gift registries too! Tracy seems to be very excited about Tiffany and Benny's upcoming wedding. Tracy Has Aquatherapy With Jeff & Greg In The Pool This Evening ~ Tracy had Aquatherapy with Jeff and Greg in the pool this evening. The pool was a warm 89 degrees, but there was a breeze which made it seem cooler. Tracy had goosebumps during her therapy, and even grinded her teeth a little. Mom decided to heat the pool next Wednesday for Tracy's Aquatherapy to make sure that it is toasty warm! Our Good Friends Sandy & Mindy Come For A Visit This Evening ~ We were surprised with a visit from our good Key West friends Sandy and Mindy this evening. Dad picked them up in Miami and brought them home. We got some delicious salads and chicken wings from Bonefish Macs for dinner. It was all really yummy! Daily OM: Finding Our Own Paths : Entering Awareness ~

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 ~ Mom Goes Swimming This Morning ~ Mom took a break from Bikram Yoga and went to the pool to swim laps this morning. She swam 20 laps (40 lengths) of the pool. The pool at the club is junior olympic size (25 meters), so Mom will have to swim 64 lengths to swim a mile. So, she swam a little more than a half mile! She plans to add another lap each time she swims, until she makes it to a mile. Oh, is that what they mean when they say that swimming builds stamina! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Dee This Morning ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Dee this morning. He worked her very hard, using the e-stim to retrain her upper and middle back muscles. He and Tania first positioned Tracy in long sitting and worked with the e-stim to help strengthen her upper back and neck muscles to improve her head control. Tracy did a great job holding up her head with the e-stim in this position. She is working so hard these days. Then Dee worked on stretching Tracy's left hip amd abductor muscles, putting the e-stim on the abductors to help with stimulation and muscle reeducation. She is so much more flexible after her alcohol block to her left obturator nerve. Finally, Dee and Tania got Tracy seated on the peanut therapy ball and worked on trunk flexibility and vestibular control. Then it was time for Tracy's massage, Tracy's favorite part of her session. Tracy Has Speech Therapy With Aimee At NSU This Afternoon ~ Tracy had Speech Therapy with Aimee, her student clinician, and Dr. Lowe, her supervisor, this afternoon at NSU. We are all very proud of Dr. Lowe's selection as the Florida State Speech and Hearing Association's Clinician of the Year! She will now compete at the national level! She is the best Speech and Language Pathology supervisor and we are all very proud of her! Today during Speech Therapy, Tracy was pretty tired. She struggled throughout the session to keep her eyes open. Aimee brought some new herbs and spices to smell. Tracy seemed to like the crushed fresh garlic today! The Starbucks ground coffee seemed to help give Tracy a little jolt, but she was still pretty tired. When Aimee held up the eye gaze board with the choices of activities for the session: Do Vowels, Do Talking, Tracy looked at Talking, so Aimee connected Tracy's switch to the Step by Step sequential switch. Aimee had prerecorded some highlights from Tracy's weekend, which Tracy initiated by hitting the switch mounted close to her right cheek. Tracy hit the switch, although she had to struggle to stay awake. Then it was time to work on Tracy's Dynavox. Aimee and Dr. Lowe helped Tracy move her head to hit the switch, since Tracy was all but snoring at one point. Then Dr. Lowe and Aimee worked with Tracy on opening and closing her mouth and on vowel vocalization. Tracy tried real hard and vocalized several Ahhs and positioned her mouth for an EEEE. She was really moving her tongue and even said Mama twice for all to hear! Mom was over the moon with excitement! You go girl! Dad Takes A Break From Bikram Yoga This Evening ~ Dad is on-call for American Airlines this week and decided to forego Bikram Yoga this evening. Daily OM: Poetry In Motion: Moving Our Body ~

Monday, June 2nd, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to Bikram Yoga this morning. It was a typical Monday morning class: Tough! Mom Goes To Get A Much-needed Manicure ~ Uncle Johnny treated Mom to a manicure this afternoon. He is such a sweet brother! Melanie & Jeff Come To Do Occupational Therapy With Tracy This Afternoon ~ Melanie and Jeff worked with Tracy on the massage table this afternoon. They placed the wedges and pillows behind Tracy's back and worked on sitting with Tracy's legs over the edge of the table. They propped Tracy's legs on the mat (in right angles) so that she could weight bear through her feet, knees, etc. and then propped her arms so that she could also weight bear through her hands, wrists, shoulders, etc. Jeff and Melanie put the e-stim on Tracy's triceps to assist with muscle reeducation. Tracy did a good job sitting and seemed to enjoy the new position. Jeff and Melanie are also working on Tracy's vestibular accommodation, to help reduce Tracy's positional and central vertigo. Tania Reads To Tracy From Eat, Pray, Love This Afternoon ~ Tania and Tracy are making progress in Eat, Pray, Love. It is such a good book! Mom Goes To Spinning This Afternoon ~ Mom met Uncle Johnny and Aunt Diane at the 6:45 PM Spinning class at LA Fitness. It had been 6 weeks since she went Spinning. The class was one of the toughest classes she had been to in a very long time. Daily OM: Permanently Parents: The Changing Nest ~

Sunday, June 1st, 2008 ~ Mom, Dad & LuLu Take Tracy To Hippotherapy This Morning At Bit By Bit In Parkland ~ Tracy was pretty lethargic during her Hippotherapy session this morning at Bit By Bit in Parkland. She did not respond well to the e-stim when Dad put the electrodes on her paraspinous muscles. Guess she wanted the day off! Mom, Dad, Jeff & Greg Get Tracy In The Pool For Aquatherapy This Afternoon ~ Jeff and Greg came to get Tracy in the pool for her Aquatherapy. Dad heated the pool to a toasty 90 degrees. Tracy really seemed to relax and enjoy the warm water and Jeff and Greg were able to get some really good stretching in. An hour sure does go by fast! Nana, Aunt Diane, Jeff & Uncle Johnny Go In The Pool ~ Everyone enjoyed the sun and the pool this afternoon. The dogs even cooperated, except Luca managed to slip through the fence several time and explore the neighbors' backyards. Mom was able to entice him back by offering him his favorite snack: YOGURT! Dad Barbecued Ribeyes In Honor Of Uncle Johnny's Anniversary Of Priesthood & Aunt Diane & Jeff's Engagement ~ Everyone enjoyed a special dinner together in honor of Uncle Johnny's anniversary of priesthood and Aunt Diane and Jeff's recent engagement. Uncle Johnny even brought a cafe latte cake and everyone sang Happy Engagement to the happy couple! Ah, Love is in the air! Daily OM: Aligning Actions With Words: Actions Speak Louder Than Words ~