Saturday, October 31st, 2009 ~ Happy Halloween! ~ Wilmene Gives Tracy A Facial This Morning ~ Wilmene gave Tracy a much needed facial this morning. She really seemed to enjoy it! Mom, Dad, Wilmene, & Tracy Go To Bit-By-Bit For Hippotherapy At Sand & Spurs This Afternoon ~ Tracy had her Hippotherapy lesson with Susan this afternoon at Sand & Spurs in Pompano. She sat up so straight and tall on Gypsy. Her trunk control is definitely improving. She continues to work really hard on her head control. Our Cousin Joey Comes To Watch The LSU vs. Tulane Game On ESPN 360 This Evening ~ Our cousin Joey came to watch the LSU vs. Tulane game on ESPN 360 this evening. Dad hooked the computer to the television and they were able to watch the game. Although it wasn't high definition, it was good to see the game. We were all lucky that LSU, Boston College and U of Miami won their games! Nana & Aunt Diane Come Over To Hand Out Candy To The Trick Or Treaters ~ Nana and Aunt Diane came over to help hand out candy to the Trick or Treaters this evening. The kids looked so cute! There were so many pirates, spidermen, ballerinas, and fairies! It was a lot of fun! Mom made appetizers and everyone enjoyed Rotelli's Pizza and salad while they watched the LSU vs. Tulane game! Tracy's Right Big Toe Is Healing Well ~ Tracy's right big toe fracture is healing well. We went to North Broward Medical Center to get a follow-up xray, and are awaiting the results from Dr. D'Altilio, Tracy's podiatrist. We are hoping that it is all healed and that she will get a clean bill of health. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Breaking The Wave: The Tipping Point ~

Friday, October 30th, 2009 ~ Mom Heads To The Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club To Workout ~ Mom went to the LPYRC to workout. She walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes and then did some weights. She ran into Liz and decided to take her stretching class, which was 50 minutes of gentle yoga. It was just what she needed, even though it was not hot. Wilmene & Tania Decide To Forego Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch Due To Sleepiness ~ Wilmene and Tania was too sleepy today to do her feeding protocol. She must be resting up from her busy week at Therapies 4 Kids. Mom & Tania Bring Tracy To North Broward Medical Center For Xrays ~ Mom and Tania brought Tracy to NBMC for xrays of her right foot. Dr. D'Altilio wanted repeat xrays after 8 weeks, to reevaluate her fracture of her right big toe. We hope it has healed and that Tracy can return to full range of motion. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Facing Problems : Running Away Versus Moving Forward ~

Thursday, October 29th, 2009 ~ Mom Has Physical Therapy This Morning ~ Mom had her second Physical Therapy session with Kurt this morning. He did not have Mom do any exercises yet. Rather, he applied e-stim, heat, massage, and ice to her SI joint and surrounding muscles. Looks like she will be working hard next week. Mom, Patty, & Tania Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch At Therapies 4 Kids This Afternoon ~ Patty, Mom, & Tania worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of nectarine, cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Today, Patty gave Tracy some fruit comboss using honey dew melon and cantaloupe. She also used some garlic and cucumber. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, Tracy was a little stingy with her swallows. Patty gave Tracy a new tooth brush which brushes the front and back of the teeth simultaneously. She also gave Tracy a dental pick to massage her gums. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Jackie & Braz This Afternoon ~ Tracy had PT with Jackie and Soleil this afternoon. They stretched and ranged Tracy on the therapy table, and then it was time to put on the new suit with the mesh ventilation. They got Tracy all suited up, and moved her to the spider cage. Braz and Jackie stood Tracy up, hooking the bungee cords to the cage. Braz worked on getting Tracy to pick up her head, using ice as stim. Mom was videoing Tracy standing up in the Pediasuit, while Tania took Tracy's vital signs. Tracy's blood pressure was 110/72 and her pulse ox was 97 percent. Tracy tolerated about 10 minutes standing, and then it was time for her to sit down. She did such a good job. Dad arrived at the end of Tracy's session, when they were just removing the Pediasuit. It was an incredible experience. Tracy was smiling and laughing throughout her session. She tolerated a little more than 2 hours today. Tracy's Daily Dose Of Jevity 1.2 Is Reduced To 4 Cans A Day Four Days A Week ~ Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday! ~ (These days are selected to coordinate with Tracy's Intensive Physical Therapy Program to begin next week!) ~ Mom and Dad decided to reduce Tracy's calorie intake so that she will maintain her ideal weight. She will receive four cans of Jevity 1.2 four days a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. This protocol started today and will continue for one month, at which time, her caloric requirements will be reassessed. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Unchartered Territory : Feeling Lost ~

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 ~ Dad Leaves For Dallas This Morning ~ Dad left for a meeting in Dallas this morning. Aunt Diane is staying this evening with Mom and Tracy. He will be back tomorrow afternoon. Tracy Has Physical Therapy This Afternoon At Therapies 4 Kids ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Jackie this afternoon. She ranged and stretched Tracy's major muscles and then it was time to get her in a Pediasuit. Braz helped Jackie put the Pediasuit on Tracy. Then they moved her to the spider cage and sat Tracy on a bench. Braz connected Tracy with the bungie cords to the spider cage, and worked on head control. He used ice on her neck to coax her to pick up her neck. Tracy did a great job responding to the ice stim. Mom and Tania took Tracy pulse ox after Tracy tolerated about 20 minutes sitting. They transferred Tracy back to the therapy table for a break. Her pulse ox decreased to 83 percent for a brief period and they released the suit. It seemed to be too tight and restricting her from taking deep breaths. Her pulse ox returned to 97 percent as soon as they released the suit and belt. Tracy tolerated about two and a half hours of PT today. Tomorrow, they will try a newer suit that has mesh for increased ventilation Tracy's Daily Dose Of Jevity 1.2 Is Reduced To 4 Cans A Day Four Days A Week ~ Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday! ~ (These days are selected to coordinate with Tracy's Intensive Physical Therapy Program to begin next week!) ~ Mom and Dad decided to reduce Tracy's calorie intake so that she will maintain her ideal weight. She will receive four cans of Jevity 1.2 four days a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. This protocol started today and will continue for one month, at which time, her caloric requirements will be reassessed. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Energy To Spare : Knowing Your Limits ~

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 ~ Mom Has Her First Physical Therapy Session At Atlantic Rehab This Morning ~ Mom had an evaluation with Kurt at Atlantic Rehab in Lighthouse Point this morning. He evaluated Mom's injury and then did some e-stim, heat, and ice massage. Mom Is Still Out Of Yoga ~ Mom is still out of Yoga. Keep your fingers crossed that she is back soon. It will be four weeks tomorrow! Argh! Tracy Has Speech Therapy With Patty This Afternoon At Threapies 4 Kids In Lauderdale-By-The-Sea ~ Mom, Tania, and Patty worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to feed her orally, and one to record her progress. Patty used a Theraband to hold her head in place while she worked with her this session. It seemed to work pretty well to secure her head. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Today, Patty introduced garlic and cucumber wedges. Tracy really seemed to enjoy the garlic. She is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, she did a much better job swallowing, and was more attentive. She is responding well to the new environment. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Randy At Therapies 4 Kids This Afternoon ~ It was Tracy's first day of Physical Therapy at Therapies 4 Kids this afternoon. Randy worked with Tracy and did a lot of stretching of her major muscle groups. Then, he moved Tracy to the therapy table and did more stretching. Then, he hooked her hand to a weight and pulley and worked on her biceps and triceps. She was pretty tired and tolerated about two hours today. Dee Comes To Work With Tracy On Her Physical Therapy This Evening ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Dee this evening. Because Tracy was pretty tired from her busy day of therapy, Dee gave her a relaxing massage. She really relaxed during her massage, and was fast asleep soon after. Mom, Dad & Tracy Watch Dancing With The Stars This Evening ~ Mom, Dad and Tracy watched the Dancing With The Stars this evening. Mom is still rooting for Mya and Dmitry and Karina and Aaron. She was so surprised and shocked to see Natalie voted off the show! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Considering Others : Reaffirming Our Integrity ~

Monday, October 26th, 2009 ~ Happy Birthday Aunt Candy & Tania ~ Mom Goes To The Podiatrist In Weston This Morning ~ Mom had an appointment with Dr. Sheinberg in Weston to evaluate her left big toe this morning. Dr. Fishman consulted the podiatrist to evaluate her bone spurs on her left big toe. She is still unable to do Yoga and is hoping that she heals soon! Dr. Sheinberg looked at her xray and examined her left foot. He recommended that Mom taked some Pilates classes on the reformer to stabilize her hips. He does not want to do surgery on her left foot, unless she is experiencing pain. That was definitely music to Mom's ears. She just wishes that there was a noninvasive treatment for bone spurs!Wilmene & Tania Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch ~ Wilmene and Tania worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of nectarine, cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Today, Tania gave Tracy cantaloupe wedges. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, Tracy was a little sleepy and not very enthusiastic! Wilmene & Tania Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch ~ Wilmene and Tania worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of nectarine, cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Today, Tania gave Tracy cantaloupe wedges. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, Tracy required some extra coaxing to swallow. She was a little sleepy and not very enthusiastic! Mom Ices An Angel Food Birthday Cake For Tania ~ Mom iced an angel food cake for Tania's birthday and they all sang Happy Birthday to Tania! Mom Puts A Lidoderm Patch On Tracy's Left Shoulder ~ Tracy has been experiencing some pain on her left shoulder. It appears that she has an old evulsion fracture of her left lat. We will see if the patch helps her with the pain. Mom Takes Nana To Physical Therapy At Atlantic Rehab This Afternoon ~ Mom took Nana to Physical Therapy at Atlantic Rehab this afternoon. Kurt did a complete evaluation of Nana's right shoulder and balance. He is developing a program for Nana to help mobilize her shoulder and improve her balance and ambulation, twice a week for four weeks. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Fritz This Evening ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Fritz this evening. He did some passive range of motion and stretching with Tracy and then it was time to position her straddled on the peanut therapy ball for trunk strengthening. Tracy continues to work hard during her therapy sessions. Mom, Dad & Tracy Watch Dancing With The Stars This Evening ~ Mom, Dad and Tracy watched the Dancing With The Stars this evening. Mom is still rooting for Mya and Dmitry and Karina and Aaron. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Half-Full Conscious : Starting From Empty ~

Sunday, October 25th, 2009 ~ LuLu Gives Tracy A Facial This Morning ~ LuLu gave Tracy a facial this morning. She sure does love her spa days! Rene' Leaves This Morning For Pensacola ~ Dad took Rene' to the airport for her early flight back to Pensacola. We had a great visit, although it was short, and hope she can come to spend some more time with us soon. Everyone Goes To 11:30 AM Mass At St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church In Lighthouse Point ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy & LuLu go to 11:30 AM Mass this morning at St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church in Lighthouse Point. Dad Puts Up The Halloween Decorations This Afternoon ~ Dad dug out the Halloween decorations and put them up this afternoon. They look so cute! Wish we could keep them up until Thanksgiving! Tracy's Right Big Toe Is Healing Well ~ Tracy's right big toe fracture is healing well. The plan is to take her to North Broward Medical Center this Friday (8 weeks post injury) for another xray to see if it is totally healed. Keep your fingers crossed that she gets a clean bill of health from Dr. D'Altilio. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. Some days she is so vocal that she is shouting! Her drooling seems less too! This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Incredible Coincidences : Synchronicity ~

Saturday, October 24th, 2009 ~ Mom, Dad, Wilmene, & Rene' Met Nana, Aunt Diane, Jeff, Chip, & Eileen At The Bit By Bit Horseshow At Sand & Spurs This Morning ~ Tracy was in the first group to ride in the Bit By Bit Horse Show this morning! She rode at 9:30 AM! We all dressed up like hippies, since it was a Halloween Costume Horse Show! Dad and Tracy wore coordinating tie dyed t-shirts and vintage peace sign pendants! Tracy's helmet was decorated with 3-D psychadelic flowers! About 9:25 AM, the skies opened up and it began to pour cats and dogs. We had to get Tracy off the mounting block and back into the van until the rain subsided. After ten minutes, there was a break in the rain storm, and we got Tracy back on the block to mount her on Gypsy. We rolled her up the ramp, and it started to pour again. Susan and Kathi decided that the show must go on, rain or shine, so Tracy rode Gypsy in the drizzle, as the passing rain storm moved through. She did such a good job sitting up on Gypsy, with Dad and Susan serving as sidewalkers and a volunteer leading Gypsy! They rode around the large show ring several times, with Tracy holding up her head and exhibiting her best trunk control of all time! She has really come a long way since she started Hippotherapy two years ago! Tracy won a First Place Blue Ribbon and a Trophy! We are so proud of all her hard work and success! Mom, Wilmene, & Rene' Go Shopping ~ The girls went shopping for Aunt Candy's and Tania's birthday gifts this afternoon. It sure is fun to go shopping, especially for other people's birthday gifts. Mom, Dad, Tracy & Rene' Watch NCAA College Football This Afternoon ~ Everyone enjoyed watching college football games this afternoon on ESPN. Too bad Boston College and U of Miami lost in the last minutes of their games! At least LSU beat Auburn! Now we're hoping that the Saints beat the Dolphins tomorrow evening in Miami! Rene' Treats Us To Rotelli's Pizza This Evening ~ Rene' treated us to Rotelli's pizza this evening. It is always the best pizza around! After dinner, Mom and Rene' relaxed in the hot tub. They made it just before the rainstorms returned. Tracy's Right Big Toe Is Healing Well ~ Tracy's right big toe fracture is healing well. We left the tape off, and just have a soft sock and her AFO on Her latest xray looks better. She is due for another xray in two weeks! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Appreciating Suggestions : Other People's Agendas ~

Friday, October 23rd, 2009 ~ Mom Is Still Out Of Yoga ~ Mom is still out of Yoga. Keep your fingers crossed that she is back soon. Dr. Fishman prescribed another round of Physical Therapy, twice a week for a month. It has been three weeks since she was injured! She also has an appointment to see the foot and ankle surgeon next Monday. Mom & Rene' Go To The Yacht Club To Work Out ~ Mom and Rene' had a good workout at the yacht club this morning. They worked out on the bike and the treadmill and then hit the weights and the pilates equipment. They ended their workout in the steam room. Mom & Rene' Pick Up Nana For Hair Appointments In Lake Worth ~ Mom, Rene' and Nana headed North to Lake Worth for hair appointments this afternoon. It is always so much fun to spend some time with Kerri @thehairnet. Wilmene & Tania Decide To Forego Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch Due To Sleepiness ~ Wilmene and Tania was too sleepy today to do her feeding protocol. She must be resting up for tomorrow's Halloween Horse Show! Mom & Rene' Have Nail Appointments At Boca Nails This Afternoon ~ Mom and Rene' had nail appointments at Boca Nails this afternoon. It was so much fun getting pedicures and manicures! Rene' had a facial too! They stopped for a cappucino and a bagel before their appointments. Sure did hit the spot! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Fritz This Evening ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Fritz this evening. He stretched and ranged Tracy. She was so tired that he was pretty easy on her this evening. Dad Brings Home A Family Friend For Dinner ~ Joey Tumerello From Louisiana ~ Dad brought home an old family friend (distant cousin) who is a pilot for American and based out of Miami. We had a great visit, and had some delicious ribs from Bonefish Macs, one of our favorite barfood restaurants. After dinner, Mom, Dad, and Rene' relaxed in the hot tub! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Exploring Our Readiness : In-Between Times ~

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 ~ Happy Birthday Mamaw & Luca ~ Mom Is Still Out Of Yoga ~ Mom is still out of Yoga. Keep your fingers crossed that she is back soon. Dr. Fishman prescribed another round of Physical Therapy, twice a week for a month. It has been three weeks since she was injured! She also has an appointment to see the foot and ankle surgeon next Monday. More later. Argh! Tracy's Speech Therapy Is Cancelled This Morning ~ Tracy's Speech Therapy with Patty was cancelled today. Patty's son is sick, and she had to take him to the doctor. Positive energy going their way! Wilmene & Tania Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch ~ Wilmene and Tania worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of nectarine, cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Today, Tania gave Tracy cantaloupe wedges. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, Tracy was a little sleepy and not very enthusiastic! Tracy's Daily Dose Of Jevity 1.2 Is Reduced To 4 Cans A Day Four Days A Week ~ Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday! ~ (These days are selected to coordinate with Tracy's Intensive Physical Therapy Program to begin next week!) ~ Mom and Dad decided to reduce Tracy's calorie intake so that she will maintain her ideal weight. She will receive four cans of Jevity 1.2 four days a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. This protocol started today and will continue for one month, at which time, her caloric requirements will be reassessed. Tracy Has An Appointment With Dr. Applebaum This Afternoon ~ Tracy has an appointment with Dr. Applebaum this afternoon. He worked on Tracy on myofascial release. He was pretty happy to see that her Botox has taken affect. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Fritz This Evening ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Fritz this evening. He stretched and ranged Tracy, and then it was time to position Tracy on the peanut therapy ball for trunk strengthening and head control. Dad Picks Up Rene' At The Airport & They Ride Home On The Train ~ We are so glad that Rene' is finally visiting us for a long weekend! It has been over a year since her last visit! Mom Grills Boneless Pork Chops For Dinner ~ Mom grilled boneless pork chops and made a delicious arugula salad for dinner this evening. After dinner, everyone enjoyed a much-needed relaxing evening in the hot tub! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Empathy In Action : An Experiment In Gratitude ~

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 ~ Mom Is Still Out Of Yoga ~ Mom is still out of Yoga. Keep your fingers crossed that she is back soon. Dr. Fishman prescribed another round of Physical Therapy, twice a week for a month. It has been three weeks since she was injured! She also has an appointment to see the foot and ankle surgeon next Monday. More later. Argh! Tracy's Speech Therapy Is Cancelled This Morning ~ Tracy's Speech Therapy with Patty was cancelled today. Patty's son is sick, and she had to take him to the doctor. Positive energy going their way! Wilmene & Tania Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch ~ Wilmene and Tania worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of nectarine, cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Today, Tania gave Tracy yellow pepper wedges and nectarines. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, she did a much better job swallowing today! Tracy's Daily Dose Of Jevity 1.2 Is Reduced To 4 Cans A Day Four Days A Week ~ Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday! ~ (These days are selected to coordinate with Tracy's Intensive Physical Therapy Program to begin next week!) ~ Mom and Dad decided to reduce Tracy's calorie intake so that she will maintain her ideal weight. She will receive four cans of Jevity 1.2 four days a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. This protocol started today and will continue for one month, at which time, her caloric requirements will be reassessed. Mom Takes Nana To Physical Therapy This Afternoon For Her Evaluation ~ Mom took Nana to Physical Therapy this afternoon with Kurt at Atlantic Rehab in Lighthouse Point. Kurt did a thorough evaluation and recommended three home exercises for Nana. She is working on right shoulder mobility, balance, and ambulation. Tracy Has Hippotherapy This Evening At Sand & Spurs In Pompano Beach ~ Tracy started Hippotherapy with Susan at Sand & Spurs this evening. It is her first session at the new Sand & Spurs adjacent to the Goodyear Blimp hanger. Jim built a new mounting block, and it was just delivered and assembled about thirty minutes before Tracy's session. He did an awesome job constructing the ramp/mounting block! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: The Joyful Flow : Good Vibrations ~

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 ~ Mom Is Still Out Of Yoga ~ Mom is still out of Yoga. Keep your fingers crossed that she is back soon. It will be three weeks tomorrow! Argh! Tracy Has Speech Therapy With Patty This Morning At 11 AM ~ Mom, Wilmene, and Patty worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Today, Patty introduced yellow pepper wedges. This is the first time she is trying a vegetable. Thus far, she has only been eating fruit. She seemed to like it. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, she did a much better job swallowing, even though she still was a little sleepy today! Tracy's Daily Dose Of Jevity 1.2 Is Reduced To 4 Cans A Day Four Days A Week ~ Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday ~ (These days are selected to coordinate with Tracy's Intensive Physical Therapy Program to begin next week!) ~ Mom and Dad decided to reduce Tracy's calorie intake so that she will maintain her ideal weight. She will receive four cans of Jevity 1.2 four days a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. This protocol started today and will continue for one month, at which time, her caloric requirements will be reassessed. Mom Goes To Dr. Fishman In Weston This Afternoon ~ Mom had her appointment with the physiatrist this afternoon. Looks like she has bursitis of her left hip and Iliotibial Band syndrome. He ordered Physical Therapy with Kurt again, twice a week for a month! Here we go again! He also referred her to a foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Scheinberg, next Monday. Dee Comes To Work With Tracy On Her Physical Therapy This Evening ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Dee this evening. She was very happy to see Dee, especially when he gave her a massage and worked on her range of motion. He was pleased to see her improved passive range of motion and decreased tone, a result of her Botox injections (780 units) on October 6th. Looks like the Botox is working well. Mom, Dad & Tracy Watch Dancing With The Stars This Evening ~ Mom, Dad and Tracy watched the Dancing With The Stars this evening. Mom is still rooting for Mya and Dmitry and Karina and Aaron. She was so surprised and shocked to see Natalie voted off the show! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Shifting Into Gratitude : The Question Of Worthiness ~

Monday, October 19th, 2009 ~ Mom Still Injured & Unable To Do Yoga ~ Mom is still unable to do Yoga and is hoping that she heals soon! She has an appointment with Dr. Fishman, her physiatrist, tomorrow in Weston. Keep your fingers crossed! Mom Runs Errands This Morning ~ Mom ran around doing her errands this morning. She headed to Publix to get some zucchini and yellow squash for Luca and Luna's dinner this evening. She has Luna on a diet! She has lost some weight and is looking much better! Tania Shapes Tracy's Eyebrows This Afternoon ~ Tania does such a good job shaping Tracy's eyebrows! She was way overdue, especially after being away for ten days! Melanie Comes To Do Cranial Sacral Therapy This Afternoon ~ Tracy had a Cranial Sacral Therapy session this afternoon with Melanie. She has such wonderful technique and such healing hands. Mom & Dad Get Cranial Sacral Therapy Sessions This Afternoon ~ Mom and Dad were next in line for Cranial Sacral Therapy sessions with Melanie. It was just what they needed after fourteen hours in the van yesterday! Tracy Is Sleepy From Her Long Trip Yesterday ~ Tracy was really sleepy from the long trip! She has a lot of catching up to do! ZZZZZZ! Mom, Dad & Tracy Watch Dancing With The Stars This Evening ~ Mom, Dad and Tracy watched the Dancing With The Stars this evening. Mom is still rooting for Mya and Dmitry and Karina and Aaron. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: The Power Within : Energy 101l ~

Sunday, October 18th, 2009 ~ Everyone Packed Up & Loaded The Car For The Fourteen Hour Drive Home To Lighthouse Point This Morning ~ Dad was happy that everyone was packed and ready to leave on schedule for 11 AM this morning. It was a very LONG ride home (thirteen hours and then we lost an hour going from Central to Eastern time). Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Stop At Starbucks In Pensacola To See Rene' ~ It was perfect timing to stop for lattes in Pensacola and to spend a few minutes with cousin Rene'. She is coming to visit us in Lighthouse Point at the end of the week. We are all looking forward to spending some time with her. Tracy's Right Big Toe Is Healing Well ~ Tracy's right big toe fracture is healing well. Dad rewrapped Tracy's right big toe last Sunday, and Mom removed it on Monday to let her pressure blisters heal. Wilmene put Calmoseptine ointment on them and they are slowly healing. She wears a multipodus boot lined with soft sheepskin during the day to prevent it from bending. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. Some days she is so vocal that she is shouting! Her drooling seems less too! This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Enjoying A Snail's Pace : Doing Things Slowly ~

Saturday, October 17th, 2009 ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Are In Louisiana Visiting Family ~ Everyone is enjoying visiting with family in Louisiana! The sun finally came out, and it is a typical Fall day in Louisiana. The temperature is predicted to go down into the high 40s with the wind chill just in time for the SLU vs. Sam Houston State this evening. Tracy's Right Big Toe Is Healing Well ~ Tracy's right big toe fracture is healing well. We left the tape off, and just have a soft sock and her AFO on Her latest xray looks better. She is due for another xray in three weeks! Mom, Dad, Tracy, MawMaw, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Frank, Kathryn Jean, Susan & Lloyd Go To The SLU Football Game This Evening ~ Everyone went to Hammond to see the SLU Lions play the Sam Houston Bearcats. SLU Lions beat the Sam Houston Bearcats 37-21 for their Homecoming celebration. It was a great treat to see Cousin Elizabeth on the field sidelines cheering! Tracy really enjoyed watching the SLU band play during the Half Time Show. She played the number two bass drum during high school, and was laughing and smiling when she heard the band play! Aunt Kathy Sue got us awesome front row seats, right on the 50 yard line. It was pretty chilly during the game; perfect football snuggling weather. Thank goodness Lloyd brought hand warmers, which Mom used to keep Tracy's face warm. The cousins shared their warm clothes, gloves, hats, and scarves, which kept everyone toasty warm. Tracy even got wind burned cheeks! We ended up leaving midway through the third quarter, when the wind picked up and the temperature dropped! Brrr! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Finding Freedom In No: Yes People ~

Friday, October 16th, 2009 ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Are Enjoying Their Visit In Louisiana With MawMaw & Family ~ Everyone is enjoying their visit in Lousiana with MaMaw and the cousins. We sure do miss Tiffany and Benny! Mom, Dad, & Ethel May Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch ~ Mom, Dad, and Ethel May worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of cantaloupe, peaches, kiwi or honeydew melon. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, she was a little stingy with her swallowing. Mom & Dad Go To The SLU Homecoming Banquet This Evening In Hammond ~ Uncle Mike, Aunt Kathy and Mamaw stayed with Tracy while Mom and Dad went to the SLU Homecoming Banquet at Twelve Oaks in Hammond with Lloyd and Susan. It was the annual banquet honoring the alumnus of the year, which Dad was chosen in 2006. Mom was not able to attend the 2006 one (since it was right after Tracy's orthopedic surgery) so Dad wanted to bring Mom this year. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Every Step Is Forward : No Going Back ~

Thursday, October 15th, 2009 ~ Mom & Dad Make It Out Of The City Before The President Lands In Air Force One ~ Lucky for Mom and Dad that they made it out of the city and north of Lake Ponchartrain before the roads were blocked in anticipation of the President's visit to the ninth ward and UNO. Mom, Dad, & Ethel May Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch ~ Mom, Dad, and Ethel May worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, she did a much better job swallowing. Our Good Friends Lloyd & Susan Make Gumbo & Salad For Dinner ~ It sure does seem that life revolves around food in Louisiana! That's because the food (and chefs) are so darn good! Lloyd's gumbo, salad, and garlic bread was so good. Susan made a delicious apple crisp with apples that they bought in North Carolina. Everything was delicious. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: What You See Is What You Get : The Law Of Attraction ~

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 ~ Mom & Dad Go To New Orleans For The Night ~ Aunt Cheryl, Uncle Mike, Aunt Kathy, Mamaw, and Ethel May stayed with Tracy while Mom and Dad went to the Ritz Carlton Hotel in the New Orleans' French Quarter this evening. They spent some time at the Spa and then had dinner at Drago's Seafood Restaurant at the Riverwalk. It was so nice to get away, even for a short time. They managed to get out of the city just in time for the President to land at New Orleans airport. They were lucky to get north of Lake Ponchartrain before the roads were closed. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Divergent Directions : Coping With People You Dislike ~

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 ~ Mom Goes To The Doctor With Mamaw This Afternoon ~ Mom went with Mamaw to the doctor this afternoon. They planned to stop at a cute boutique after her appointment, but the monsoons came and they could not even get out of the car. They decided to head home in the interest of safety instead. Mom, Dad, & Ethel May Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch ~ Mom, Dad, and Ethel May worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, she did a much better job swallowing. Uncle Mike Grills Hamburgers This Evening For Dinner ~ Uncle Mike grilled the biggest hamburgers that Mom has ever laid eyes on! They had to be a half a pound or more a piece! They sure were good. Mom, Dad, & Tracy Watch Dancing With The Stars ~ The Results This Evening ~ Mom, Dad and Tracy watched Dancing With The Stars this evening. They are rooting for Natalie and Mya. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: We Are Family : Humanity ~

Monday, October 12th, 2009 ~ Mom Gives Tracy A Manicure This Morning ~ Mom gave Tracy a manicure this morning. This week's shade is French! Mom, Dad, & Ethel May Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch ~ Mom, Dad, and Ethel May worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, she did a much better job swallowing. Aunt Cheryl Makes Red Beans & Rice With Cornbread This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed Aunt Cheryl's red beans and rice and cornbread this evening. It is so nice to be able to spend some quality time with family. Mom, Dad, Mamaw & Tracy Watch Dancing With The Stars This Evening ~ Mom, Dad and Tracy watched the Dancing With The Stars this evening. Mom is rooting for Mya and Dmitry and Karina and Aaron. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: The Power Within : Energy 101l ~

Sunday, October 11th, 2009 ~ Mom & Cousin Phyllis Do Their Physical Therapy Exercises This Morning ~ Cousin Phyllis and Mom did their lower back exercises together this morning. They are both suffering from the same lower back and hip issues! Crazy! Aunt Kathy Makes Spaghetti & Meatballs This Afternoon ~ Cousins Phyllis and Jeff came over and joined the family for Aunt Kathy's spaghetti and meatballs. It was really good. Cousins Elizabeth, Kathryn Jean, and Caroline joined us, as well as Uncle Frank, Uncle Mike, and Aunt Cheryl. It was so much fun, visiting with the family. It was a very healing time for everyone. Mom, Dad, & Ethel May Feed Tracy With Her Safe Feeder ~ Mom, Dad, and Ethel May worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of nectarine, peaches, cantaloupe, apple, or honeydew melon. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, she was a little stingy with her swallowing. Mom Gives Tracy A Facial This Morning ~ Tracy enjoyed her facial this morning. It was just what she needed after her long van ride! Tracy's Right Big Toe Is Healing Well ~ Tracy's right big toe fracture is healing well. Dad rewrapped Tracy's right big toe last Sunday, and Mom removed it on Monday to let her pressure blisters heal. Wilmene put Calmoseptine ointment on them and they are slowly healing. She wears a multipodus boot lined with soft sheepskin during the day to prevent it from bending. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. Some days she is so vocal that she is shouting! Her drooling seems less too! This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Expressions Of The Heart : Creating Meaningful Homemade Gifts ~

Saturday, October 10th, 2009 ~ Welcome Home Benny From Iraq To Hawaii ~ We are so happy that Benny is back safely from serving our country in Iraq for the past five months. Thank you God for keeping him safe and bringing him home! Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Are In Louisiana Visiting Family ~ Everyone is enjoying visiting with family in Louisiana! Just wish the sun would come out and it would stop raining! Guess we left the sunshine in Florida! Tracy's Right Big Toe Is Healing Well ~ Tracy's right big toe fracture is healing well. We left the tape off, and just have a soft sock and her AFO on Her latest xray looks better. She is due for another xray in three weeks! Mom, Tracy, MawMaw & Ethel May Watch College Football Today ~ Mom, Tracy, MawMaw, and Ethel May watched NCAA College Football today. College game day is in Death Valley at the LSU Tigers vs. the Florida Gators. Big question: Is Tim Tebow going to play tonight? Inquiring minds want to know! Mom, Tracy, MawMaw & Ethel Are Looking Forward To The LSU Tigers vs. The Florida Gators This Evening ~ Dad and the cousins are on their way to Death Valley to see LSU play Florida in Tiger Stadium. Mom, Tracy, and MawMaw are staying home to watch the game on High Def! They say it never rains in Tiger Stadium! We shall see! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Accessing The World Within: Guided Meditation ~

Friday, October 9th, 2009 ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Are Enjoying Their Visit In Louisiana With MawMaw & Family ~ Everyone is enjoying their visit in Lousiana with MawMaw and the cousins. We sure do miss Tiffany and Benny! Mom, Dad, & Ethel May Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch ~ Mom, Dad, and Ethel May worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of cantaloupe, peaches, or honey dew melon. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, she was a little stingy with her swallowing. Uncle Mike Grills Italian Sausage For Dinner This Evening ~ Everyone came over for Uncle Mike's Italian Sausage for dinner. It was so good, with the best buns and a fresh fruit platter. Mmmm good! It is so good to be back in Louisiana with family and friends! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Every Step Is Forward : No Going Back ~

Thursday, October 8th, 2009 ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca, & Luna Ride 13 Hours To Louisiana To Visit MawMaw & Family ~ Dad packed the van and we finally got off around noon! It took 13 hours to get to Independence from South Florida! We made good time, only stopping for gas! Florida sure is a looooong state! Argh! Tracy did really well on the ride! We finally made it around 1 AM Everyone was pretty wiped out! We sure have to bring a lot of stuff! No more traveling light for us! Tracy has a full entoutage when we travel now! Even the dogs have their own entourage! Mom Reads An Awesome Book: Living Your Yoga by Judith Lasater During the Long Car Ride ~ Living Your Yoga is a great book which was very hard to put down! It is highly recommended, for those who practice yoga and those who have yet to define their practice! Namaste! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: What You See Is What You Get : The Law Of Attraction ~

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 ~ Tracy Has Speech Therapy With Patty LaBella From PAL Clinic This Afternoon ~ Tracy had her fourth Speech Therapy session this afternoon with Patty LaBella. Patty continued to demonstrate the new feeding protocol to Mom, Tania, and Wilmene, using the Safe Feeder. Mom put some frozen honeydew melon and cantaloupe in the Safe Feeder mesh bag and Patty showed the girls how to introduce it to Tracy. She placed the Safe Feeder in Tracy's mouth, first on her left and then on her right side. Tracy's bite on her left side is strengthening with each trial. She is opening her mouth on command, to chew the fruit. Then she tongue pumps the juices and works on moving them back to swallow. Tania showed Patty her revision of the tracking sheet for recording our findings. Tracy is working very hard during her sessions. Consistency is key, and Tracy's team will continue to practice every day during lunch. Tania Shaped Tracy's Eyebrows This Afternoon ~ Tania shaped up Tracy's eyebrows this afternoon. She does a good job with her eyebrows. She is so beautiful! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Fritz This Evening ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy this evening with Fritz. He worked with Tracy on the mat, stretched and ranged her major muscle groups, and then it was time to get her on the peanut ball. Tania and Fritz got Tracy straddled on the peanut ball, to work on trunk and head strengthening and control. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Messengers Of Light : Rainbows ~

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 ~ Tracy Has An Appointment With Dr. Rubin To Get Her Botox This Afternoon ~ Tracy got 780 units of Botox this afternoon at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He injected her pectorals major and minor, her teres major and minor, latisimus dorsi, levator scapularus, biceps, flexor digital profundis, flexor digital superficialis, lumbucles, flexor policus brevis, and brachialis. She had over 40 shots! What a super trooper! Tracy Has Physical Therapy This Afternoon With Dee ~ Dee came to do Tracy's Physical Therapy session this evening. He gave her a massage and then stretched and ranged her major muscle groups. Then it was time for him and Tania to get Tracy straddled on the peanut ball. He worked on trunk and neck strengthening and control exercises. Tracy is working so hard during her therapy sessions. Mom, Dad, & Tracy Watch Dancing With The Stars ~ The Results This Evening ~ Mom, Dad and Tracy watched Dancing With The Stars this evening. They are rooting for Natalie and Mya. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: We Are Family : Humanity ~

Monday, October 5th, 2009 ~ Tracy Has An Appointment With Dr. Tidwell This Evening To Check Tracy's Right Foot, Hips, and Left Shoulder ~ Dr. Tidwell xrayed Tracy's left shoulder, bilateral hips, and right foot this afternoon. He saw some osteoarthritis in Tracy's right hip, and her left hip looked giood. The alcohol block which he injected over a year ago into her left adductor/obturator has worn off, but Dr. Tidwell was pleased with Tracy's range of motion in her left hip. Tracy right foot looked like it was healing well. He recommended a repeat xray in another three weeks or so. Mom, Dad & Tracy Watch Dancing With The Stars This Evening ~ Mom, Dad and Tracy watched the Dancing With The Stars this evening. Mom is rooting for Mya and Dmitry and Karina and Aaron. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Setting The Tone : Starting Your Day Well ~

Sunday, October 4th, 2009 ~ Sasha Comes To Visit Tracy & The Family This Afternoon ~ It was so nice seeing Sasha and meeting her new boyfriend Chris. Everyone sat outside on the patio and had a nice visit, catching up. Tracy really seemed happy to see Sasha! Nana, Aunt Diane, Uncle Johnny & Jeff Come Over For Chinese Food This Evening ~ Nana treated everyone to Chinese food this evening from China Garden. Tracy's Right Big Toe Is Healing Well ~ Tracy's right big toe fracture is healing well. Dad rewrapped Tracy's right big toe last Sunday, and Mom removed it on Monday to let her pressure blisters heal. Wilmene put Calmoseptine ointment on them and they are slowly healing. She wears a multipodus boot lined with soft sheepskin during the day to prevent it from bending. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Fritz This Afternoon ~ Mom, Dad, & Tracy Watch The Season Premier Of Desperate Housewives & Brothers & Sisters This Evening ~ Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. Some days she is so vocal that she is shouting! Her drooling seems less too! This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Honoring Life Changes : Blessing Way ~

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 ~ Mom Has A Reinjured SI Joint & Is Out Of Yoga For The Time Being ~ Mom injured her SI joint and is out of yoga again for the time being. She does not know how she injured it, but will do everything she can to heal and get back to her beloved yoga as soon as possible. Dad Takes A Break From Yoga This Morning ~ Dad took a break from his Yoga practice this morning to catch up on some paperwork! Wilmene Gives Tracy A Facial This Morning ~Wilmene gave Tracy a much-needed facial this morning. Tracy sure does love her Spa Saturdays! Mom, Dad, & Wilmene Work On Tracy's Feeding Protocol For Lunch ~ Mom, Dad, and Wilmene worked on Tracy's feeding protocol for her lunchtime feeding. Patty, Tracy's new Speech Therapist, set up a feeding protocol for them to follow. Tania developed a tracking sheet for data collection, to record such variables as the number of swallows, hiccups, burps, tongue pumps, etc. She wants us to feed Tracy her 8 ounce can of Jevity 1.2 over about 40 minutes, which results in 2 ounces (one syringe) per 10 minutes. It takes three people to feed her following this protocol, one to hold the syringe, one to hold Tracy's head, and the other to feed her orally and record her progress. We have been using a Safe Feeder, a mesh-like bag with a handle/adapter. We have been filling the mesh bag with a frozen wedge of nectarine, cantaloupe, apple, or honey dew melon. Tracy is doing a good job biting the wedge, working the juice back with her tongue, and swallowing. Today, she was a little stingy with her swallowing. Tracy's Right Big Toe Is Healing Well ~ Tracy's right big toe fracture is healing well. Dad rewrapped Tracy's right big toe last Sunday, and Mom removed it on Monday to let her pressure blisters heal. Wilmene put Calmoseptine ointment on them and they are slowly healing. She wears a multipodus boot lined with soft sheepskin during the day to prevent it from bending. Mom Goes In The Hot Tub This Afternoon ~ Mom went in the hot tub this afternoon to help heal her SI joint/sciatica. Thank goodness for steroids, heat and ice. Mom, Dad, & Tracy Watch College Football Today ~ Mom, Dad, & Tracy watched the LSU Tigers vs. the Georgia Bulldogs. We'll be flipping the channel between the Boston College Eagles vs. the Florida State Seminoles. Go Eagles! We are looking forward to watching the Miami Hurricanes vs. Oklahoma Schooners this evening. Go Canes! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Lotus Of Love: The Fourth Chakra ~

Friday, October 2nd, 2009 ~ Mom Has A Reinjured SI Joint & Is Out Of Yoga For The Time Being ~ Mom injured her SI joint and is out of yoga again for the time being. She does not know how she injured it, but will do everything she can to heal and get back to her beloved yoga as soon as possible! Mom Goes To Boca Nails For A Pedicure & A Manicure ~ Mom went to Boca Nails to get a pedicure and a manicure this morning. She needed to do something to take her mind of the stabbing pain in her left hip and leg. Today is her second day on the Medrol dose pack. Hope it kicks in soon! Patty LaBella Comes To Do Speech Therapy With Tracy ~ But Decides Not To Do Therapy ~ Tracy was too sleepy for Patty to do her Speech Therapy session this afternoon. She could be feeling the affects of the Flu shot she got yesterday! Tracy Has Hippotherapy This Evening With Susan ~ Tracy had her Hippotherapy session with Susan this evening at Bit By Bit Therapy in Parkland. It was one of Tracy's best sessions yet on Breezy! She sat up tall and controlled her head well. Tracy was doing such a good job with trunk control, that Susan was barely holding Tracy's shoulder. Mom, Dad, & Tracy Watch Tivoed Programs From The Week ~ Mom, Dad, and Tracy watched this week's episodes of Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, and Smallville this evening. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Hidden Gems : Experiences We Don't Understand ~

Thursday, October 1st, 2009 ~ Mom Has A Reinjured SI Joint & Is Out Of Yoga For The Time Being ~ Mom injured her SI joint and is out of yoga again for the time being. She does not know how she injured it, but will do everything she can to heal and get back to her beloved yoga as soon as possible. Mom & Wilmene Take Tracy To CVS In Lighthouse Point To Get A Flu Shot This Morning ~ Tracy got her Flu shot this morning at the CVS in Lighthouse Point. They were so accommodating; Tracy was out in 15 minutes. Mom called the CVS corporate office to voice her customer satisfaction for employee Patty Anderson. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Fritz This Evening ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Fritz this evening. He stretched and ranged her on the mat, and then it was time to position Tracy straddled on the peanut ball for trunk and neck strengthening exercises. Tracy did a good job and is working very hard during her therapies. Mom Hosts CPR Training To Eleven Participants This Evening At Home ~ Jim, EMT and CPR instructor from the Delray Fire Department came to train eleven of Tracy's family members, therapists, caregivers, and neighbors this evening. Mom ordered and Rotelli's pizza and Diane brought a delicious salad. Aunt Diane brought some delicious cookies, and Melanie and Yolanda brought a bottle of chianti wine. It was the most fun anyone has ever had at a CPR training. The best part was that everyone really understood the CPR protocol for an infant, a child, and an adult, both conscious and unconscious, as well as with choking. The American Heart Association continue to simplify the protocol too! Thank goodness for DVR to record all of the evenings programs (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, The Mentalist, and Flash Forward) Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several months. She has been sticking out her tongue on command as well. She has been a lot more vocal and really trying to talk to us. She also has been moving her lips more and getting some mouth closure. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to progress and that she can get her G-tube out some day in the future! Daily OM: Serving The Higher Self : The Ego ~