Abby update - November 6

We're a little late with the news from Monday, and, believe me, I'm as eager to post the news as you are to read it! So, now that the Warm Springs internet access is back up, I'm happy to share Abby's latest progress with you.

Probably Abby's biggest news is that she got to drink a Dr. Pepper on Monday! She did well on the swallowing test for thin liquids, and the doctor said that something cold and bubbly like a Dr. Pepper was a perfect way to reintroduce liquids. It must have felt so good to have something to drink after all those purees and nectars! She was also given a piece of cracker and a cheerio during the swallowing test, and, although she did some chewing, they'll probably still wait a while for those types of foods.

Abby also had a good day in therapy. She was held in a standing position for a long time in a standing frame and later in the day actually used her legs in taking quite a few steps (with a lot of body support from us and the therapist). She continues to have an occupational therapist aversion. (At one point we thought her first words were going to be some choice ones directed at the OT--she appeared so frustrated with them moving her arms--but those reactions and stimuli are important ones.) I'm a little worried about her malicious sense of humor. She inadvertently kicked the OT with her heavy walking boot, and, as Kim grabbed her shin in pain, Abby laughed. This morning the speech therapist also had her laughing as she told her more stories about how sore she was from teaching her daughter some basketball drills. Basketball stories and OT-abuse--those are the things that Abby seems to enjoy most right now...

Well, I'd better head upstairs. Frank is back from a long weekend--enjoying time with friends, getting started on practicing with his Little Dribblers basketball team (Gordon and some friends are coaching), and visiting the zoo yesterday with the Marcoes--now I get to be the mean one and give him his spelling test. I guess I know how those underappreciated OTs feel...

Keep on praying--God is answering...

Love,
Abby's family