What a golden day!!!
When I left the hospital today, I kissed Kate goodbye and put my cheek next to her mouth and asked for a kiss. She obliged...a big, DELIBERATE, knowing, PURPOSEFUL kiss that made me cry. She only did that once before...a while ago...and I am not sure it was as deliberate then. It reminded me that when Nick left the other day, he kissed Kate gently on the lips and she moved her lips as if to kiss him back...twice!
Besides that...during speech therapy, Kate ate applesauce again and FOR THE FIRST TIME used her tongue to lick some applesauce from her lips. It was a great sign! I kissed her then, too...and the therapist remarked about Kate's reaction to my loving...how happy and content she looked. The therapist told Kate how lucky she was to have a mom like me...and I said...."No, I am the lucky one." Kate smiled again and sighed deeply.
Still more...Kate shook her head no several times today in what seemed like appropriate responses to questions and statements. When I told Dave, he said that during the last several evenings, he has been working with Kate to get her to say yes and no...or to shake her head yes or no. Seems like she's got the no part down pretty good.
In general Kate just seemed much more aware and responsive today. Dave came early to give me a "short" day (8 hours) and while I am glad to have some free time, it is really difficult to be away from Kate tonight. I fear I am missing some more progress.
Visitors today included Jamey Boldiszar and Beth Jamros from NMU; Kelly Marshall, Kate's sister in law, and Betty Marshall, Dave's ex wife and mother of Kate's half siblings. Kate has always admired and truly respected and loved Betty...it was great to see her visit.
