akirali

Today was another positive day. Kate enjoyed the mac and cheese, and chewed with no problem. She even had chocolate cake for dessert. Tonight was similar: spinach, ground beef and noodles, with applesauce, too. She didn't quite eat 50% of either plate, but she'll get there eventually.

Therapists worked with Kate on the mat first this morning, and walked her in the afternoon session. She had two GREAT, tough workouts. They're thinking she was stronger for walking in the afternoon: she kept her head erect and her upper body was VERY strong. She walked the length of the hall three times.

But there was frustration, too.

Over the past several days, Kate has developed a habit of blowing...as if she is blowing a hair off her face, or is hot, or just plain tired. But I am convinced it is the manifestation of her frustration over not being able to speak the way she wants.

I worry that I am inadvertantly misleading some of you who are reading this website. I am so encouraged by all of Kate's accomplishments, but I wonder if you think that she is walking, talking and eating "normally." Kate has made SO much progress, but she's not done yet. It's kind of like my reaction when Dr. Davis said Kate's progress was "slow, steady." Slow??? I thought it was so fast and dramatic Mom Angie

Kate officially moves up to the brain injury rehab program tomorrow...four to six more weeks of intense therapy. She will get three hours of speech, physical and occupational rehab each day. Even though therapists increased her therapy this week, this will still be more. It will be tough, I am sure...especially because Kate seems more and more aware...and is getting "feisty" on occasion.

Today was her best eating day. She ate enough at dinner to reduce her 6 pm tube feeding by 50%. It is possible that in a few days, the feeding tube that has sustained her for more than 10 weeks could be removed!!!!

Kate is definitely showing moods. Today she was sad and agitated, especially when anyone went near her right hand, the clenched one. I still can't figure out what the blowing means...she does it when she's eating, walking or receiving range of motion. Tonight is shower night, so we'll see if she does it then too, or if the shower will be relaxing.

Kate really does enjoy talking on the phone she holds the phone and often refuses to gie it up. Maybe she is just plain tired of Mom and Dad's conversation. So please continue to call. I keep thinking she will spontaneously start chatting with you guys soon. Last night's call from the North Wind staff was wonderful!!! Mom Angie

Kate's progress has been wonderful the last few days: she is walking better and further each day, eating more and more, even showing some improvement in speech therapy. But for the past several days, she has not spoken much at all...just the "yeah" and "ok" I wrote about previously...and hasn't smiled much either. Dave believes she is emerging more and more and is confused and agitated. Tonight one of the nurses suggested something for her agitation...like Atavan (sp?). She left a note for the doctor. We're torn because we don't want anything to impede Kate's progress, but it is not pleasant seeing her so unhappy. Today was yet another emotional day: I was appointed Kate's legal guardian in court. Noting my displeasure with the procedure, the judge said he couldn't wait until Kate stood before him and asked to reverse his ruling