Saturday, October 17, 2009

August, September & October

Once again our busy schedule has gotten the best of me! I just loose track of time and before you know it I have forgotten to update everyone on our happenings! Well here it goes:

August 14-16 - Shawn and I were able to take a much needed weekend away. We went camping and had a great time!
August 22 - We had a cookout with our Ds friends! It was so nice to get together and the kids had lot of fun playing too!
August 29 - Buddy Walk - This year was the largest Buddy Walk! The A Team had a great time walking for Down Syndrome Awareness. The weather cleared just in time for the mile long walk around Progressive Field. Thank you to all our friends and family who walked and raised money for The Up Side of Downs, our local Down Syndrome chapter.
August 31 - Ali's first day of preschool! She goes to school Monday-Thursday from 9:10-11:40am. The bus picks her up right in front of the house and her nurse Jackie goes with her. Ali loves school - she has so much fun interacting with all her classmates. Ali also receives PT, OT, and Speech at school and is progressing well in each therapy.

September 5-7 - Labor Day weekend Grandpa & Grandma Cianciola came to visit. G & G Cianciola and Mommy took Gavin to Memphis Kiddie Park - he had so much fun on all the rides!  Also, Shawn and Gavin went to the Air Show!
September - Monday's - Gavin and I go to Story time at the Library. We sing songs, listen to Miss Angie read books and make a craft!
September 13 - We went to Patterson Farm on the east side for their Fall Fest. The Up Side of Downs had discount tickets for all the members and also had snacks and a music program for all of us to enjoy! It was a beautiful day and we had so much fun!
September 26 - Shawn's cousin Jerry got married! Ali & Shawn were in the wedding. Ali waved and blew kisses while Shawn drove her down the aisle in her power wheelchair. Ali had fun at the reception and Gavin found the candy table and ate lots of chocolate!

October 3 - Shawn & the kids and I went to pick pumpkins in Lodi. There is this huge field were you can pick any pumpkin from the field for $3! The crop was so good this year that we couldn't stop picking pumpkins! We came home with 5 big pumpkins and a bunch of small gourds!
October 7-9 - Gavin, Aunt Diane and I went to Cincinnati to visit with mom. It was a good half way point for all of us. We stayed overnight at an indoor water park. Gavin had so much fun! It was nice to visit with my mom! Can't wait until my mom AND dad come up to visit us again!
October 16 - Went to Rehab to pick up Ali's new manual wheelchair! We are so happy that our insurance approved a second wheelchair for Ali. We don't have a vehicle with a lift for her power chair so we needed to get a wheelchair that could break down easily and be able to fit in the Jeep. Ali's manual chair is yellow - it is so bright and cheery!

Now that Ali is going to preschool, the insurance company does not consider her "home bound" and there for will not cover home therapy. I knew it was a possibility but am so bummed that we have to go to outpatient therapy. It is so much work to get Ali in and out of the car and in the building for therapy. Besides the fact that half of our day is now school and she usually takes a couple hour nap after school. Our time is limited for outpatient therapy. Ali has PT once a week and is on waiting lists for OT and Speech - it could take 3-5 months for an opening at the outpatient therapy facility. At least she gets all her therapies at school, I just feel she would benefit from additional therapy. I guess we'll just have to wait!

Ali is getting so strong - she is crawling all over the house and is also pulling up to a kneeling position! She has also crawled up onto an over sized pillow then onto the couch! We are so excited that she is getting around so well! At school Ali is working on standing and will do so with some assistance for 2-3 minutes! Ali also uses her speaking valve at school and vocalizes 5 words! She also communicates using sign language. We are just so proud of her accomplishments!

Gavin is almost 2 and such a boy! He is all over the place and loves to play outside! Gavin is also talking so much and putting words together making sentences. He has also been really interested in books and makes us read him books before bed. Gavin is such a great brother to Ali - he always wants to play with her and is so excited when she comes home from school!

Make sure to check out all the new pictures HERE!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Corn Fest 2009

Oh yes...the Corn Fest was in town last weekend! YeeHaw! Love me some corn! Anyways...the fam went to the corn fest last weekend - the first time the 4 of us all went together! We had such a nice evening, ate some yummy Sweets corn, listened to some music and seen some friends! We took Ali's power chair (Thanks Aunt Heather for letting us borrow your van!), but there was too many people to let her 'drive' around. So Shawn did all the driving!

I almost forgot...Ali did really well with her surgery the first week of August! She had tubes put in her ears and some other minor things taken care of. And Ali also got the 'all clear' to go and attend preschool! Yippee! We have a meeting next week to revise her IEP with the school and for Ali to take a tour! Can't wait and can't believe my little girl is going to school!

Shawn and I are going camping this weekend. I think this is the first time in over a year that we are really spending time together without any interruptions! And I think it has been over 3 years since we've been camping - I hope it is as much fun as I remember!

Check out the pics from the Corn Fest here!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

July in review

So my goal was to make a post every week. Well...that obviously didn't happen! All I can say is life has kept me away from the computer! So here is a summary of July:

6/24 - We went to Rehab to pick up Ali's power chair! WooHoo - new driver! I made cookies for all of Ali's therapists and nurses at rehab - just another little treat and 'thank you' to everyone. We practice using the power chair almost everyday, Ali can control the chair with sensors in a head rest and Shawn & I have a joystick (at almost 300lbs, it is kinda heavy to push in a manual mode). Ali will be able to take this chair to school - it will help her to socialize, participate with her classmates and be somewhat independent. I can't believe she is going to school at the end of August!
7/2 - Ali went to Build a Bear for the first time and loved it! It was for her friend Lili's 4th Birthday!
7/4 - We went over Mammie & Dia's house for a cookout! Took Ali's power chair and she drove it all over the back driveway!
7/5 - They Darmour's from the Cinci area were in town and came over for a cookout! We had a blast! Uncle Charlie, Aunt Sharon, John, Dominic also came over!
7/8 - Gavin's last swim lesson - he had a great time and even earned a certificate!
7/11 - Charlie Massi's wedding in Fremont - it was a very hot day and Ali was not holding up so Ali and Shawn drove back home and Gavin and I stayed for the reception then went home with my parents! It was so great to see all of our out of town family! Congrats Charlie & Mary!
7/12-19 - My mom stayed in town to visit and help with a garage sale! Thanks Aunt Diane for all your help too! (Thanks Dad for dropping off and picking up Mom!)
7/20-24 - Another week full of therapies. Ali is getting so strong! She is even starting to crawl again! We are also starting to wean her from the vent - slowly!
7/27-31 - A full week of therapies and doctor appointments. I'll be happy when the weekend comes!
7/28 - Gavin and I went to the Splash Pad at the Park - Hayden and Parker were there too! The boys had fun in the water!

Looking ahead, Ali is scheduled to have a surgery for tubes for her ears on Monday August 3rd. If you remember, this was scheduled for the beginning of June, but Ali spiked a temp when we checked into the hospital so we cancelled the surgery and went home! I hope this doesn't this time - although I do think that Ali gets PICU induced fevers, she just doesn't want to be there! (Can't blame her, neither do we!) We are planning on a Wed. discharge - I will keep everyone updated - I promise! :)

Click HERE to see pictures from the July!

Thanks for all the continued thoughts and prayers! We are so happy that Ali is getting stronger everyday!

Friday, June 12, 2009

The curls are gone!











Gavin had his first hair cut yesterday. Shawn and George took Gavin to Ron's Barber Shop - the local barber down the street. Ron has cut 4 generations of Kimble men. Gavin was such a good boy in the big chair! I can't believe how long his hair was until he came home with his new do. So my little boy is a little man - no more mullet! Click the 'Family Pic' link on the right for more pictures.




Ali si doing well. Still a little congested but better. I still have to call the ENT doctor to reschedule the ear tubes surgery, it will probably be in August or September. We are so excited that ALi has been so playful and happy this past week. It is so nice to see her having fun and smiling!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

A fever...seriously!

So we arrived at the Cleveland Clinic at 12noon today to check in for Ali's PE tubes. Went up to the PICU to get settled in, of course I packed like we could've stayed a week or so. Ali's nurse Mandy did an awesome job starting an IV, even though Ali was restless because she missed her nap. Still unhappy, Dr. Dad (aka Shawn) felt Ali's forehead and decided she had a temp. Now everyone knows that if you have a temp the day or night before a surgery, you are probably not going to have it. So we had the nurse take a rectal temp and sure enough Ali had a temp of 39 (102.2).  We talked it over with the PICU doctor, Dr. Dan and he called ENT and they said that they would have to cancel the surgery! Oh well, we'll just have to reschedule.

At least we had a nice 7 hour visit with the PICU nurses. They were all happy to see Ali doing so well and couldn't believe how much she has grown! I realized anyways that I don't think I am ready for Ali to be in the hospital again, even for a routine elective surgery. I want to keep my baby home! It was last year on June 14th that Ali was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic - the start of her 9 month hospital stay that included a 7 week trip to CA for heart surgery. So needless to say it was very weird to be at the Clinic today, in June, and actually to be in the same room we were in then too! I have goose bumps!

So back to the cold...Gavin is getting his 'I' teeth in and I thought I had allergies but apparently the three of us are sharing a cold (but Gavin is cutting two teeth!). After a dose of Tylenol at the hospital, a nap on the ride home and already asleep by 9pm, the princess is feeling better.  We'll see what tomorrow brings!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

No news is good news...

...that's why it has taken me so long to post! Everything is GREAT here at the Kimble house! We are a busy family!  There are lots of new pictures on the 'Family Pics' link on the right side.

Since I haven't done a post in over a month, here is what we have been up to:

Easter was a busy day, egg hunt at Mammie & Dia's, early dinner at Aunt Heather's and then dinner at our house! Yes that's right - we had a house full of people! And thank's to my mom and Aunt for getting all the food ready and holding down the fort while we were gone!

Gavin and I went to story time at the library all April and most of May! He had so much fun with the other kids! The next session starts in a few weeks - can't wait to sign up again!

Ali and Gavin have also planted their annual pot of sunflowers with Mammie! They had so much fun! Gavin was even pushing the seeds into the soil, but when it came to the watering can he was watering himself not the seeds! The pots are outside Ali's window so we can watch them grow.

Ali has had a few doctor appointment and lots of blood draws over the past month or two. All the doctors are happy with Ali's progress! We were also able to take Ali off her thyroid med, a heart med, and finished her Ativan wean. WooHoo! 3 meds down and lots to go! Ali also had her first dentist appointment in May. She did a lot better than I had expected and the doctor said she did very well. Ali has all her teeth and no cavities! 

We have also been dealing with rash on Ali's face and forearms. We went to the dermatologist and he gave us 2 creams and a wash. It has been a week and her face looks great!

Ali has also been getting ready for preschool this past month. She had 2 assessments and Shawn and I just went to her IEP meeting.  We now have a plan for Ali and hope that the doctor's will let her attend school in the fall - otherwise a teacher will come to the house. I can't believe my little girl is going to school in the fall!

In the beginning of May we went to Preston's Hope playground on the east side with Mammie & Dia. This playground was made so that kids with and without disability could play side by side! Ali and Gavin had lots of fun! 

Gavin turned 18 months on My 20th. He is such a big boy and a big helper! Ali just lights up when she sees him - they have so much fun playing together! Gavin is a 'monkey see monkey do', something I didn't really worry about with Ali. I really have to watch what I say and do because he tries to imitate everything! 

Ali went out for a haircut last tursday at Roseann's shop! A cute summer bob! Ali is so girlie! Of course Rosa used the hair dryer, a round brush and styling products! That is not going to happen at home! Gavin is due to get his curl cut off, maybe sometime this month!

We have also had some visitors! Grandpa, Pam & John Maidens, Scott and Ashley Maidens, Cousin Charmaine from CA, Megan from the PICU, Cat from the PICU, and we are still waiting for Liz from the PICU (Liz if you are reading this start driving out here and visit Ali!) Still waiting to see everyone! Please call or email - Ali would love to see everyone!

So that's what been going on for the last month and a half. In June Ali is going to have surgery to put tubes in her ears. This actually was planned for last summer but she was not healthy to have the surgery then. Ali will have to be in the hospital for a few days because she is on Coumidan, a blood thiner, and the doctors want to monitor her after surgery. The surgery is scheduled for Monday June 8th.  I will keep you updated.

Also in June, Gavin is going to take swim lessons. Well it is actually just a parent/tot swin class to introduce the kids to the water. I hope he likes swimming!

I almost forgot...Ali has been working on lowering her vent settings and part of that has been putting in the Passy Muir valve (speaking valve). It takes her a while to warm up and know that she can make a noise, so she is not doing a lot of talking yet. But the other day I had my nephew over and he was running around and jumping and making Ali laugh so I put in the Passy Muir valve and was able to hear her laughing. I hope you enjoy hearing her sweet voice. (Don't forget to pause the music player on the right of the page.)



Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Back in the routine


Well Ali has been home for 2 weeks and things are finally starting to settle down and we are getting into a routine. It has been so busy and we even have 16 hours of nursing each day, my mom here to help with Gavin, and my in-laws and my aunt helping in the afternoon and evening with Ali! I am finally finding a place for all the medical supplies - I feel like I am calling the DME supplier every other day for more supplies! And everyone knows that I have to chart everything! I am constantly revising my charts and my info binder for Ali! Thanks Dad for teaching me how to use Excel and be organized with charts and such! 

Ali has been out twice since we have been home for blood work. She needs frequent blood tests because she is on Coumidan for her heart valve. Physical Therapy comes to the house twice a week and we are starting Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy this week! Ali has one doctor appointment this week and two next week. By the end of next week we will have it down to a science getting her in and out of the Jeep with all of her equipment.

Shawn took Ali for a walk in the driveway over the weekend.  She really liked being outside, feeling the wind in her hair, and watching all the cars go by!

This past Saturday the city of North Ridgeville had their Easter Egg Hunt at the high school stadium. I took Gavin and my sister-in -law Heather and her two boys. The field was separated for age groups and when they blew the whistle all the eggs were gone in less than a minute! Gavin didn't quite understand what to do, but he had fun. All the eggs were filled with candy and some eggs had prize tickets. Gavin's cousins each won a prize. 

Yesterday I took Gavin to story time at the library. He had fun listening to stories, dancing and playing with bubbles.  I tried to look for some books or DVD's for Gavin and Ali after story time but all Gavin wanted to do was take all the books off the shelves! We will continue to go to story time every week - if we are allowed back to the library. LOL!!!

My Uncle Mark came over the past two Sundays with his mandolin. He played lots of music for Ali. She really had fun listening to the music and dancing! She enjoyed it so much that it put her right to sleep! Thanks Uncle Mark! Enjoy the video.


We are ready for visitors! Call or email me to let me know when you want to visit! Please wait to visit if you are sick or have been around someone that has been sick. We want Ali to stay healthy and at home. Can't wait to see everyone!

Check out the newest pictures. Click on the 'Family Pics' link on the right!



Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Ali is home!



It has been 283 days since Ali had been home! We are so excited this day is finaly here! We said our goodbye's to all the great nurses, and therapists at rehab, passed out heartshaped cookies, and pictures of Ali to everyone! Ali traveled over 5000 miles to CA and back to get a life saving heart surgery this winter. We drove countless miles back and forth to the Cleveland Clinic and to CA and back. And Gavin has been such a trooper this whole hospital stay. We couldn't be more blessed to have our Ali Rose home again! 

We left rehab around 12noon (and everyone at reahab said no one gets out that early!) and Ali took a nap in the car on the ride home. Mammie, Dia, and Grandma were waiting for us to arrive. Grandma drove up to stay with us until we get settled. (Thank you Grandpa - wish you could be here with us too!) After we arrived home it felt like we did when we brought Ali home from the hospital when she was born! We had to get her settled, get her feed started, switch her onto her other vent, and get her meds ready! And ofcourse lots of kisses in between! Ali is so happy to be home and Gavin is happy too - he even started to bring her toys to her and she gave him a hug! Too cute!

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. They really helped to bring Ali home! We are so fortunate to have amazing family and friends that have supported us in every way! While the chapter is closed on the 9 month hospital stay, we start another chapter of continuing to help Ali get stronger and to hopefuly get her off the vent! 

In a week or so, once we get settled, we would love for our family and friends to come and visit Ali!  I'll let you know when we are ready for visitors! Can't wait to see eveyone! This includes all the PICU nurses too - we miss you!

Check out the new pics on the 'Family Pic' link on the right!

The Power Chair

Last weekend Ali's PT tried a power chair with head controls for Ali. She did really well! Andrina, PT, let us keep the power chair in Ali's room over the weekend so we could work with Ali and let her explore. It was amazing to see where Ali wanted to go and to watch her explore and make her own decisions on where to go! It has been 9 months since she was able to go where she wanted to. Ali even follower Gavin into the small Kitchen area in her unit at rehab! Check out the videos and remember to click on the 'Family Pic' link to the right to see more pics! And remember to pause the music to see/hear the videos!







This one is just for fun! She is just too cute!




Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Spring Fever


There is a courtyard at Rehab and we took advantage of the nice weather and outside on Saturday.  Gavin had so much fun on the playground and slide. We even cleaned off a cozy coupe and he cruised around (actually he really just wanted to push it around the courtyard)! Later, Shawn took Ali for a walk thru the building and went outside for some fresh air - she loved it! 

Our Dining Room is finally starting to look like Ali's new bedroom - Shawn and his dad moved out the dining room set and Shawn brought down crib and dresser. We still need to add all the decorations and pictures from her bedroom walls to warm up her new room! We can't wait until she comes home!

Shawn and I wanted to hear Ali's voice today so we changed her vent settings and put in her speaking valve (without Respiratory or Nursing...he he)!  I put Gavin in the crib with Ali and they were having so much fun! Ali was saying "Hi" to us and babbling to Gavin, it was so cute! We only kept her at that setting with the valve for a half hour, we wanted to see if she would tolerate it and she did awesome! I promise I will take video next time! It is so wonderful to hear her 

Save the date for the Up Side of Downs Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk. It will take place on Saturday August 29, 2009 at Progressive Field. I am going to organize a team this year so watch for details...Ali wants all her family and friends walking next to her this year!

Check out the new pics in the 'Family Pics' link on the right!

Enjoy the videos! (Remember to pause the music player on the right!)




Monday, March 2, 2009

Yummy peaches!


Yeah for Ali - she is taking small amounts of food by mouth! I can't even remember the last time that Ali wanted to eat any food by mouth! We are soooooo excited! Other than eating some food it has been a therapy packed week (thanks girls!) Ali is getting stronger by the week - everyone is so impressed by her achievements! We also received the official word that the staff at rehab feels Ali will be ready to go home in 3-4 weeks! Hip Hip Hooray! Of course this all depends on Ali's Medicaid waiver getting approval so Shawn and I can arrange nursing for Ali's home care. But we are on it!

On another note - Gavin has 2 molars coming in! Poor Gavin - it has not been the best week for him! Ouch!

We are eagerly awaiting the day we can bring Ali home! 

Monday, February 23, 2009

ELMO


Ali went to see ELMO and Sesame Street at the State Theater on Saturday. This was the first time she was out of the hospital setting since June 14th, 2008! And we went as a family! Ali had a great time - she was dancing and bopping along to the songs the whole time! Gavin also enjoyed the show! A big THANK YOU to Catie, Ali's Recreational Therapist for planning the trip! And Regina, Ali's Respatiory Therapist and another patient also attended the show!


Ali also had her 1st tub bath in 8 months! She had so much fun! I hope we can get her into the therapy pool soon too!

Ali is doing really well. It seems as if something clicked in her when we came back to rehab. She uses her sign language more, has been rolling over on her stomach and trying to crawl, and sits up on her own in the crib! We are so proud of her progress here at rehab!

Click on the 'Family Pics' link to see more pics of ELMO and Ali's bath!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Back at rehab


Ali was transfered back to rehab this afternoon! WooHoo! Now we can get back to all her therapies and getting ready to go home! Thank you to all the PICU nurses,  Ali was happy to see you for the week but now you can come to rehab and visit! Whatever GI bug Ali had seems to have taken it's course and she is doing better now. When we put her in the crib at rehab, she turned over on her stomach, got up on her knees and tried to move toward one of her toys! Wow! I can't believe she is that strong! The pulmonologist came by to see Ali while in the PICU and said that Ali can use her speaking valve next week! I can't wait to hear her talk - sometimes we get to hear Ali if her trach cuff is deflated. I will post a video as soon as we hear her voice!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Still in the PICU



Ali is still in the PICU at the main campus. We are trying to get back to Rehab tomorrow! She had a few minor set backs, but now we are back on track!



Last Friday cousin Parker had the day off from school so he came up to visit! Ali was so happy to see him and play. We took Ali for a ride in a wheelchair! She was so happy to get out of her room! We were even able to walk out to the fish tank by the 4th floor elevators!

Ali had a nice Valentine's day at the PICU. We had treats for all the nurses and patients! I took Gavin to get his angel picture the other night. Now Barb has angel pictures of all her grandkids - her collection is complete!



There are a few new pics - click the 'Family Pics' link on the right side! 

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Ali is in the PICU

Just an update...Ali is in the PICU at the main campus. They took her over on Sunday night. She was not keeping her food down all day Sunday. The doctors say it is just a stomach bug, so Ali was on IV fluids Sunday night until this afternoon because she is on a lot of diuretics and they did not want her to get dehydrated. Since this afternoon she has been on Pedialyte and they may mix in some formula later tonight. We are planning on being back at rehab by Thursday. Ali is in good spirits and love seeing all of her favorite nurses and respiratory therapists from the PICU!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Update


Sorry it has been so long since the last update! Gavin had a double ear infection a week and a half ago, and I came down with a cold about a week ago!  So Gavin and I have been home for a week! We both had cabin fever. Ali has been well. She has been really busy in all her therapies. For the last week, Ali has a cast on her left foot - for streching. PT suggested this so Ali could have a slow strech and hopefully have better range of motion in her ankle. The cast is going to come off on Tuesday. They tried to put on a cast on the right foot at the sametime, but the cast was too tight so they cut it off and will probably give it another try after the left cast comes off! Her leg has healed where she had her IV line so now Ali can take a bath - except for the cast now! Oh well, soon enough!

I have included some new pictures. PT had brought by a motorized wheelchair that is activitated by Ali pushing a button on the tray. She did okay with going straight, then PT changed the chair to go in circles and Ali kept pressing the button! It was so fun watching her scoot in the chair! There are also pictures of Ali during a PT session painting with Catie the RT and Ali on the excersise ball. Ali is working so hard in all her therapies! We are so proud of her!

Enjoy the new pictures in the 'Family Pics' link on the side bar and the short videos of Ali scooting in her chair! Oh, and Gavin and I are feeling better!


Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Ali's 3rd Birthday



Ali's 3rd birthday was on the 10th. I'm a little late with the post, but I have been really busy at rehab with Ali and Gavin! Ali had a great Birthday! It was really cold and snowy that day, but everyone eventually made it!

Ali has been doing well at rehab. She has a busy schedule of therapies - physical, occupational, speech, recreational, and music! Ali even has a group  - play group like therapy 3 times a week and Gavin and I even join in! She loves being with all the kids! Shawn and I have almost completed all of our training, we are just waiting for the medicaid applications to go thru so we can get home nursing.


On Monday, Ali got a hair cut! Roseann and Aunt Diane came to visit and Roseann cut Ali's hair! She looks so cute with her new do!

Today, Ali's OT Terry took her on the swing! Ali did really well with her balance. I think we are going to try this a couple times a week! Gavin even got to take a ride too!

Make sure to check out all the new pics. Click the link "Family Pics" on the right side of the page!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Ali is finally at the Rehab Hospital

Just a quick update. Ali was transferred to the Children's Rehab Hospital yesterday. This is where Ali will receive lots of PT and OT, play time (out of the crib), and get on a schedule for home-like stuff. Shawn and I have also started learning how to take care of Ali with her trach and how to operate the ventilator. We are not sure how long Ali will be here until we are finally discharged to go home, it could be 4-6 weeks. Any one is welcome to visit, as long as you don't have a cold or been exposed to someone with a cold or the flu. Please give me a few day's notice of you want to visit Ali so I can put you on the visitor list - you can call or email me 440-823-3540, Ali's direct line 216-448-6317,  smkimble@hotmail.com.  We are so happy that Ali is well enough to be at the rehab hospital. Another plus is that the parking is FREE!!!! But there is no wireless Internet!

I also wanted to take a minute and thank everyone over the past 7 months that has generously helped our family. From making us dinner, to sitting with Ali at the hospital, to watching Gavin, and monetarily, we appreciate everything.  This has been Ali's longest hospital stay. All the thoughts, notes of encouragement and prayers have really helped Ali and the family through this trying time. While Ali is in rehab, we will be transforming our dining room into Ali's new bedroom. Since we have a 2-story home, we feel Ali's needs would be better met if she is on the 1st floor of our home and as long as Ali is on a ventilator, we will need a nurse to watch her at night. Thank you again for everything. We are truly blessed to have a great support system of family and friends!