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!

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!

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! 

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!

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!