Ashley had a great week last week. While there where no earth shattering milestones to report she did well everyday last week. Her attitude has been very positive. Each day in therapy she participated well and the therapists are all setting new goals for her. At home she is communicating to us so we know what she needs and wants.
She still has a long way to go, but we see a matching up between Ashley’s ambition and her body’s cooperation. Her right arm is moving more than it has in months. She is having fewer spasms and the ones that do occur appear to be shorter in length. When Ashley is transferred from one spot to another she is putting more weight on her own legs and aiding in the transfer.
Ashley had therapy everyday last week which is a first since she got home. It makes for a busy day, but we know that having Ashley home has played an important part in her progress as well.
Reading Ashley her updates over the weekend had the usual affect of putting a big smile on her face. Ashley is totally aware of all the loving support around her and that alone is sufficient driving force for her to focus on getting better.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
February 20th
Ashley’s grandparents came to visit over the weekend and we immediately pressed them into service. Among the things they helped us with was staining Ashley’s new dresser as we round out the renovation of Ashley’s temporary quarters on the main floor of our home. The new layout is working out quite well.
The big news so far this week is that Ashley’s award winning smile has returned to its original prominence. On Tuesday morning Ashley’s dentist straightened and bonded Ashley’s loose front tooth back into place. It looks as good as it ever did. It is certainly making eating a lot easier for Ashley as well.
On Monday we took Ashley to a neurologist that specializes in movement disorders. He is going to be assisting Ashley in dealing with her tone and spasticity issues. We are confident that the measures they will be taking in the up coming weeks will greatly aid Ashley in her efforts both for comfort and making new strides in therapy.
This also marks the start of five days a week in therapy for Ashley. With the move back to Fort Wayne we started out at three days of out-patient, then four and now Ashley receives physical, occupational and speech therapy everyday. Soon Ashley will be receiving a computer that will attach to her wheelchair. This system will primarily aid Ashley with communicating to others. It will also allow her to access the internet and forms of entertainment that she will control.
Ashley’s short-term memory is even showing strength lately. That was an area that is particularly susceptible with her type of injury. She can often remember the current date and will answer questions from topics discussed earlier in the day or in previous days.
There is no stopping Ashley. While the process seems painfully slow at times it is awe inspiring to see her continued determination. Now she has the brilliant smile reflect her confidence. A confidence that is reinforced with all the loving and prayerful support we are surrounded by.
The big news so far this week is that Ashley’s award winning smile has returned to its original prominence. On Tuesday morning Ashley’s dentist straightened and bonded Ashley’s loose front tooth back into place. It looks as good as it ever did. It is certainly making eating a lot easier for Ashley as well.
On Monday we took Ashley to a neurologist that specializes in movement disorders. He is going to be assisting Ashley in dealing with her tone and spasticity issues. We are confident that the measures they will be taking in the up coming weeks will greatly aid Ashley in her efforts both for comfort and making new strides in therapy.
This also marks the start of five days a week in therapy for Ashley. With the move back to Fort Wayne we started out at three days of out-patient, then four and now Ashley receives physical, occupational and speech therapy everyday. Soon Ashley will be receiving a computer that will attach to her wheelchair. This system will primarily aid Ashley with communicating to others. It will also allow her to access the internet and forms of entertainment that she will control.
Ashley’s short-term memory is even showing strength lately. That was an area that is particularly susceptible with her type of injury. She can often remember the current date and will answer questions from topics discussed earlier in the day or in previous days.
There is no stopping Ashley. While the process seems painfully slow at times it is awe inspiring to see her continued determination. Now she has the brilliant smile reflect her confidence. A confidence that is reinforced with all the loving and prayerful support we are surrounded by.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
February 13th
Ashley had a busy day yesterday (Monday). She had two doctor’s appointments and one dental appointment. First of all we are proud to report that Ashley has no cavities! Actually we were high fiv’n Ashley since she followed the dental technicians instructions to open her mouth, hold X-ray films in place and sit still for the exposures. Those X-rays showed that her oral health was quite good.
In addition to the 6 month checkup the dentist looked at her loose front tooth. Turns out he will be able to reposition it and have it back to looking as good as ever. Ashley’s smile will return to its original brilliance soon.
Her doctor appointments were with the family doctor and a neurosurgeon. Both appointments concluded with positive comments.
Last week in therapy, and repeatedly at home, Ashley moved her legs on request. In a seated position the therapist placed a ball on her feet and asked her to ‘kick’ it off. It took awhile but Ashley moved both legs causing the ball to fall off. She has repeated this motor skill at home with a balloon. Ashley has wiggled her toes for several months, but this was the first time she coordinated a move of both legs on request.
Ashley has enjoyed visits from family and friends. Her grandparents are coming up from Florida this week. Hopefully they will bring some warmer weather with them. We can’t wait to be able to take Ashley for walks outside so we are routing for spring.
We are in the first week of lent and we know that so many of you are including Ashley and our family in your pray intentions. We thank you for continued support, and Happy Valentine's Day.
In addition to the 6 month checkup the dentist looked at her loose front tooth. Turns out he will be able to reposition it and have it back to looking as good as ever. Ashley’s smile will return to its original brilliance soon.
Her doctor appointments were with the family doctor and a neurosurgeon. Both appointments concluded with positive comments.
Last week in therapy, and repeatedly at home, Ashley moved her legs on request. In a seated position the therapist placed a ball on her feet and asked her to ‘kick’ it off. It took awhile but Ashley moved both legs causing the ball to fall off. She has repeated this motor skill at home with a balloon. Ashley has wiggled her toes for several months, but this was the first time she coordinated a move of both legs on request.
Ashley has enjoyed visits from family and friends. Her grandparents are coming up from Florida this week. Hopefully they will bring some warmer weather with them. We can’t wait to be able to take Ashley for walks outside so we are routing for spring.
We are in the first week of lent and we know that so many of you are including Ashley and our family in your pray intentions. We thank you for continued support, and Happy Valentine's Day.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
February 5th
Ashley was out on the town this last weekend. We went to the high school girls' sectional swim meet to root on Ashley's former team mates. It was a great time and Ashley thoroughly enjoyed it. On Sunday she attended her first church mass since being home.
This week Ashley will have therapy on four verses five days a week and next week she will be in out patient therapy five days a week.
We continue to make Ashley's temporary quarters a bit more comfortable moving furniture in. We continue to hear encouraging feedback from Ashley's therapists and we continue to see positive signs. Ashley is moving more frequently when asked which shows that she is gaining more control of her motor skills. She still has a long way to go, but she shows no signs of letting up.
At this point we are getting cabin fever. We would love to get outside and take some walks in the neighborhood. Hopefully we won't have to wait long.
This week Ashley will have therapy on four verses five days a week and next week she will be in out patient therapy five days a week.
We continue to make Ashley's temporary quarters a bit more comfortable moving furniture in. We continue to hear encouraging feedback from Ashley's therapists and we continue to see positive signs. Ashley is moving more frequently when asked which shows that she is gaining more control of her motor skills. She still has a long way to go, but she shows no signs of letting up.
At this point we are getting cabin fever. We would love to get outside and take some walks in the neighborhood. Hopefully we won't have to wait long.
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