Monday, September 20, 2010

Miracle of Miracles

With so many miracles that we have been seeing, I wondered how many more we had.  Shouldn't we run out or hit our quota at some point?  Surely her progress will slow down and we will work on improving the skills we have, instead of getting new (or regaining old) skills we thought were beyond our reach.  Shows how much I know.

Today Angelee passed her swallowing test.  She proved to the speech pathologists that she could drink thin liquids without sending them into her lungs, and that she could eat solid food.  She hadn't been chewing before, but I guess she remembered.  We were all happy.  No special pureed or thickened liquids diet!  She is now on the "toddler diet:"  small bites, chew thoroughly, don't overload mouth, no choking food (whole grapes, hot dogs, lots of peanut butter), etc.

Her hearing test didn't go as well.  Her right ear passed but her left ear didn't.  We will have to have more follow-up tests with an audiologist later.

Trent was bouncing her on the bed and she started saying, "ahhhh."  With the bounce it was "ah-ah-ah-ah-ah," and made her laugh.  They did that several times, laughing at each other - and something clicked for Angelee.  She could make sounds!  It wasn't long before she was making the "uh" sound when toddlers are asking for something,or a surprised noise at something new.  Within an hour or two, she looked at a magazine picture, signed "baby," and slowly but distinctly said, "ba-by."  The dam broke.  From there she is on to "meow," "Da-da," "ow," "dog," and a dozen other words she knew.  Her favorite word right now is "on," and she says it over and over, just to hear herself talk.  She is also playing with the pitch of her voice, like a new baby does.  Wow.  I didn't know if she would ever talk again.

And saving the best for last - our little girl came home today!  She has to wear her helmet all the time except for sleeping, since they won't be putting the skull pieces back in for several more weeks, but she's home!  I am beside myself with happiness.  It will be nice to live with my sweet husband again, too.  I'm so excited, and scared spitless at the same time.  I'm not sure how we will care for her, but I love our family being together again!

10 comments:

  1. Wow! How cool is that?! I'm so excited for you. Welcome home, Angelee!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Way to go, baby girl!! We are so excited for all of you. And Janette, there will NEVER be a limit on miracles! Heavenly Father loves you and that lovely daughter of yours, and wants to give you more and more. =D

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love al of you. i felt a beautiful spirit in your home today and felt humbled at the chance to be there. You are beautiful parents and I wonder if the miracles that your family are experiencing are inviting angels from heaven into your home. love love love-shannon

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is the happiest news I've heard in a long time. I've been following your blog and marvel at your faith and humor while experiencing one of the most devastating things that could happen to a parent. Your family is inspiring. The things you have learned from this experience has put your whole family on a whole new level. God will continue to bless each of you, and in turn you will bless the lives of others.

    ReplyDelete
  5. We are so thrilled! Trent and Janette, thanks for making your home a little piece of heaven. You have your priorities in such a beautiful place. Your example affects us all as you invite angels into your home. There has always been a place at your table for our Parents in Heaven. I weep with joy as I write this, welcome home all of you and thank you Angelee for the gifts you have brought that has united this extended family and friends in your behalf. You are our Angel. WELCOME HOME

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your little girl couldn't possibly have a better momma. I'm so glad she's home with her family.

    Thank you for sharing this experience. It's been a joy and a heartache to read about Angelee. The heartache at the accident of course, but the joy of your endless love for her.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is the best news yet. I am so glad she is home with you, and your family is together again. She will surely do better at home then in the hospital. You are all still in our prayers. The Ovards

    ReplyDelete
  8. What an inspiration you are to me! I'm so glad she's starting to talk. What a blessing and a miracle.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am so glad to hear she's home!!

    ReplyDelete