MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This is such a busy time of the year! We are almost
finished with all the Christmas celebrating. Matt's
mother had to have surprise back surgery Thursday
so that changed our plans a bit. She is doing great
now though and we are all thankful that this has
alleviated her pain.
Isabelle had her Christmas party at school Friday
(pics will come soon). She exchanged gifts with a
classmate and pushed her button to say thank you
at the appropriate time after recieving a cute little
baby doll. She has really held a tight grip on that
baby, it is special to her. We also found out that she
apparently loves sprite.
We drove to Tulsa yesterday to visit Matt's mom for
Christmas. Emelia recieved a karaoke machine from
them so we will have constant entertainment!

I pray for blessings overflowing for the New Year!
Thank you for your love and prayers.

Annie & Izzy

 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

This has been a crazy couple of weeks... 
I have been to three funerals... 
Sylvia Johnston... a lovely lady who attended church with me.  She was beautiful
inside and out and was so kind to me & to Izzy.
Estelle Dehart... my maternal grandmother.  She was a sweet kind woman who
served her very large family.
Ozella Lemmon... my dear friend Mendy's grandmother.  She was a joy to her
family.  Mendy offered her eulogy and did a beautiful tribute in her memory.

Coming away from these funerals with the technology today that provides
slide shows which offer a life time of memories.  You quite literally are able
to watch the person's life pass before your very eyes.  I think the lesson I leave
with is that each day is truly a gift from God to be savored.  The people in our
lives are there for a reason and they are a blessing.

On another note... Izzy is doing well.  She remains so healthy.  It is amazing how
sturdy and healthy she is.  School was cancelled last Thursday-Friday because of
snow and ice.  It was a nice time to enjoy the kids.  We continue to do programming
with Izzy and have began doing some different games with blocks and toys to try
to get her more motivated.  She always surprises us with her abilities.  She is the
sweetest little girl.  (I have to stop saying baby since she is four years old). 

I am about 25% finished decorating for christmas and have put the tree up.  
YEAH!
I am finally feeling the Christmas feeling.

Love and blessings to all and many many thanks for your continued faithful 
prayers.

Annie 

Thirteen Scriptures of promise I believe & base my hope on... 1.  John 14:12-14 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 2.  John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you 3.  Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." 4.  Mark 11:22-24 So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. 5.  Matt 18:18-20 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." 6.  Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 7.  Matt 8:16-17 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses." 8.  1Pet 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. 9.  Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 10. 2Cor 1:18-20 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us--by me, Silvanus, and Timothy--was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 11.  Jam 1:5-7 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 12.  John 16:23-24 And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 13.  Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Amen! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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Thanksgiving Week...

This is a pic of Paula/Matt's mom with Izzy on Thanksgiving Day in Tulsa. They were just hanging out. Matt's mom hurt her back and has been experiencing a lot of pain. She is also beginning a new job that requires a good deal of travel. Please keep her in your prayers.
Last Sunday my maternal grandmother passed away. She was 88 years old, and lived in a nursing facility with her husband of 70+ years. Her name was Estelle DeHart. She had many many grandchildren as my mother was one of 13 children she had. I do have fond memories of spending the nights in Pauls Valley as a child. I remember that grandma always had vanilla sandwich cookies, she was always sweet and soft spoken, and she could cook anything and make it taste good. My mother loved her very much and will miss her greatly as will my grandfather.
My mother is one of a kind. I really was blessed growing up with Christian parents who loved me. They always made me feel like I could accomplish anything I wanted to do. My mother always has room at the table for one more. She shows her love in so many ways including cooking delicious food. She gives of herself in a very quiet way, never wanting credit for her deeds. I don't know if I will ever acquire some of her characteristics, but I admire them so much.
Izzy has been a trooper through all the holiday outings. She is so healthy and continues to do well. We are going to horse therapy today so hopefully I'll get some good pictures.
I continue to work towards getting TEFRA for Izzy. After a month of no returned calls, I finally did get to talk to a person and find out we are going to have to get some additional documentation that could take another month or two. It is a little frustrating, but I know that the effort will be worth it in the end.
I cannot believe Christmas is right around the corner. We are definately not ready! I have to say I have no desire to even decorate at this point. I think there is just so many other things going on right now.
I know I say it almost every post but I want to say it again... I am so thankful for all of you who are praying for Izzy!

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord"
James 1:5-7

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Izzy at school...

Yesterday when I took Izzy to school I knew that she would be working with Camilla and probably working in the walkable. I talked to her on the way to school about trying hard and how proud I was of her. When I came back to pick her up, everyone was very excited about how she had done in the walkable. She walked in it across and back in the therapy room. Camilla took her out and asked if she wanted to get in again to which she let them know she did. She said "go" when put in the walkable and they took her out into the hall and let her "walk" down the hall while the four little boys in her class sat in chairs and cheered for her. She never fussed and while she was helped by both Camilla and Niecie, they really felt like she was trying to help take steps and did initiate some steps on her own again. She was able to go further this time than the time before.
After her walking, she worked on vision and did better than ever!
Anyway, it was a good school day for Izzy and it's days like these that keep you smiling on slower days. I know that God is working in Izzy's brain and body and have faith that she will walk down the hall on her own soon.
I am thankful for Camilla (pt), she believes in Izzy... so do Barbara and Niecie (teachers). I cannot stress how important it is that the people helping Izzy believe in her!
Thanks for keeping us in prayer. She is doing great!

"The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" Lamentations 3:22-24

Thirteen Things I'm thankful for... 1.   God's love.   2.   My husband Matt. 3.   My children... Amanda, Bailey, Emelia, & Isabelle. 4.   My parents. 5.   My friends. 6.   Today... Psalm 118:24 7.   Izzy's teachers & therapists. 8.   Good health. 9.   People who love & pray for Izzy. 10. Church family. 11. My home. 12. Books... the Bible & many others. 13. You!!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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Happy Fall...

 Here are a few pictures from Izzy's school on Halloween day. Izzy had a great day at school on Thursday.  Camilla (p.t.) was excited about the work she did in the walkable.  She thought Isabelle enjoyed being in the walkable, and that Isabelle initiated some steps and held herself up well.  Izzy's vision continues to improve.  She looks around a lot and there is marked
improvement in her vision therapy.
We continue to do her program.  She is doing well and while it seems very repetitive
and monotonous at times, that is the point so we know we are on the right track for now.
Isabelle seems to get stronger all the time in her arms and shoulders.
I am thankful for the helpers who are faithful to come every week and help with the
program... Laura on Tuesdays, Jane on Wednesdays, and mom in the evenings.  Aunt
Colleen came to help this week on Friday.  There are a few of the exercises that take two
people.  The kids are all capable of helping as well.  
Amanda, Bailey, and Emelia are all doing great too.  Report cards came out and parent
teacher conferences.  Everyone got good marks, and Amanda is still a straight A student
in spite of the AR classes.  She works so hard at school and we are proud of her for the commitment she makes to her classes.  Bailey loves junior high!
Sorry my updates are not often... it just seems like it is a lot of the same although we are always so busy.  I am so thankful for everyone who has taken Izzy and our family into your hearts and keeps us in prayer.  Please continue to pray for healing.  

"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it! John 14:12-14

Things around the Pettigrew household continue to be busy ...  
from nine week tests, to Matt going to jury duty!

Izzy had a good week at school last week.  We had comments 
that she was tracking very well in her vision therapy and that
she is drinking water well for them too.  Her vision just keeps 
getting better and better!  She is really looking around a lot and
noticing things.  

Thursday afternoon Isabelle  was sitting beside Bailey
and he was playing on his PSP.  She was watching the little screen
so intently.  He pushed the button with her finger and then she 
offered her little finger to push it again.  

Thursday evening Amanda and I went to
see a play and I came out of my bedroom dressed up more than 
usual, Izzy looked me up and down and then said "wanna go" or
something very close.  She knew just looking at me that I was going
somewhere and wanted to be included.  When I came home later 
that night I got her up and held her and she just looked at me for
a long time with a semi smile, very glad that mom was home.  
Matt's mom spent the night Friday night and helped out with therapy.  
She noticed too that Izzy is looking more at faces and into eyes.  
While we were preparing to leave for the pumpkin patch Saturday,
Paula got Izzy to say "wanna go" several times.  We are excited to get
back to Ponca for more hbot, hopefully in the next couple of weeks we
will make several trips.  

We are so blessed that Isabelle continues to be so healthy!  We continue
to pray for healing in Isabelle's brain and thank God for that healing!  
Thank you for praying!  We love all of you... our prayer warriors!!!

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint."
 Isaiah 40:31

Post Office Day...

Izzy's class had a planned walk to the post office.
Here are some pics of Izzy in the post office hat.
 

HIPPOTHERAPY

We went to Coffee Creek Riding Club today for horse riding. Izzy did GREAT!
We haven't been in a couple of months mainly because the temperature has just been too hot. Our time slot is noon, and when the temp is 100 + it can be miserable.
We could really see a big improvement since the last time we were there. Isabelle sat up nice and tall and kept herself up with minimal support. She used the saddle to keep herself steady when the horse moved. I usually stand back but today because they had another student at the same time as Izzy I did assist and was really able to feel how hard she worked to stay upright. When the horse moved, her head was up and she really looked great. She was able to ride longer than normal and even played along with activities set up along the course.
The best part of the whole trip was when we took her out to leave. After I buckled her into her carseat, Matt and I were both leaning in to tell her how proud we were of her and she smiled her little crooked smile that we knew and loved before her accident. Not one time, but about four times in a row. She was obviously very proud of herself! Joy and the others at Coffee Creek kept telling us and her how impressed they were with her today!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

HBOT & swings...

 Another addition to the 'DREAMCATCHER PLAYGROUND'... swings!  Izzy now gets to swing while at recess and she seems to really enjoy swinging!  Her days at school continue to go well.  Camilla (p.t.) worked with her Friday morning (her day off!).  She got her into the walkable contraption and told me she was really impressed with the results.  They helped Iz take steps but she did initiate some steps on her own and she started with a floppy head but when she got moving held her head midline and did great.  Now she will practice walking with this piece of equipment while doing her p.t.  
We just got in today from a trip up to Ponca for hbot.  We used Skipper's table last night to do her patterning after the first dive.  Mom went with me to help out.  We ended up getting back in the chamber after 10 p.m. getting out at about 11:30...  Back up at 6 a.m. and in the chamber again.  It was a good trip and Isabelle did well.  She slept all night which is always good!  
We continue to see new things with Izzy, while they can appear small we know that they are HUGE and rejoice in every morsel!  

"Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.* 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. 8 Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.  Deut. 6:4-9

This week has been busy, I guess that is the norm these days. Izzy's physical therapist, Camilla, went to a seminar last Friday that stressed the importance of walking, so she worked with Isabelle beginning on Wednesday supporting her weight and then helping her move her feet to see if she would respond to it or if she was interested. Izzy did help in the walking so Camilla has added to her day a "walk" with assistance from her classroom to the therapy room. She said that today Izzy handled that well and then did a lot of standing and working at the mirror with suction balls. When I arrived to pick her up from school she was
getting her painting mit on and proceeded to paint a pink picture with her mit. They are getting a lot of new equipment at the dreamcatcher playground at Izzy's school. She will be able to swing next week!
The programme is going well. Matt and Bailey continue to do the early bird session, I do the afternoon
session with dad, one of the kids, or Laura (Tuesdays) and Jane (Wednesdays). Mom has been coming down in the evenings to help. School is keeping Amanda, Bailey and Emelia busy! Amanda got all A's on her progress report, GO AMANDA!!! She studies a lot, she really earns her "A's" and I am proud of her determination and dedication. Bailey loves junior high and Emelia always loves school...so all is well in the Pettigrew household.
We are one step closer to getting the dental problems esolved. I have jumped through several hoops to get Izzy on TEFRA which is a federal program that pays for different things including dental services... this is the only program I know of that is based soley on Isabelle's income rather than ours. I had to get denied by SSI, done... get medical eligibility from dr., done... get papers filed with caseworker, done today! Now it is all in their hands and I am excited to get this resource in place.

"As surely as God is true, I am not that sort of person. My yes means yes because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, never wavers between yes and no. He is the one whom Timothy, Silas,* and I preached to you, and he is the divine Yes-God's affirmation. For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in him. That is why we say "Amen" when we give glory to God through Christ."
II Cor. 1:18-20

A night away from home...

So, Melody asked me kind of last minute to go with her to her church's ladies retreat at the Waterford Hotel this weekend (Friday-Saturday). I mentioned it to Matt, but didn't think it would work out. I am the one who feeds Isabelle and I haven't been away from her for more than a couple of hours since her accident... But, Matt said, "sure, go, just tell me what I need to do." I did, and he did. Isabelle did just fine without me (although I think she was really ready for me to get home on Saturday). The kids pitched in and helped keep her entertained and happy.
The ladies retreat was fun. The speaker was Niki Nowell (www.nikinowell.blogspot.com) and she did a great job talking about "beauty."
Melody and I made a late night trip to get some snacks (baked chips because Melody is so good!) and then we got on our suits and went for a midnight swim. It was great, but really cold getting out. We got a couple of hours of sleep.
It was renewing. I can't say it was restful, because we didn't sleep much... but, it was like getting a recharge to get away.
I came home and worked with Isabelle, she ended up taking a really long nap. Emelia and I cooked dinner (breshetta style chicken casserole, scalloped potatoes (homemade, not the box kind), and pumpkin spice cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. YUM. Amanda went to hear Julie Andrews speak with Melissa and we all went to bed early. It was a good weekend! I found out that Emelia loves to cook!
That's all for now, it's time for Izzy's therapy program.

"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it! John 14:12-14 NLT

Weekend...

Paula (matt's mom) came down Friday and Saturday to help with 
Izzy's therapy.   Jane Ann (matt's sister) also came to visit.   
We are continuing to see more movement in Izzy's legs.  She was lying on her blanket last night and was asleep and I looked down to notice her really moving her legs and arms a lot.  I know that new pathways are being made in her brain with all our sessions.  
Yesterday after church we had Subway... Emelia wanted to get cookies so we did... I sat with Izzy and fed her a few bites of cookie.  I noticed that she was really chewing on the left side.  She usually does chew and manages to get the cookie or bite of whatever down eventually, but it was a much more effective chew and she ate most of the half cookie I managed to get.  All those chewing exercises during her program are paying off, praise God!
Sunday is our day off and I almost think Isabelle misses it when we don't do her program, but she won't miss it today! :)

Short note...

Just a quick note about Izzy's day.
She worked with the statewide vision specialist today.
She said she could see improvement in Izzy's vision and was interested in the program we are doing.  Her exact words were, "it's working, keep it up."  
She also told me she went with her to speech therapy where Izzy worked on the 'm' sound.  She said Izzy made the sound successfully and did nice work there.  
We are still doing three sessions a day.  Matt said that Izzy was mad when he woke her up at 5:30 this morning, she didn't want to do the program ... I don't blame her.
She is doing good with the program and we are all adjusting to this schedule.  Hopefully we will soon be adding another session per day.

This & that....

I keep intending to take the camera to school and get a picture of Isabelle there, but it just hasn't happened yet...
Life is beginning to feel normal again. All the kids are in school and our routine is being established. We have moved up to two sessions a day of Isabelle's program and plan to go to three in the next couple of days. Laura came on her lunch hour Tuesday to help pattern Izzy and my dad has been coming some afternoons. Laura is putting a sign up sheet out at church to recruit more volunteers. We've been told that the program is most successful when there is a lot of help. They talked about a family in New Zealand who live in a town with only a few hundred people, but that everyone in that town helps out. I tend to try to manage and do everything on my own, but I think Izzy will benefit from having lots of helping hands so we'll see what happens.
School is going well again this year for Isabelle. She is in her same class with her teachers from last year. We both love them all! She has p.t. with Camilla who we love as well! We have truly been blessed with wonderful people all around us. We are blessed and highly favored.
Izzy is doing great! She will start horse riding again in a few weeks. We are trying to coordinate our schedules with our friends in Ponca to get more dives in. Hopefully we will be heading to Ponca next week for a couple of days.
I cannot wait until I can write an update about how Isabelle crawled across the floor, or walked a certain amount of steps. I know that day is coming!

Staying busy...

We are continuing to stay busy with Isabelle. Her new program continues to get easier and we are gradually getting things done so that the front room can be her "therapy room". Our next step will be to recruit some volunteers and do more sessions of her program daily. I know that she is already making improvements and I am excited to see how the next weeks and months go. We're planning a trip to Ponca this week to get in some hbot dives. I have been struck with some kind of allergy thing so I am waiting it out... and my birthday is tomorrow!!! So, we'll probably go Thursday.
I cannot believe school is starting Monday (August 13). The Summer has flown by and I will enjoy having our quiet afternoons back, but also miss having all my little helpers around. The four of them will be in four different schools... Isabelle - Choctaw Elementary spec ed preschool class... Emelia - Westfall Elementary 3rd grade... Bailey - Nicoma Park Junior High... and Amanda - Choctaw High School ... UGH!
We went Monday to pick up Izzy's new AFO's. They are butterfly patterned with purple straps. Quite fashionable foot splints. Today we went to a different dentist for a second opinion. This dentist pretty much agreed with the first, that she needs crowns on every tooth in her mouth. The combination of the grinding right after her accident with the inability to have water without thickener for a time while being fed by mouth has caused her teeth a lot of problems. I brush them probably six times a day or everytime I feed her anything and am now able to rinse with water. She has just recently become able to drink plain water without gagging so that helps... she also takes fluoride tabs... but, it is too little too late. I guess we will try to do it with a sedation cocktail in office and see how that works, otherwise we will have to do it under general anesthetic... I was very upset after the appointment earlier today but Matt reminded me that it is all good and that God is in control. I know that, but it is nice to have a partner in life to help me remember when things seem a little too much ...
Please continue to pray for Izzy's program to help her brain make new pathways and to wake up dormant cells... also please pray for her dental problems to work out.
We appreciate all the prayers offered up for Izzy and our family. It is what has made the biggest difference in this whole situation.

Izzy's new "programme"

Well... we are knee deep into Izzy's new program and it is getting easier. Having said that... it takes about 90 minutes to complete and they would like us to strive for six sessions a day. Our goal (realistic goal) is four sessions per day. We were told to start with one for a week or month or whatever. We decided that we will do one session per day for 21 days (I read somewhere that it takes 21 days for something to become a habit). School will be starting soon which will complicate Izzy's schedule and also take away my helpers during the day hours. In addition to the session(s) we are doing daily, we are doing 30 masking treatments along with CVS flashcards, and also new oral exercises that are done before any feedings.

My goals are:
1. get the front room converted to Izzy's "therapy room"
2. get rid of the big red chair and piano in the front room...

Izzy is supposed to be prone on the floor anytime she is not being fed, loved, or programmed...

Her program looks something like this... This program was tailor made for Isabelle and where she is in her physical abilities at this point.
- spinning in chair
- swinging in blanket
- mask & cvs cards
- ice and vibration to limbs
- head turning
- basic vision
- tracking
- convergence and divergence
- tactiles ABC
- arm unlocking
- homologus patterning
- leg and ankle stretch
- leg loosening
- hip roll
- rolling
- mask and cvs cards
- basic vision
- tracking
- convergence and divergence
- gustatory
- mask & cvs cards
- beckman oral exercises
- swallowing reflex
- rolling
- hip roll
- trunkal patterning
- homologus patterning

Thats about it... each one of these exercises take one to five minutes.

We are seeing little things even after the first week. I am optimistic that we are on the path we need to follow. We continue to put our faith and trust in God, and are eager to do whatever we can to help the process that is Isabelle's healing.

Please pray that Isabelle's brain continues to make new pathways awakening cells to gain control over her body so that she can run and play and dance like she used to.


-

Isabelle is 4 years old today!!!

Izzy having some cake!
Blow out the candles!
Izzy's baby
Izzy giving baby a kiss.

AIAHP

Amanda & Matt
Chad Timmerman on the golf cart
Matt "having a go" at a new exercise for Izzy
Tim Timmerman showing us how it's done

We are home from our trip for Izzy's evaluation and our training to carry out her program with the guys from AIAHP. We were thrilled to have experts in this area all the way from Australia to work with us. We learned so much over the last few days.

Izzy did pretty well with the evaluation, basically they just put on paper what we already knew. The good news is we are now armed with exercised and activities to wake up the right parts of her brain! I am very excited to see the changes over the next few months as we make the program work for Isabelle.

Some of you may know that we had already started a "program" based on the information in both Keith Pennock and Doman's books. We found out we had jumped a few stages so we now have a better program made just for Isabelle. Everything from spinning to disco balls to nutrition. It is pretty interesting.

Matt, Amanda and myself had all read the book so we knew a lot of the history and theories behind the program. They said usually the 'dads' don't read the book, so Matt gets a gold star!

Bailey's zoo pics continued...

Sad & Happy Days...

We have continued to stay busy!
Matt's grandmother Jackie died last week. She was 87 years old. Matt lived with her for several years and she was very dear to him. She apparently fell asleep and just didn't wake up. Her favorite food was bing cherries which she happened to have a bowl beside her when she passed away. We all went to her funeral. Matt's cousin Mike spoke and did a really good job sharing memories of Jackie.
Saturday we went with Mike and his wife and daughter along with Ginger and her friend to the ZOO. Izzy did great, she kept her head up the whole time and seemed to enjoy looking at the animals. Bailey was in charge of the camera and the only pictures he took were of landscapes and animals. I am adding a few from him. I was hoping for some shots of people!!!
Speaking of Bailey, he is at photography camp this week. This is part two. He loves to take pictures!
Our biggest news is that we have been doing the brain net stuff with Izzy for over a week and she is doing so well. IT IS HARD!!!! and takes a lot of time! ... but, it is so worth it. She has done many little things that are so encouraging and the people who see her can see changes already happening!
Next week is our evaluation and training with the group from Australia. We are excited to see what we are doing right and wrong and get busy with Izzy.
Some of the things that Izzy has done ...
-During vision/light therapy Matt put the light in her hand and told her to shine it on Emelia and she did!
-During another vision/light therapy, Bailey and Matt were making hand shapes on the wall and noticed Izzy trying to make shapes with her hand too.
-She called out mama while being patterned...
-She is watching her dvd's on the floor while laying prone (as instructed by the aiahp) and cries if the movie ends or the battery dies on her dvd player.
That's all for now... therapy calls...
Here are a few zoo pics courtesy of Bailey...

Izzy with mommy in the morning!










This is a picture of Izzy's left eye. She was born with this brown streak in the blue...
I think it is really neat.








Izzy doing some morning stretching!











Izzy watching her program...

Isabelle's silent auction went very well. Thank you's to everyone who came by and helped. It was such a fun day with so many people who love Izzy. I think we raised about $6000. Mom's cinnamon rolls went over very well. She sold all the 318 that she made! The indian taco's carolyn blair made were also very yummy. Chuck grilled hot dogs and Jackie Catrow brought some baked goodies. There were more than 50 baskets for auction. They all sold. So many creative people!

We went the following day to Tulsa to see Lion King (the musical) with Gram Paula. The kids really enjoyed it. We got home very late, but we were all able to sleep in Monday morning. It was a very good play, a lot of visual and audio stimulation for Isabelle. It lasted close to three hours and she did great.

We're looking forward to July 20 when we have Izzy's evaluation and training to begin her new brain net program.

"Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore." Psalm 113:2

Busy Summer!

This continues to be a busy busy Summer! Amanda is at church camp, I received a text message from her the day she arrived that said, "I'm ready to come home." Bailey is going daily to photography camp and having a blast... Emelia went with me & Izzy to Ponca for hbot. We got in three dives Monday-Tuesday. We had a nice visit and are making plans there for the Australians from aiahp who are coming in July. We'll be making many trips to Ponca to get this round finished in the next month.
Isabelle has been going to see the pt and ot at school on Wednesdays. She is doing really well! As recommended by the aiahp people, I am keeping her on the floor a lot and prone as much as possible (she still hates it!). She is doing great with her head, and following directions. She stood really well today for Camilla and did work with the mirror and colors. Camilla has requested the school system order a walker for Izzy that has a harness. She said that her head control and attentiveness has improved enough to use this piece of equipment. I am excited to see how it works for her.
Mom and Laura are working hard getting the Silent Auction together. It is growing daily... they are even having pony rides and stawberry newport now... along with mom's cinnamon rolls and Ms. Blair's famous indian tacos. It is Saturday, June 24, 11-2 p.m. at the Nicoma Park Community Center. I am hoping for good weather and a good turnout.
Amanda took the better digital camera to camp... so I don't have any new photos of Izzy to post but I will soon. She is growning daily! She is huge... and so healthy. We are so blessed.

AIAHP

Good news... the AIAHP group that we are beginning to work with in July are coming to Oklahoma! That means we don't have to go to PA this time anyway. . . maybe in six months but we'll cross that bridge...
They are coming July 20-22 (tentatively). We are pretty excited about getting started. It will take a lot of time and discipline but we expect the benefits to outweight any hardship.
The first couple of weeks of "Summer" have been pretty uneventful. We've been taking Izzy to the chiropractor, and she starts summer school (pt and ot) tomorrow morning. We hope to head up to Ponca City in the next few days to get some hbot... hopefully at least 20 dives before July 20.
Amanda had a root canal today (ouch)!!!
The silent auction/auction is coming together. It will be Saturday, June 24, 11:00 - 2:00 p.m. at the Nicoma Park Community Center. There will be many themed baskets up for silent auction as well as many larger items to be auctioned. Mom & Laura have been organizing all the details. It has been amazing to hear about all the people who are coming together to help Izzy! There is so much love around us it is amazing.
We are very blessed and highly favored.
Please join us as we continue to pray and believe in Izzy's complete healing.
"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24

IEP and other things...

Another busy week..
Last Friday after seeing Isabelle's story in the papers, a reporter from Fox news called wanting to do a story for the news that night. He came and interviewed me, and it was on the news Friday night. We talked a lot about pool safety. It went really well, although I hated seeing myself on television (ugh)! But I would do anything for Isabelle and to spread the word about pool awareness... Like Matt says, it's like having a loaded gun in your back yard.
Isabelle kicked the ball twice while side lying in physical therapy. She also reached for the ball twice. Then on Thursday Camilla worked with suction balls on a mirror, asking her to look from one color to the other which she did very well. She preferred the yellow to the green and when asked if she wanted to get the ball she vocalized and then made an effort to get the ball. We were all impressed by her! She continues to show us just how smart she is!
The golf tournament was fun (I didn't actually play golf) but I was there and it looked fun! It was great to see people coming together for our Izzy. We are now planning a big event in June... a silent auction, moon walk, popcorn, snow cones, face painting, band playing, hot dogs, "mom's" cinnamon rolls (yum!). . . We're praying for great success with this event!
We had Isabelle's IEP at school Wednesday. I honestly don't really like these meetings, but it was very pleasant and I just sat there thinking how blessed we were to have a team of people working toward a common goal of getting Izzy better and I could see and feel the love they all have for her. They made really good goals for her and they made it clear that they could see a lot of potential. I am excited to see what leaps we make over the Summer with our new program that starts in July... She will go to Physical therapy and occupational therapy weekly over the summer as well as continue with horse riding and chiropractor.
On another note... Izzy's big sister, Amanda, had award's assembly Tuesday evening. She is graduating from 9th grade this year. She was awarded a golden falcon for all A's for her junior high career among other honors and was named valedictorian. We are very proud of her as well as Bailey and Emelia.

Emelia reading Izzy a bedtime story...

Izzy made the paper!

Izzy's story is in the Daily Oklahoman today, front page of the metro section... and also the front page of the MWC Sun. I hoped that the stories would increase awareness of drowning precautions.
Isabelle has done a few things worth noting the last week or two...
...when I picked Izzy up from school last week, her p.t. Camilla said she had been swinging Isabelle and would stop the swing and encourage her to say "go" to swing again. I don't think she ever said go for Camilla. On the way home I asked Isabelle about school as usual and then asked her if Camilla played with her on the swing. She said, "go." I said, "Oh, Isabelle, did Camilla tell you to say go when you wanted to swing some more?" and she said "go" again very clearly.
...I got a little silver ring for Izzy and she has raised her hand to show it off to several different people when asked.
...Izzy touched a little package of chocolates when sitting with me so I placed it in her hand and asked her to give it to me and I would give her a bite of chocolate. She moved her arm to place it into my hand and let go of it at the right time. I then gave her a bite of chocolate which she seemed to enjoy.
There are more, and these may seem small... but to us these things are all huge and step by step we are seeing Isabelle progress. The steps may be tiny tiny baby steps, but we are still on the path of progress.

There will be a Benefit Golf Tournament
Saturday, May 13
for Isabelle... Her chiropractor is organizing it.
Tee times start at noon.
Cost is $55 per person/$220 per team
Lunch is provided with entry fee
Prizes will be awarded
Hole sponsorship is available for $50 which includes a sign
with a business name and number or just a note that will be placed
at a hole on the golf course.
For more information call 769.1900

Izzy rides Taco!!!

Sunglasses on & ready to go outside to ride!!!
Izzy did well riding and was able to hold herself up much of the time she rode.
They could tell a difference from the last time we were there and much of the time Joy only held the edge of her hensinger (neck brace she wears sometimes on the taller horses to keep her from having her head jerked back if the horse moves too quickly).

Izzy from the back riding Taco... Look how good she is holding herself up with minimal support!!!

Happy Easter!!!!

Izzys World ...

Isabelle is HEALTHY!!!
We are so thankful for her continued good health!
Several things have been happening in Izzy's world...
1. We went to a pediatric dds last week and she wants to do extensive dental work because of some grinding etc. that took place primarily early on after her accident. We are trying to get pre-auth's from dental and medical ins. and may have a bit of a battle on our hands. Please pray that this all works out.
2. We are getting ready to head back to Ponca for more hbot!!! I think we are doing 20 dives this time consecutively. I am so excited to watch her make gains from another round.
3. Izzy got to ride Opie and goes back next Monday for another round of horse therapy. Matt was able to meet us there and see her ride. She did well!
4. We are getting everything moving on our trip to PA this Summer for brain net. Izzy's chiropractor is organizing a golf tournament fundraiser. EXCITING!

Iz had a good day today at school. Her O.T. said her head control was just getting better and better. She was able to sit at the table with her class while they dyed Easter eggs! They said she was really motivated to watch all the activity and kept her head up nicely. She later worked with the visual specialist and also did a great job at "looking."

...With God all things are possible.
-Matthew 19:26 NIV

Izzy had a good weekend! Matt's mom, aunt Jane Ellen, and sister Jane Ann spent the night with us Friday night. Isabelle decided to show off a little and vocalize for about 30 minutes with gram early Saturday morning. Later, Matt put a metal ring on her foot and she kicked it off repeatedly on both feet. It was very very purposeful and accurate kicking! She had horse therapy on Monday. Shorty was resting so she got to ride Opie. She did well, relaxing to the point of actually falling asleep. In the Fall the ride was getting uncomfortable because she was tight. She seemed very comfortable and was able to ride for at least 30 minutes. She worked hard and as a result was sore on Tuesday. We have also started some different things at home with her that go along with the program we plan to begin this summer. We have decided to go forward with our plans to take her to Philadelphia this Summer to begin a new program. We are excited about bombarding her with stimuli and look forward to awesome results. While lying on the floor the other night, Izzy rolled off her wedge mat and then rolled over again ending up face down on the wood floor. She was not happy about that and was kinda stuck... But we were happy with all her hard work. She continues to show us that she is very aware and very capable of many many things. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that the statewide visual therapist was visiting her school last week and did some light box work with Isabelle while I was in the room. She said she was amazed at the improvment in Izzy's vision since Fall! She tracked both ways and held her gaze much longer than before. We continue to praise God for our little miracle... Izzy!!!

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me. Micah 7:7-8

Spring Break!!!

This is Izzy's light box. She works in her stander at school at least 30 minutes a day with Niecie... they have their own quiet cool room and she is encouraged to move the beads in front of the box to use her hands with her vision. Niecie goes to our church and she is able to pray with Izzy when they are in this room without other students. We love Niecie...

This is spring break for all the kids. They have had special days with my mother and are going to Matt's mother's house for a few days this evening. They are going to the aquatic center and movies... shopping... fun fun. Monday was Emelia's 8th birthday. We went to the mall and had her nails painted and made (another) build a bear (a cat this time) and shopped.... had lunch. It was a good day for Emelia!!!

Izzy is doing well. I'm reading a book written by the man who founded the place in PA we are going to this summer. It is really interesting... Really pushes a lot of floor time so we are trying to work that into our schedule.

Email Update sent out today (3 Mar 06)

Hello to all. I've been told it is time to send out an update! We are still on our rest from hbot. We will start up a session of 20 mid-March. I talked to the man in Dallas who is studying to be a dr. and has a special interest in hbot and he lined us out for the next session. He also suggested we go to a place in Philadelphia that specializes in stimulating the brain and gives you a schedule of activities to perform at home. We are giving this thought and prayer. Isabelle has been very healthy! Emelia (Izzy's 7 year old sister) complained of a sore throat which turned out to be tonsillitis, bronchitis and sinusitis... Isabelle continues to be the picture of health. She is really growing! We are using a TENS unit to send stimulation from her muscles to her brain. She is also continuing to go to Dr. Heath (chiropractor) three times a week. She is taking a supplement called Juice Plus daily that is derived from whole fruits and vegetables, and she continues to eat well by mouth. Matt was off work this week to get some home projects completed. He was able to go to Izzy's school and meet her teachers and therapists. He agreed that it is a wonderful group of people working with Izzy and that she couldn't be in a better program. The love they show for Isabelle is so evident every day! I think the main gains we feel Izzy has made during this first round of hbot is an improvement in her vision and cognitive. She seems to take in her environment more and more every day. Camilla feels she is standing much better and is more relaxed, not using tone to hold herself up, but muscle (which is good). We have an appointment to go horse riding later in March (yeah). I'll be sure to let you know how Izzy reacts to seeing Shorty (the horse) after such a long hiatus. Please keep us in your prayers and know that we love you for it!!!
Matt & Annie Pettigrew
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust." Psalms 91:1-2

Another good day for Isabelle. Camilla put her in the swing and she liked it. She said she had tried her in the swing months ago and Isabelle wouldn't have it. Anyway, it is good because when their class goes out to play on a nice day they can take the swing out for her to swing too.
Matt went with me to pick Isabelle up and met the teachers and therapists.