Izzy's Tuesday...

Just thought I would write a quick update on Izzy's day at school...

Niecie was very excited today when I picked Isabelle up today. She was doing her vision and instructing her to look at the right side but the object was on the left side. Isabelle kept looking at the right side and Niecie finally said, "Isabelle, you have to do this!" and then realized she was telling her the wrong side. She apologized and then told her to look at the left side and Izzy did and then looked to the right when asked. Niecie said that she gave her a "finally you get it" look! Niecie was excited and sees too the ability and intelligence of Izzy!

She just keeps on showing us how smart she is which is so exciting.

She did great again last night on the assisted crawl. I think she gets better every day at it.

Thanks for keeping those prayers going up for Izzy! God is listening and answering with a "YES! and AMEN."

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. II Corinthians 1:18-20

Wordless Wednesday...

Yes, there is pink in Amanda's hair!!!

Izzy Update...

Saturday...
Matt & dad worked on the swing. It is basically a piece of wood 3'X4' that hangs from the ceiling. She swings 4 minutes during each session of therapy. She seems to really relax so she has been swinging a lot this week. (Please remember when looking at this photo of the therapy room that we had been out of town several days and were working on all these new pieces of equipment :)

This is the inside of the hyperbaric chamber (hbot - hyperbaric oxygen therapy). We 'dive' at 1.5 atmospheres of pressure breathing 100% oxygen!

We also were trying to make "rolling" more fun so we basically

raised up one end of Izzy's queen sized mattress so that she can roll down the bed. We just put it down at bedtime...

Here is a picture of her after rolling down! She does actually enjoy it.

There have been several exciting things happen since we have been doing therapy so I wanted to update before I forget everything...

Sunday...

We were talking about Izzy doing so well identifying the cvs cards we use while masking for the Australians. (the cvs cards are basically 11X11 sheets of white paper with specific pictures of different things. When we do masking (60 sec.) we show her 10 cards 1 at a time and only say the name of the object. We rotate the 160 cards, using 10 per week. Matt was saying we should do cards to do colors and I thought she probably already knew colors... so we decided to find out. We got some toys that were bright colors and just held up two and said, "Izzy, look at the red toy." She got them all right! So, question answered... she knows her colors!

Later we did our first round of her new programme. She cried a lot but still did great on the assisted crawling.

Monday...

We went to hippo therapy. Izzy rode Doc. She did great and sat up well. She was so tired by the time we finished! It was fun for her and she enjoyed seeing the horses.

We did another round of the programme and she seemed so much happier about it this time. She did 20 ft. of assisted crawling so well. We were very impressed. She also did her new exercise called sit ups well and held her head good. She leaned for kisses when prompted.

Today...

Finally went to the dds to schedule her dental work ... YEAH!

The dentist was very nice and is making calls to get her procedure scheduled. It will probably be about two weeks from Thursday.

When we were in the waiting room I had her new baby Mozart toy that says colors in three languages...along with music. We kept pushing yellow and I would say, "say yellow." Matt says that she said yellow three times and then when we pushed red and I told her to say red she wouldn't...

Tonight we did her programme and she did well again, she was so tired tonight she kept trying to fall asleep. She did great again on the assisted crawling and even pulled her leg up herself this time which was new! She then put her little hiney in the air like babies do when they are trying to crawl... also new! This is all so encouraging!

Please keep praying! She is doing so great.

Love, Annie

"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." Psalms 33:20-22

AIAHP Re-assessment...

Well, we are home from Ponca City. We had a nice visit with the Morris family, with Chad & Tim, and also met the family from India.

Deepa and Sumatra brought their autistic son Rik to be reassessed by AIAHP also. They were very nice people and it was interesting to learn a little about their culture.

We got four hbot dives in while there, Matt learned to run the chamber so it was pretty convenient. I am hoping he will zip down with me more often to help out with the chamber.

Okay, on with the assessment. I am looking at the progress report we were given...

Under staff's opinion it reads: With 5 profile changes and 18 functional changes, it is our opinion that Izzy has made "very good" progress. A functional change is progress but doesn't move you up on the actual scale. A profile change is a move up the ladder on the sheet with what levels Izzy is at. There may be many functional changes before getting a profile change.

A few highlights of the assessment was when put on the floor to simulate a slide (to be done as assisted crawling after cross patterning) Izzy pushed off Chad's thumb with her leg each time. She also pulled with her arm. Chad was skeptical, thinking maybe she was using tone, until Izzy cried and stopped pushing. When we told her to push again, she did. I think she really surprised both Chad and Tim on that one. Later before we left, Chad was looking at our CVS cards. He said, "do you think Izzy knows the pictures?" We think so. So he showed her two and then held both up saying "Izzy, look at the plant (or elephant, or dice, or ...)." She did five of six times. The time she didn't she just looked irritated with their little game. She looked directly and instantly at the one called out and even appeared to almost point at it. They were really excited. Me & Matt were tired and ready to go home, I think the thought we should have shown more excitement (I was excited on the inside).

We were given a new programme to do. It will take a little bit of time to get things needed to do this new programme. Also we are going to have to somehow recruit new and more volunteers as the cross patterning takes three people & they would like it to be done many times a day. I think if you asked how I felt about it, I would say positive but a bit overwhelmed. I think it is awesome that she has even shown Chad and Tim her tenacity. She is definitely a fighter and they both said that is something about her that makes her such a good candidate for recovery. They said they loved that she is a little fighter.

We know that God is Isabelle's healer. We believe that God is healing Isabelle. We are simply preparing the field. We are ready for a big crop!!!!

Thanks for the prayers & love. If you happen to live close and want to devote 30-60 minutes a week to help exercise Izzy (very simple, no experience or talent in this area needed) please contact us!

Love you all.

Lots of things happing for Izzy ...

There are a lot of things going on this week for Izzy.

We have our assessment in Ponca with the guys from Australia. I'm excited to see how she does, I know she has made improvements so I look forward to seeing how the programme is changed up...

Izzy was approved for tefra so next week we see a new dentist to start getting her teeth issue resolved (yea).

Izzy recieved a letter from make a wish this last week.

Please keep Izzy in your prayers. I know that God is in control and I must simply be still... a little tough when there is so much to do :)

Love to all!

Annie

We built a wood stander that has an adjustable incline so that we can Izzy can stand on her hip joints and feet more. It seems to be working well and she is tolerating it well. When Dr. Wright wrote the Rx for hip x-rays I called Izzy's pediatrician's office and was surprised to be connected to Dr. Beard. She said she would make the appointments for the x-ray etc. They later said that the specific xray requested needed to be done at the hospital so we will go there to make the appointment. I don't think her hip is compromised, but will have the xray done before the botox appointment as requested. I talked to the chiropractor that Izzy's visits on Tuesdays & Thursdays about her back and posture. Just discussing it made me realize that her posture has weakened since we started AIAHP which is when we stopped working on sitting up because it is their belief that sitting up leads to sitting up and the child should be prone on the floor as much as possible. Heath suggested that by not sitting up and utilizing those large muscles in the back they could become weak, so we are doing more sitting exercises to strengthen those muscles. Izzy went to school this week, she is such a healthy girl. It is wonderful that she remains so well. Today was her Valentine's party. She has 9 boys in her class now... she's the only girl. I made little shovels for each boy. I posted a pic on the other blog. Anyway, they turned out cute and she seemed to enjoy the party. After lunch today I showed her each valentine and read them to her. I love Valentine's Day!

Last night Matt was surprised with a call from Thurman Scrivner himself... They talked for a while and then Thurman prayed with Matt. It was a lift.

I have mentioned the ongoing quest for tefra... I thought we were at the end of the approval process. We were told to expect a call from a nurse for a home visit. She called, and came... but I was told it was still part of the qualification process. Hopefully this will be done quickly so we can finally get Izzy's teeth fixed. I am having thoughts that I should have just had them fixed and dealt with it but the more time I invest in this tefra business, knowing she qualifies (it is based soley on her income, not ours) I am more determined to see this through.

I guess there is not really any BIG news to report for this week... I just wanted to let you know that Izzy is well and that she is continuing to improve. Please keep praying & believing!

Update

We took Izzy to see Dr. Wright in Bethany today to consult about botox injections because her left foot is causing problems and the botox
was really effective last time. He agreed that she needed it and then
after examining her legs, he ordered a x-ray of her hips because he is
concerned about her left hip. There is a possibility that it could be
out of socket with is a very common occurrence for her condition. We are
taking a proactive approach to this news and are doing things now to
try to help the situation. Thebotox is scheduled for April 2 and we
will have the x-ray done before that. Please pray for the x-ray to
reveal that her hip is fine and that there is no need for more
aggressive treatments. He also discussed doing an eeg on her. We decided to get past this first and then decide. The last eeg we did was in dallas. We took her off the phenobarbital because there were no seizures. Matt asked the dr.
about her startles and left turn laughs. He suggested that if she is
having seizures they could interfere with progress because they interrupt her brain's process. Please pray that she is not having seizures and will not need anything further for this.

I talked to her pediatrician this afternoon and she is going to schedule
the x-ray etc. She has also decided to go ahead and prescribeambien.
Izzy went to school today. She seemed to have a good day. She really likes
all the little boys in her class, so much so that her ST, Margaret is
doing her therapy in the classroom. She gets mad if you take her away
from the other kids.

We went to horse therapy Monday. She did so well riding Opie. She sat up tall and rode for about 30 minutes. Opie was almost running so it was a workout for us all :)
Even Joy noticed that Izzy is really looking more and saw improved cognition.

Isabelle is so healthy, she is so beautiful and she is so sweet. She is a little
doll. I feel like an expectant mother, waiting for the birth of the
baby. I am waiting and expectant that she is going to blossom and that
she is going to do great.

Please keep her in your prayers.

I love you, Lord; you are my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
I will call on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
for he saves me from my enemies.Psalms 18:1-3

A ride on the sled...

We have been blessed with a lot of ice this weekend. The kids have been having a lot of fun riding the sled down the hill. Matt thought Izzy needed this experience as well so today we bundled her up and took her out sledding.
It is so cold and so slippery out!

Back in school...

Izzy had a good week back in school. We had her Psych Eval. at the school on Thursday, now when the HCA get that faxed in we should be all set for tefra and be able to move forward on getting all her teeth crowned (ugh). I am very happy that we are one step closer.
At school they worked with her switch, they are trying to use it for her to answer yes or now to questions or choices for what she will be doing. They are trying to teach her that they will do what she chooses.
I got a call on Friday letting me know that Insurance has pre-approved her new stroller. This is also pretty exciting, her stroller is so heavy!
She had the usual chiropractor visits at Heath's office on Tuesday & Thursday. Therapy daily at home. She is getting stronger everyday.
We have been wanting to stop using pediasure for a while. I have continued to use it because it is easy not only feeding it to her but also knowing that she is getting enough calories etc. I did feel like it was too much sugar and that she needed to move on. She didn't have any pediasure all weekend. I fed her blended vegetable stew last night, she ate it but I think it was too spicy because I got a lot of funny faces. I am going to have to be more mindful of making her food before spicing things up. I made her a 'shake' tonight with blueberries and cereal and her juice plus vitamins. I feel like she gets a lot of what she needs from the juice plus. She has been so healthy. I attribute this to God first and foremost. I also know that God has led us in the right direction in so many areas of Izzy's recovery. One has definately been the juice plus.
I made an appointment with Dr. Wright at the Children's Center for the end of the month to schedule more botox injections. I feel like her left foot is pretty tight and she isn't enjoying her walking at school as much. She also tends to scissor her legs and the injections in her thighs last time really helped this. I feel calmer about it because it was so easy last time. She didn't cry or act uncomfortable. Dr. Wright does a really good job.
It's official, the Austrialians (AIAHP) are coming February 21 and will evaluate Izzy the 21 and 22nd. I am looking forward to viewing the new programme for her. I know they will see she is doing great.
I cannot say, "she is walking." but I can say, "she will be walking." and she will. I know it! I serve a mighty God and I believe His promises. I also believe it is His will to restore her body.

A New Year...

Izzy is doing great after a LONG Christmas break. The kids all went back to school today including Isabelle. She seemed ready to go back although she had a big pouty lip when I put her in her stroller to go into the school. I am sure she is having a great morning. I was able to go to the park and take Lady aka White Dog for a walk. It is about 32 degrees, so it was perfect!
Chad from AIAHP (australia) called last night. Izzy is scheduled to be evaluated and reassessed on February 21-22. I am excited to see how she has improved in their opinions, although I know already that she is improving. I am also excited to see how the program will change since we discussed the fact that they brought her program down a level to have a starting point. We'll see. Please keep this in your prayers. There are so many different choices on therapy, they are all very expensive so you really have to pick and choose what to do. I know God leads us toward the right people and I trust Him to continue to guide us.

Thirteen Things that make me smile! 1…. hearing a friend's voice on the phone. 2... a clean house. 3... seeing a smile on the face of my children. 4... recieving snail mail! 5... good reports from Izzy's teachers and/or therapists. 6... watching our dog lady eat pistachios after shelling them carefully with her teeth. 7... seeing dad walking up the road toward my house. 8... listening to a favorite song. 9... matt. 10... watching mom do head turning every evening while singing, "turning izzy's head." 11... a good sale. 12... sweet happy memories. 13... reading comments from you. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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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...