Return Flight

We just made part of our return flight back to Primary's today. I am seeing this as the 16 hour lay over while we wait for the final approach to HOME! South Davis did a great job once they realized she was just passing through.

It has been a really busy day with lots of things going on but I don't have the energy to write it all tonight. So here is the abridged version of today's highlights:

1. Maddi held the toothbrush without any help. (just a reminder to actually spit INTO the sink and needed a little fine motor help with squeezing the toothpaste.)

2. Maddi made tiny sounds from her mouth. A breath-y "A" as she stroked the front of her neck. I have been showing how to do it while she was feeling my throat making sounds. Then I ask her to touch her throat and try to make the vibrations. She is getting some air and a little vibration going on. This is so exciting for us. We can't wait to hear her sweet little voice again.

3. We went to Smiths to get Thank You cards for the nursing and rehab staff.

4. Maddi wrote her name in each of the cards and personally thanked those who were so helpful using sign language.

5. Rode to Primary's, got car sick, threw up all over the van. Car sickness has always been a problem with Maddi. We have always had motion sickness pills in the car for her. In the confusion, I didn't even think about it. She did fine until we pulled into the parking at Primary's and the she lost her lunch.

6. There was a line at her door of staff, doctors and therapists waiting to do their evaluations. We arrived at around 1:30 and the line didn't stop till around 4:30.

7. We have already sketched out a tentative schedule and gone over the details of food, meds and needs.

I will post her schedule so that those who are thinking of visiting can plan according to her schedule. Unlike SDCH the schedule here is iron tight and if you show up at the wrong time she just won't be available and nothing gets in the way of therapy at this point in the recovery.

When you factor in eating, showering, bathroom breaks and what we call "quiet recovery time" for her brain to continue healing, she will have less disposable time here than when she is home going to school all day.

8. We have had a shower, gone for a walk and got ready for some quiet time and bed.

9. We have tomorrow all mapped out in terms of therapies and evaluations. Maddi was a little disappointed because she didn't get her spaghettios today. Primary's needs to do a swallow study before we can continue the eating anything. She only has trouble with water so far but they want to know what is going on first. So that is scheduled for 12:30 tomorrow.

It was nice to see familiar faces and to have all of them so thrilled at her progress! We are seeing it at one step closer to home. We still have tons of work to do but at least I feel like there is a plan going on and everyone knows the game we are playing.