Sunday, November 30th, 2008 ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy & LuLu Go To 11:30 AM Mass This Morning ~ Everyone went to 11:30 AM Mass this morning at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Lighthouse Point. It was the first Sunday of Advent and Fr. lit the Advent candle! Mom & Dad Finished Putting Up The Christmas Lights This Afternoon ~ The Christmas lights are finally up, just in time before the weather turned nasty and the rain and wind started! They are all white lights and look so pretty this year! Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luna & Luca Watch NFL Football This Afternoon ~ It was another win for the Miami Dolphins this afternoon! They are certainly on a roll with six wins! Mom, Dad, Tracy Luna & Luca Watch Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, & The Unit This Evening ~ Mom loves Sunday evenings because she can watch three of her favorite shows right in a row! Thank goodness for Tivo! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Growing Pains: Initiations For Growth ~

Saturday, November 29th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Hot Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to 8 AM Hot Yoga at 360 Hot Yoga this morning. Lan taught and it was another challenging class. This is the first time that Mom went to the early class and she loved having the whole day after Yoga! Mom, Aunt Diane, Jeff & Dad Put Up The Christmas Lights This Morning ~ Aunt Diane and Jeff came over to help us put up the Christmas lights over the front door and on the palm trees! Whew! I don't remember it being this much work last year! Wilmene Gives Tracy A Facial & A Manicure This Afternoon ~ Wilmene gave Tracy a facial and a manicure this afternoon. Today's color is powder puff pink! Aunt Diane & Mom Go For A Walk Around Lighthouse Point ~ Mom and Aunt Diane went for a long walk around Lighthouse Point this afternoon. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luna & Luca Watch College Football This Afternoon ~ Mom is rooting for Boston College to beat U Maryland today! Georgia Tech beat Georgia and Virginia Tech beat U Virginia. Florida is playing Florida State! Go Gators! Mom Relaxes In The Sunshine This Afternoon ~ The weather was absolutely delicious this afternoon with low humidity and temperatures in the low 80s. Perfect weather to hang out by the pool and read Yoga Journal Magazine. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Cherishing You: Falling In Love With Yourself ~

Friday, November 28th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Hot Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to 10 AM Hot Yoga at 360 Hot Yoga this morning. Lan taught and it was another challenging class. Mom, Tracy, Tania, Wilmene, Luca & Luna Relax In The Sunshine Out By The Pool This Morning ~ Everyone enjoyed some Vitamin D out by the pool this morning. It was a beautiful day and they took full advantage of the yummy sunshine. Tania Does Tracy's Eyebrows ~ Tania shaped up Tracy's eyebrows this afternoon. They look so awesome ~ perfect arches! Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luna & Luca Watch LSU Get Clobbered By Arkansas This Afternoon ~Everyone was disappointed to see LSU get beaten by Arkansas this afternoon. May be they will have better luck next year! Mom, Dad, Tracy, & Tania Go To Hippotherapy To Find No One There At The Barn ~ Dad missed his beloved LSU Tigers and everyone drove out to Bit By Bit in Parkland this afternoon for nothing! Mom did not realize that Hippotherapy had been canceled due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Nana, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Diane, & Jeff Come Over For Leftovers & To Decorate The Christmas Tree This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree this evening. Uncle Johnny brought over the new Charlotte Church Christmas CD and Dad lit the fire place (after turning the AC up to cold!). They had a great time! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Universal Timing: Life's Natural Rhythm ~

Thursday, November 27th, 2008 ~ Happy Thanksgiving ~ Mom Took A Break From Hot Yoga This Moring ~ Tania, Wilmene and Maude had the holiday off so it was Dad and Mom this morning. Mom took the day off from Hot Yoga to take care of Tracy. Aunt Diane, Nana, Uncle Johnny, & Jeff Come Over For Thanksgiving Dinner ~ Mom took a pass and got all the goodies from Honey Baked Ham for Thanksgiving dinner this afternoon. Dad Takes Uncle Johnny & Aunt Diane Out On The Little Boat For A Canal Ride ~ Mom soaked in the hot tub, while Nana and Tracy got some rays out by the pool. Dad took Aunt Diane and Uncle Johnny out on the little boat and they rode around the canals in Lighthouse Point. It was a beautiful day with lots of sunshine. Everyone Enjoys Dinner In The Dining Room ~ Everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving turkey, cornbread stuffing, sweet potatoes, and garlic mashed potatoes on the Italian dishes in the dining room this evening. Everything tasted really good. They had pumpkin pie, apple brown betty, and assorted cookies for dessert. Mmmmmm! Mom, Nana, Dad, Tracy, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Diane, Jeff, Luca & Luna Go For A Walk Around Lighthouse Point ~ Everyone enjoyed a nice long walk around Lighthouse Point after dinner this evening to see all of the pretty Christmas lights. Mom couldn't believe that there were already Christmas lights up in the neighborhood. Everyone Watches Football This Evening ~ Everyone watched the Dallas Cowboys play this evening. We are sure glad that they won today! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Enjoying The Ride: The Flow Of The Universe ~

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Hot Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to 8 AM Hot Flow (Vinyasa) Yoga at 360 Hot Yoga this morning. Diane taught and it was another challenging class. Diane used the dynabands and they were killer! Ouch! The temperaure was really hot too! What a great class! Mom Takes Nana To Lake Worth To Get Her Hair Done ~ Mom and Nana went to @ theHairnet to get their hair highlighted and cut this afternoon. She does such an awesome job! Tania & Tracy Make Thanksgiving Stuffing This Afternoon ~ Tania and Tracy made Thanksgiving stuffing this afternoon. Tracy hung out in the kitchen and took in all the yummy smells and sounds! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg This Evening ~ Mom, Greg, & Tania got Tracy positioned on the tilt table after Greg wrapped Tracy's lower extremities with ace wraps to facilitate venous return. Then it was time to increase Tracy's incline after obtaining base line vital signs. Greg was a little too aggressive increasing Tracy's incline, not allowing enough time for Tracy to acclimate to the changes. She began to diaphorese and her color got ashen. Mom and Greg lowered Tracy down right away. Her blood pressure took a dive as well, but she never lost oxygen saturation below 95 percent. It was pretty scary nonetheless. We learned a valuable lesson, not to take Tracy up too fast on the tilt table, allowing her to accommodate at each step. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch Private Practice This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed watching this week's episode of Private Practice this evening. It is such a good show. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Creative Cuts: Editing Your Life ~

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Hot Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to 8 AM Hot Flow (Vinyasa) Yoga at 360 Hot Yoga this morning. Veronica taught and it was another challenging class. Tracy's Speech Therapy Is Canceled This Week Due To Thanksgiving ~ Tracy missed Aimee and her Speech Therapy session this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday! Tracy will miss next week's session as well due to a Botox appointment with Dr. Rubin in Miami. We are keeping our fingers crossed that she will have one more session with Aimee before the semester ends! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Dee This Evening ~ Dee gave Tracy a massage this evening, then stretching before her Physical Therapy. He and Tania got Tracy on the therapy mat in long sitting and Dee put the e-stim on her perispinous muscles for Neuromuscular Reeducation and Retraining. The e-stim helps Tracy's muscles to fire and contract, strengthening them a little more each time. Then it was time to sit her on the peanut ball for head and trunk strengthening exercises. Tracy is getting stronger, especially in her trunk control. She is working really hard on her head control as well. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch Dancing With The Stars: The Finale: Results This Evening ~ It is hard to believe that this is the last episode of one of our favorite shows: Dancing With Ths Stars: The Finale! Mom has been rooting for Brooke and Derek all season and was not surprised when they won the Mirrorball! WooHoo! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Just For Fun: Remembering Childhood Joys ~

Monday, November 24th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Hot Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to Hot Yoga at 360 Hot Yoga this morning. Veronica taught and it was another challenging class. Mom is learning some challenging new poses. Mom Rides To Boca Raton To Pick Up Thanksgiving Dinner At Honey Baked Ham: Mom rode to west Boca this afternoon to pick up the turkey and fixin's after Hot Yoga this morning. It was already pretty crowded, with people waiting in line to pick up their orders. Mom sure is glad that she went early in the week. Mom Rides To Ft. Lauderdale To Find Another Yoga Studio ~ Mom rode south to Ft. Lauderdale to find another Yoga Studio. It took her a very long time with traffic! Scratch this idea! Too far to go for a Yoga class! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg This Afternoon ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Greg this afternoon. He and Tania got Tracy positioned on the mat in long sitting and Greg attached the electrodes to Tracy's paraspinous muscles to work on neck strengthening for head control. Then it was time to work on some hip flexor and adductor stretches. Tracy did a really good job tolerating some very aggressive stretches. Next, Greg, Tania and Mom got Tracy postioned on the peanut to work on trunk stretching and flexibility. Tracy did a good job with trunk control. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch Dancing With Ths Stars: The Finals This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed watching Dancing With The Stars: The Finals this evening. Mom voted for Brooke and Derek. We'll see who wins the Mirrorball Trophy tomorrow evening during the two-hour finale! Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch 24: Redemption: The Two-Hour Special This Evening ~ Everyone watched the 24: Redemption that they Tivoed from last evening. What an exciting show! Mom is looking forward to the season opener January 11th! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: A Gift Of The Heart: Letting People Know You Love Them ~

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 ~ Tracy Takes A Break From Hippotherapy & Pool Therapy Today ~ Tracy took a break from her Sunday therapies this morning so that she could go to Pahokee for Mass. Mom, Dad, Tracy & LuLu Goes To Pahokee For Uncle Johnny's Birthday Mass ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy, LuLu, Luca and Luna met Nana, Aunt Diane, and Jeff at Uncle Johnny's church in Pahokee for his noon Mass. The parishioners had a huge birthday celebration for him, complete with two huge cakes and a Happy Birthday banner on the altar. The church hall was packed with standing room only! It was so much fun and Uncle Johnny was really surprised. At the end of Mass all of the children gathered around Uncle Johnny on the altar (there must have been at least a hundred) to sing Happy Birthday (in Spanish) to him. After Mass, we had a nice lunch at the rectory and another birthday cake! There were so many candles on the cake that Uncle Johnny put on his fire hat that the kids gave him to blow them out! Mom, Dad, & Tracy Go To Jeff & Diane's For Turkey Dinner This Evening ~ Jeff and Diane cooked up a big turkey dinner for Nana, Uncle Johnny, Dad, Mom, and Tracy this evening. It was really delicious. Everyone had a nice visit. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: The Day's Closing: Evenings ~

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Hot Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to Hot Yoga at 360 Hot Yoga this morning. Liz taught and it was another challenging class. Dad's good knee was bothering him, so he took the day off! Tracy Gets A Facial This Morning ~ Wilmene gave Tracy a facial this morning. Saturdays always seem to be special spa days for Tracy! Tracy Has Her Dress Rehearsal For The Winter Wonderland Horse Show This Afternoon ~ Tracy had her dress rehearsal for the upcoming Winter Wonderland Horse Show on Saturday, December 6th from 9 AM to 1 PM! Tracy is going to ride with the girls' drill team! The teen volunteer girls created a drill team routine to the song Wild Horses by Natasha Bedingfield. Tracy is led out on Breezy with Dad and Susan as sidewalkers. The routine is so beautiful it is sure to bring a tear to everyone's eyes! Our good friend Gio helped Dad lift Tracy in her wheel chair (all 225 lbs) up on the wood block, from which they lifted Tracy on to Breezy! The Parkland Equestrian Park does not have a mounting ramp, so they have to improvise! We could not have done it without Gio's strong muscles and brute strength! Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch LSU Get Beaten By Ole Miss ~ LSU was not able to get ahead of Ole Miss this afternoon. They sure do need a decent experienced quarterback. Maybe next year? Mom was glad that Boston College beat Wake Forest, keeping the Eagles' ACC title hopes alive until they meet up with Maryland next Saturday! (Keep your fingers crossed!) Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Reversed Perceptions: Being Projected Upon ~

Friday, November 21st, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to Hot Yoga this morning. Bob taught and it was a really fun class. He chanted at the end of class and has a magnificent voice. Tracy's G-Tube Comes Out ~ Mom called home after Hot Yoga to check on Tracy to learn that her G-tube came out! She zoomed home and put in a new tube. Now Tracy has a nice new G-tube. Tracy Has Hippotherapy With Susan At Bit By Bit In Parkland This Evening ~ Tracy had her Hippotherapy lesson this evening with Susan. Dad sidewalked, along with Susan, and the last five minutes Tracy actually rode in the dark! The sunset was absolutely breath-taking! Tracy did a good job with trunk control and is working so hard on her head control! The Winter Wonderland Horse Show is less than two weeks away! Tracy is really getting excited and is practicing really hard. Mom, Dad, & Tracy Meet The Family At The Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club For Uncle Johnny's Birthday This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed a nice dinner in celebration of Uncle Johnny's birthday this evening. He even had an ice cream cake and balloons! It was a great time, one we are suer he will never forget! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: In The Open Air: Spending Time In Nature ~

Thursday, November 20th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Spinning With Aunt Diane This Morning ~ Mom met Aunt Diane at LA Fitness for 9:15 AM Spin class with Jules. It was another tough class! Mom and Aunt Diane had a lot of fun! Tracy Gets A Manicure This Afternoon ~ Wilmene gave Tracy a manicure this afternoon. They decided to leave the polish off to give Tracy's nails a much-needed break. Mom Takes Nana To Two Doctor Appointments ~ Mom took Nana to her appointments with the podiatrist for her feet and the orthopedic surgeon for her shoulder. Nana Treats Mom To A Light Lunch At The French Leaf Cafe ~ Nana treated Mom to a light lunch at the French Leaf cafe in Boca Raton. Mom had a caprese sandwich on a French whole wheat baguette. It was really delicious! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg This Afternoon ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Greg this afternoon. He and Tania got Tracy's lower extremities wrapped with ace bandages to assist with venous return. Then they transferred Tracy on to the tilt table, and took her baseline vital signs. Greg cranked her up and before long she was at 70 degrees! This is the highest incline that Tracy has ever been and she tolerated 6 minutes with stable vital signs. She looked so good standing vertical, she is so tall! Dad Returns From His Meeting In DC ~ Dad made it home safely from his Aerospace Medical Association council meeting in Washington, DC. He said temperatures were in the low 30s while he was there. Mom, Dad, & Tracy Watch Smallville & Grey's Anatomy This Evening ~ Mom, Dad, & Tracy watched Smallville & Grey's Anatomy this evening. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: In The Open Air: Spending Time In Nature ~

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Vinyasa Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to Vinyasa Yoga this morning with Diane in Light House Point. It was really challenging. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg This Afternoon ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Greg this afternoon. He and Tania got Tracy prone on the therapy mat so that she could weight bear through her arms and hips. Greg stretched and ranged Tracy's hips while she was prone. Tracy tolerated about 12 minutes in this position. Then Greg and Tania got Tracy in long sitting position and stretched and ranged her hips and hamstrings. Tracy had a really good session. Mom, Tania, & Tracy Watch Private Practice This Evening ~ Mom, Dad, & Tracy watched Private Practice this evening. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Lessons Of Discovery: Instruction Manuals For Living ~

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes For A Long Walk This Morning ~ Mom went for a long walk this morning all the way to Starbucks in Pompano! The weather was brisk and clear, and there was no way she was going into a hot yoga studio! It was too nice outside to not enjoy the cool weather! Tracy Goes To Speech Therapy With Aimee At NSU This Afternoon ~ Tracy had Speech Therapy with Aimee at NSU this afternoon. Aimee began the session working with Tracy on oral motor skills. She used a Nuk brush and rolled it over Tracy's lips, gums, and inner cheeks. Tracy definitely does not like this part of her session, but it is necessary for developing oral motor skills for speech. Next, Aimee connected Tracy's switch to the Step By Step sequential switch. Tracy initiated the switch and she could hear the pre-recorded conversation about their weekend. Of course, one of the main topics was college football. Aimee made sure she interjected that the Gators won yet again! Thank goodness LSU won too (although it was close)! Boston College beat FSU too! Next, Aimee showed Tracy and Mom the new additions to Tracy's Dynavox. Aimee added some really cute segments on Fashion, Family & Friends, Fieldtrips. She did such a good job! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Dee This Evening ~ Tracy had Physical Therapy with Dee this evening. Dee ranged and stretched Tracy's major muscle groups and then it was time for neuromuscular reeducation. Dee attached the e-stim to Tracy's muscles and worked on trunk control. Tracy's left hip seemed tight and internally rotated, and Dee spent a considerable amount of time trying to relax and realign it. Mom plans to consult Dr. Tidwell regarding Tracy's tight left adductor. Mom, Tania, & Tracy Watch Dancing With The Stars: The Results Show This Evening ~ The girls watched Dancing With The Stars: The Results show this evening. It was so sad to see Coty and Julianne leave the show! He is so cute! Too bad. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: An Knowing Too Much: Ignorance Can Be Bliss ~

Monday, November 17th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Vinyasa Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to Vinyasa Yoga this morning. Veronica taught a really good class. Mom, Tracy, Tania, & Wilmene Go To Boca Raton To Distribute Horse Show Flyers In Stores ~ The girls headed to Boca Raton to distribute flyers to publicize the upcoming Winter Wonderland Horse Show on December 6th from 9 AM to 1 PM. Mom Goes To Spinning This Evening With Aunt Diane & Uncle Johnny ~ Mom met Uncle Johnny and Aunt Diane at LA Fitness this evening for the 5:30 PM Spin class. Jules taught a very tough class! Whew! Tracy Ranged & Stretched Her Hips & Hamstrings On The CPM Machine This Evening ~ Tracy stretched and ranged her hips and hamstrings on the CPM machine this evening for an hour and a half on each leg. Mom, Dad, & Tracy Watch Dancing With The Stars This Evening ~ Everyone watched Dancing With The Stars this evening. Mom still has her money on Brooke and Derek and Lance and Lacey! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: The Journey Of Finding A Relationship: Our Relationship Choices ~

Sunday, November 16th, 2008 ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy, & LuLu Go To Hippotherapy This Morning ~ Tracy was not on her game during Hippotherapy this morning. She was pulling forward during her session with Breezy. I guess everyone is entitled to an off day. It was also pretty chilly and windy this morning, very unusual for Florida! Tracy does not really like it when the wind blows, especially cold wind! Tracy Has Physical Therapy On The Mat With Greg This Afternoon ~ It was too cold for pool therapy this afternoon. Dad heated the pool for five hours and it only got to 82 degrees from 77 degrees. Instead, Greg worked with Tracy on the therapy mat. He and Dad stretched and ranged Tracy's major muscle groups and got her in long sitting. Greg and Mom positioned Tracy in a rowing position and Mom took Tracy's arms and stretched her forward. We will continue to work with Tracy on her supportive rowing. Since muscle has memory, the hope is that Tracy will be able to row some day. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch Brothers & Sisters & The Unit This Evening ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca and Luna watched Mom's two favorite shows this evening: Brothers and Sisters and The Unit. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Staying Afloat Amidst The Spin: Taking Things Personally ~

Saturday, November 15th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Hot Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to Hot Yoga this morning. Lan taught and it was a good class. Wilmene Gives Tracy A Facial This Morning ~ Wilmene gave Tracy a facial this morning. Tracy sure does love her spa days. Tracy Gets A Cranial Sacral Therapy Session With Melanie This Afternoon ~ Melanie gave Tracy a Cranial Sacral Therapy session this afternoon out on the lanai by the pool. She was very vocal throughout her session. Melanie worked on Mom and Dad when she was through with Tracy's session. Melanie has very healing hands. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch College Football This Afternoon ~ Mom was rooting for Boston College while Dad and Tracy were praying for LSU to win. Thank goodness both of their teams won! The Miami Hurricanes beat the Virginia Tech Hokies last Thursday evening! Go Canes! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Beings Of Light: Human Angels~

Friday, November 14th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Vinyasa Flow Yoga This Morning ~ Mom is giving the new yoga look a shot in Lighthouse Point. The old Bikram is now 360 Hot Yoga, offering other types of yoga besides Bikram. So, Mom is giving it the old college try! She is really enjoying the new flow yoga and learning many new poses, other than the 26 Bikram poses! Tracy Gets A Manicure ~ Wilmene gave Tracy a mini-manicure this morning. Her nails grow so fast! They are a bronze shade this week. Very pretty! Tracy Has Hippotherapy With Susan At Bit By Bit This Evening ~ Tracy had her best ride ever on Breezy this afternoon. She looked so professional in her riding pants and boots. She even rode on a saddle with stirrups! Tracy is demonstrating good trunk control and is doing much better with head control. She still has to work very hard during her lessons and has a lot more work to do! She is getting ready for her horse show; the annual Winter Wonderland Horse Show on December 6th from 9 AM to 1 PM at Parkland Equestrian Park! Proceeds from the show go to help children access hippotherapy and therapeutic horse back riding lessons. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch Grey's Anatomy This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed watching this week's episode of Grey's Anatomy which Mom tivoed. It was Mom's third try and she still fell asleep for a split second during part of the episode. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Peeling Away The Layers : Trees Shedding Their Bark ~

Thursday, November 13th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Spinning With Aunt Diane At LA Fitness This Morning ~ Mom went to Spinning at LA Fitness this morning. She met Aunt Diane there and Jules taught a great class. Mom Goes To Nana's To Change Her Dressing On Her Foot ~ Mom went to Nana's to take a look at a cut on the bottom of her foot. She had a little cut, which Mom flushed with normal saline and dressed with bacitracin and a bandaid. Mom, Tracy, Tania, Wilmene, & Aunt Diane Went For A Walk Along The Beach This Afternoon ~ Everyone enjoyed a long walk along the trail at Red Reef Park this afternoon. It was a beautiful day and they got a great work out pushing Tracy up and down the hills along the trail. The beach was beautiful with lots of waves and surfers! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Jeff & Greg This Afternoon ~ Jeff and Greg got Tracy on the tilt table this afternoon and up she went to a maximum elevation of 68 degrees. She managed to maintain stable vital signs throughout her session! She looked so good standing up nice and tall on the tilt table. Jeff and Greg wrapped her lower extremities with ace wraps to facilitate venous return. Dad Goes To Hot Yoga This Evening ~ Dad went to Hot Yoga this evening. Lan taught a very challenging class.Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Finding Encouragement : Your True Inner Voice ~

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Vinyasa Flow Yoga In Lighthouse Point This Morning ~ Mom went to yoga this morning in LHP. Diane taught a very challenging class! It was a great class. Mom is sore and feeling the results of the new poses! Mom Has A Chiropractor Appointment This Morning ~ Mom had an appointment with Dr.Colavito this morning. After e-stim and moist heat, Dr. Colavito adjusted Mom's neck, hip and mid-back. He recommended that Mom get a massage. Tracy Has An Appointment With Dr. Galvez At The Cleveland Clinic In Weston For Baclofen Pump Refill ~ Dr. Galvez refilled Tracy's Baclofen pump this afternoon. The Medtronic rep was there to address Mom's and Dad's recommendation to change to complex dosing. Tracy is still getting 157 micrograms per day. More on this later. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg This Evening ~ Greg came to work with Tracy on the mat. After stretching and ranging all of Tracy's major muscle groups, Greg hooked Tracy to the e-stim. and turned it up for neuromuscular re-education. He worked with Tracy's perispinous muscles in her neck and quads in her legs. Tracy is working really hard during her therapy sessions. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Divine Resonance: Chanting ~

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 ~ We Remember Our US Veterans ~ Mom Goes To Bikram Yoga In Boca This Morning ~ Mom had to have her fix of Bikram Yoga this morning. This was her first time going to the Bikram Yoga studio in Boca. The class was really crowded! Tracy Gets A Facial ~ Wilmene gave Tracy a facial this morning. She was really tired from her busy weekend.Tracy Has Speech Therapy With Aimee At NSU This Afternoon ~ Tracy had Speech Therapy with Aimee this afternoon at NSU. Jodi, the student clinician who is observing Tracy's sessions this semester, was also present. Amanda, an undergraduate student in Speech Therapy also sat in on Tracy's session. Dr. Lowe began Tracy's session demonstrating some oral motor therapeutic techniques on Tracy. She used a Nuk brush and some of Tracy's facial stimulators. Then, Aimee began the session with the pre-recorded Step By Step sequential switch. Aimee had recorded some conversation about Tracy and her weekend. Tracy initiated the conversation by hitting her switch with her cheek. Tracy did a good job hitting the switch. Then it was time to work with her Dynavox. Aimee had added some new segments under Fashion, displaying the latest fashion in hats! Aimee is doing such a good job with Tracy's therapy. Tracy's Physical Therapy With Dee Is Cancelled This Evening ~ Tracy's Physical Therapy with Dee was cancelled this week, because Dee is away celebrating his anniversary. Dad Goes To Hot Yoga This Evening ~ Dad went to Hot Yoga this evening. It was a good class, taught by Veronica! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Peeling Away The Layers : Trees Shedding Their Bark ~

Saturday, November 8th, 2008 ~ Monday, November 10th, 2008 ~ The Family Spends The Weekend In Memphis, Tennessee ~ Everyone enjoyed the weekend together in Memphis, Tennessee. Mamaw and Papaw returned to Louisiana Sunday afternoon. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Tiffany, and Benny enjoyed shopping at the Galleria Mall at Wolfchase Sunday evening. Then, they were even able to meet the Eggerts and had dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Tania Stays With Luca & Luna For The Weekend ~ We are very fortunate that Luca and Luna were in good hands with Tania looking after them while we were away this weekend. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Light Of The Party : Confidence In Social Situations ~

Friday, November 7th, 2008 ~ Mom, Dad, & Tracy Leave For Memphis, Tennessee To Visit Tiffany & Benny ~ Mom, Dad, and Tracy had an early morning flight to Memphis, Tennessee this morning. They are spending the long weekend in Memphis, where they are meeting Tiffany, Benny, Mamaw and Papaw. Mom, Dad, & Tracy Have A Good Flight To Memphis ~ Tracy did real well on the two hour and twenty minute flight to Memphis. Dad and Tracy rode in the lift to the door of the plane, since the regional jet did not have a jet way. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Tiffany & Benny Go Out For Dinner In Memphis ~ Everyone enjoyed dinner at a Texas Roadhouse in Memphis this evening. It was nice to spend some time with Tiffany and Benny. Mamaw and Papaw arrived around 9 PM! It was really nice to visit with them as well. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: An Invitation To Comfort: Creating A Happy, Serene, & Healthy Home ~

Thursday, November 6th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Yoga This Morning ~ Veronica taught a good Vinyasa flow class this morning. Mom was already sore from some of the new poses. Mom Goes To Nana's To Shampoo & Blow Dry Her Hair ~ Mom went to shampoo and blow dry Nana's hair this afternoon. Wilmene Gives Tracy A Manicure ~ Wilmene gave Tracy a manicure this afternoon. Shade of the week is a shimmery bronze! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg & Jeff This Afternoon ~ Jeff and Greg got Tracy straddled on the peanut into forward flexion to stretch her lower back. Mom put the mirror in front of her so she could see herself. Then it was time to get Tracy kneeling over the peanut to weight bear through her hips. Tracy tolerated 20 minutes in this position. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch Grey's Anatomy This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed watching Grey's Anatomy this evening. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Knowing Too Much: Ignorance Can Be Bliss ~

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Boca Nails For Pedicure & Manicure This Morning ~ Mom went to Boca Nails this morning for a manicure and a pedicure. It was just what the doctor ordered after a very, very, very long election day! Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Greg This Evening ~ Tania and Greg got Tracy transferred on to the therapy mat and then it was time for stretching and ranging Tracy's major muscle groups. Greg commented on how loose Tracy's joints felt, especially her hips, ankles and heel chords. Then it was time for e-stim (Neuro-muscular electrical stimulation) for muscular re-education. Greg put the electrodes on Tracy's quadriceps and turned up the stimulation. Tracy is working very hard during her Physical Therapy sessions and Greg and Tania are doing a great job with her. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch Dancing With The Stars: The Results This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed watching Dancing With The Stars: The Results this evening. Mom is still rooting for Brooke and Derek or Lance and Lacey to win the coveted mirrorball! Everyone Watched Private Practice This Evening ~ Thank God for sitcoms and dramas and a much-welcomed break from campaign rhetoric and media talk shows. Can you spell relief! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Plunging Into The Deep: Life Can Be Scary ~

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 ~ Election Day! ~ Mom Walks To Starbuck In Pompano & Then To City Hall To Cast Her Vote ~ Mom walked to Pompano to Starbucks for a nonfat chai tea latte before walking to Lighthouse Point City Hall to cast her vote. The line was pretty long and it took about an hour and a half. Tracy Has Speech Therapy With Aimee At Nova Southeastern University In Davie ~ Tracy worked very hard during her Speech Therapy session with Aimee this afternoon. Jodi, another student clinician, observed Tracy's session as did Amanda, an undergraduate. Aimee started the session with the two Step By Step Sequential switches, pre-recorded with conversations from Tracy's weekend. Tracy initiated the conversation by hitting the switch with her cheek. Aimee talked to Tracy about her wonderful pool therapy session with Jeff and Greg that Aimee observed on Sunday. Then it was time to work with Tracy's Dynavox. Tracy hit the switch to talk about her feelings and Aimee just knew that Tracy was going to hit BORED, especially after a long yawn! Instead, Tracy selected "I Feel Happy," several times. She also selected I Feel Excited!" During her session, Tracy hit the switch several times to say "I Love You Mom," and "I Love You, Dad!" She also hit the switch to say "Hi Uncle Johnny and Hi Emil!" She is doing a great job with her Dynavox. Tracy Has Physical Therapy With Dee This Evening ~ Dee worked with Tracy on the mat this evening, stretching and ranging all of her major muscle groups. Then it was time for trunk rotation in long sitting position. Tracy's trunk strength and control is really improving. Dee stretched Tracy's arms straight up over her head. She demonstrated very good flexibility even though she is not able to move voluntarily. Tracy is working very hard during her therapy sessions. Mom Goes To Evening Bikram Yoga Practice ~ Lan taught a wonderful Bikram Yoga class this evening and Mom was sure glad that she went. She was pretty wired from all of the election hype so it was definitely just what the doctor ordered. The energy was incredible. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: The Journey Of Finding A Relationship: Our Relationship Choices ~

Monday, November 3rd, 2008 ~ Mom Stayed With Tracy This Morning - Wilmene Had The Day Off ~ Mom was in charge this morning while Wilmene had the day off to move. Tania came to work around 11:30 AM. Mom and Tracy were very happy to see her! Mom, Tania, Tracy, Luca & Luna Sit Outside By The Pool ~ It was a beautiful day and Mom, Tania and Tracy sat outside by the pool. Tania read to Tracy from her Environmental Science book. They learned about biomes. Tracy Relaxes & Stretches On The CPM Machine This Evening ~ Tracy ranged both hips and hamstrings this evening on the CPM machine. She really enjoys the range of motion that it provides. Mom Goes To Spinning This Evening ~ Mom joined Aunt Diane and Uncle Johnny this evening at LA Fitness for a Spinning class. It had been so long since she went to a Spin class that she couldn't even remember the last time! It was a lot of fun! Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch Dancing With The Stars This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed watching Dancing With The Stars this evening! It was a great show! Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: The Journey Of Finding A Relationship: Our Relationship Choices ~

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy, & LuLu Go To Hippotherapy This Morning ~ Mom, Dad, Tracy and LuLu went to Tracy's Hippotherapy session this morning at Bit By Bit in Parkland. Tracy did a good job sitting up tall in the saddle and worked hard to hold her head up. Tracy looked really amazing in the riding pants that Susan gave her. She also wore Susan's riding boots without her AFOs (leg braces). She is getting so much stronger! Tracy Has Aquatherapy With Greg & Jeff This Afternoon ~ Aimee, Tracy's Speech Therapy student clinician from Nova Southeastern came to see Tracy during her pool therapy session. She is the sweetest girl and Tracy, Mom and Dad were so glad that she came to visit us. Tracy did really well for about 45 minutes, and then a cloud come up and the wind picked up and it got cool. Dad turned the pool heater on at 8 AM, and the pool was a chilly 72 degrees! Brr! It warmed up to 82 degrees by 1:30 PM! Mom put Tracy's long sleeved water shirt on under her wet suit. Tracy seemed to stay pretty warm until the weather turned cooler. Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch The Miami Dolphins Beat The Denver Broncos ~ What an exciting game! Even though Mom is not into pro football, she was really happy to see the Dolphins finally winning! Chad Pennington sure looked good! Mom, Dad, Tracy, Luca & Luna Watch Brothers & Sisters And The Unit This Evening ~ Everyone enjoyed watching their Sunday evening television shows. Thank goodness for tivo! They plan to catch up on Desperate Housewives tomorrow evening. Chip & Eileen Come By For A Brief Visit ~ Cousins Chip and Eileen came by for a brief visit this evening. They have been so busy with the Republican campaign and upcoming election. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Savoring Ceremony: Tea Rituals ~

Saturday, November 1st, 2008 ~ Mom Goes To Bikram Yoga This Morning ~ Mom went to Bikram Yoga this morning. Dad could not join her because he is on call for American Airlines. Mom had a good practice, but learned that Lan is changing the focus of the studio away from the Bikram philosophy. She has changed the name to 360 Hot Yoga! Mom and Dad are hoping that the quality of the studio programs does not become diluted with the changes. We'll keep you posted. Wilmene Gives Tracy A Facial & A Manicure This Morning ~ Tracy got a facial and a manicure this morning. She loves her spa days. Mom, Dad, & Tracy Watch College Football This Afternoon ~ Everyone enjoyed watching Florida pummel Georgia in Jacksonville this afternoon. Miami beat UVA and LSU beat Tulane. Mom and Tiffany were disappointed to see BC lose to Clemson in the last few minutes of the game! Melanie Comes To Give Tracy A Cranial Sacral Therapy Session ~ Melanie worked with Tracy on CST this afternoon out on the lanai by the pool. Next, Dad got a CST session and Mom got a Swedish massage. Everyone felt much more relaxed after their spa treatments. Mom & Dad Work On Wedding Photo Selection For Album ~ Mom and Dad went through over 3,000 photographs this evening, trying to narrow down the best ones for the wedding and parent albums. There are so many beautiful ones, it is really hard to narrow them down. Tracy Has Been Really Trying To Talk Lately ~ Tracy has been moving her tongue and mouth a lot over the past several weeks. She even stuck her tongue out three times on command. She has been more vocal and really trying to talk to us. This is a very slow process, and is very inconsistent! Please pray that she continues to talk to us more and more each day! Daily OM: Burning Brightly: Allowing Your Soul To Shine ~