Tuesday, September 30th, 2003 ~

I stayed with Tracy last night in her new room! Definitely an adjustment, but it's nice! During OT, Kate helped Tracy brush her teeth, put lip gloss on and brush her hair! It took her awhile and she needed a lot of help, but Tracy had active movement in her left arm! Our dear friend Faith came to stay with Tracy again so that Mom and I could continue to unpack and organize our new home. Tracy was stretched and ranged by Jana this afternoon and Adrienne massaged Tracy's hands while she was sitting in her chair. Faith fed Tracy some split pea soup during lunch and during speech, Tracy also had

some pureed mashed potatoes and roast beef. Uncle Johnny arrived this afternoon and is staying with Tracy for the next couple of days. Our friend Brendan Gray also stopped by to see Tracy this evening. Spoto comes Friday! Woohoo!

Monday, September 29th, 2003 ~ 

Mom stayed with Tracy last night and she slept all night. It is beginning to feel like Fall here in DC with temperatures predicted in the 40's tomorrow morning. We moved Tracy to Room 306 (next door) today. Her new direct phone number in 306 is 202-877-1315.  During OT, Kate stretched and ranged Tracy's shoulders and arms and adjusted her night splints.  The botox seems to be working; Tracy is able to relax her arms a lot better.  During PT, Tracy was placed prone (on her tummy) and Marlena stretched her hips and legs.  Adrienne massaged and stretched Tracy's hands and wrists and Jana stretched Tracy's hips, legs and feet. During Speech, Tracy had 4 ozs of coffee yogurt in less than 30 minutes. Later, Mom fed Tracy 4 ozs of peach yogurt smoothie. Uncle Johnny comes Tues and we cant wait to see him!

Sunday, September 28th, 2003 ~

Dad stayed with Tracy last night and she slept well.  Dad and Mom took Tracy to Mass today in the Rehab Gym.  Nicole, Aubrey, and Sam joined us.  Today, Tracy was able to have communion by taking a small piece of the host and a sip of wine.  After Mass, everyone spent some time in the Therapeutic Garden getting some of the last rays of sunshine before the cool weather settles in.  We were all sad to see the girls head back to the University of Miami this afternoon.  Tracy really seemed to enjoy their company.  They are wonderful friends and we are really glad that they came to visit.  Faith stayed with Tracy again this afternoon while Mom, Dad and Tiffany unpacked more stuff at the new apartment.  It is looking more like home each day!  Charles headed back to Virginia Beach this afternoon.  He was here all week helping us move.  What a life saver he is!  Thank you to Aunt Candy for all of the nice presents.  Tracy loves the little dog, angle pin, and lotions. 

Saturday, September 27th, 2003 ~

Tiff stayed with Tracy last night and she slept well.  Our friend Faith stayed with Tracy all day while Mom, Dad, and Charles unpacked and worked to get us moved into our new apartment in Crystal City.  Faith also helped Mom and Tiffany rearrange furniture and it is starting to look like a home.  Tracy's friends, Nicole, Aubrey, Samantha, and Jenna from U of Miami arrived and spent the day with her.  They gave her a facial, hand massage, and did her makeup South Beach style!  She looks beautiful!  Tracy was sleepy during Speech, and didn't feel like eating.  During OT, Tracy was positioned on the side of the mat and put her arms on the bedside table. She is getting much better at trunk control.  Lamar stretched and ranged her during PT.  Tracy has to move out of room 305 on Monday b/c they will be fixing the many problems with her room (leaks). Tracy will most likely move into room 306 and stay there for the remainder of her stay at NRH. Thank you to Aunt Candy for all of the nice presents.  Tracy loves the little dog, angle pin, and lotions. 

Friday, September 26th, 2003 ~

Dad stayed with Tracy last night and she slept well. Tracy was videotaped this morning for an educational physical therapy video about brain injuries and tone. During OT, Katie showed Dad how to relax and stretch Tracy's shoulders and arms. This afternoon, Tracy had her best stretching session with Jana yet! Marlena, Tracy's PT helped Tracy sit at the edge of her bed. Dad and Marlena had Tracy's elbows leaning on her bedside table and showed Tracy some numbers. She looked at the correct numbers when asked! Tracy also had about three ounces of yogurt smoothie! Go Tracy! We are still in the process of unpacking and moving into our new apt! Tracy has to move out of room 305 on Monday b/c they will be fixing the many problems with her room (leaks). Tracy will most likely move into room 306 and stay there for the remainder of her stay at NRH. Nicole, Aubrey, Jenna, and Sam, four of Tracy's friends from the University of Miami, arrive tonight!

Thursday, September 25th, 2003 ~ 

Mom stayed with Tracy last night and Tracy watched some of the Dave Matthew's in Central Park concert on AOL on Tracy's laptop.  She wore her new cast for an hour during the night.  Marlena and Maria made Tracy this new cast to help straighten her right knee.  She tolerated it well and will wear it longer this evening.  During OT, Kate and Connie made Tracy a new night splint to wear on her right hand over her cast.  She has all sorts of new equipment to wear when we take her home.  During PT, Tracy was ranged and stretched by Jana and Marlena measured her for a CPM machine which she

will have when we take her home.  She uses the CPM every evening for an hour and a half on each leg to help with her tone.  During Speech, Tracy had her first tray from dietary!  She ate almost a third of pureed roast beef, carrots and peas! Nicole, Aubrey, Jenna, and Sam, four of Tracy's friends from the University of Miami, will be visiting this weekend. Thank you to cousins Dawn and Sophia for the adorable cards which Dawn's CCD class in Marietta, Georgia made for Tracy.

Wednesday, September 24th, 2003 ~

I stayed with Tracy last night and we watched some TV. She slept through the night again! Woohoo! During OT, Tracy was on a mat in the atrium. Kate, Tracy's OT, helped Trace brush her teeth and put lip gloss on. Tracy needed a lot of help but did a great job. I took Tracy outside for a bit to enjoy the sunshine and to look at some of the fish in the fountain. She dozed and then we met up with Adrienne so Trace could get her daily hand and arm massage. Tracy was stretched and ranged during PT and wasn't in the mood to eat anything during speech. She did answer some questions with headnods and

 her "yes" and "no" cards though! Our friend Faith stopped by this afternoon and hung out with Tracy. Dad is off all this week in order to move us into our new apartment. Charles is visiting for the week and is helping us move to our new apartment in Crystal City.

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2003 ~ 

Mom stayed here at NRH with Tracy last night and Tracy was out like a light. She has been sleeping so well lately! During PT, Tracy had a cast put on her right leg in order to straighten her knee. The cast was then cut off this afternoon in order to make a bi-valve cast that she can wear just at night. Tracy also had a splint made for her left wrist and hand and her OT made sure it fit her well. Tracy had four ounces of yogurt smoothie and then drank Dad's french vanilla coffee! She had four ounces of french vanilla coffee! That's the girl we know and love! We gotta bring her some Starbucks! Dad is off all this

week in order to move us into our new apartment. Charles is visiting for the week and is helping us move to our new apartment in Crystal City. Nicole, Aubrey, Jenna, and Sam, four of Tracy's friends from the University of Miami, will be visiting this weekend. We are looking forward to finally settling in.

Monday, September 22nd, 2003~

I stayed with Tracy last night and she slept through the night. Tracy had a special visit from Taylor, the therapy dog, this morning! We took Trace out to the atrium and she laid on a mat with Taylor. With help, she rolled to her left side and stretched her right arm around Taylor giving him a big hug! She did the same thing on her right side and received many doggy kisses! Tracy is so relaxed with Taylor and her therapists think that Tracy really needs a visit from her dog, Snow! They think that Snow would really help Tracy! During speech, Jennifer and I fed Tracy about 3 ounces of tropical fruit yogurt smoothie. She is eating so much better lately! Tracy was also put on her knees during PT. Four of us got her up on her knees and then had Trace lean on some boxes with her elbows for support. She needed a lot of help, but she stayed in that position for about 15 minutes! Dad is off this week in order to move us into our new apartment in Crystal City. Charles is visiting this week and is helping us move.

Sunday, September 21st, 2003 ~

Dad stayed with Tracy last night and they watched the exciting LSU vs. Georgia game. Geaux Tigers!  When Mom arrived at the hospital this morning she told Tracy "Good morning Tracy" and gave her a kiss. Tracy turned to Mom and said "Hi, Ma!" incredible! She said it without any cues and without anyone asking her to say "hi"! Mom and Dad took Tracy to Mass here at NRH this morning. They then took Tracy outside for a bit. They also put Tracy on a mat in the atrium and stretched and ranged her legs, hips, feet, arms and shoulders. We have to keep her girl in tip-top-shape. Tracy did not have

therapy today and has a very busy week ahead of her! Mom fed Tracy about four ounces of a chocolate protein shake. Dad is off all this week in order to move us into our new apartment. Charles comes on Monday to help us move to our new apartment in Crystal City. We are looking forward to finally settling in.

Saturday, September 20th, 2003 ~ 

Mom stayed with Tracy last night and she had a restless night.  Tracy had a half day of therapy today, and did a great job!  During Speech, Tracy had some strawberry yogurt smoothie.  Later in the day, Tracy finished off the bottle, drinking 5 ozs of yogurt smoothie in less than 30 minutes.  During PT, Cara stretched and ranged Tracy's lower extremities, and Rene', Dad, and I got Tracy prone (on her stomach) for 20 minutes.  Tracy is getting better at relaxing her right leg, which has a tight hamstring, while in this position on the mat.  During OT, Tracy's arms, hands, wrists and shoulders were stretched and ranged.  Then Tracy had a shower and Dad, Mom and Tracy watched the exciting LSU vs. Georgia game.  Geaux Tigers!  Charles comes on Monday to help us move to our new apartment in Crystal City.

Friday, September 19th, 2003 ~

Dad stayed with Tracy last night and they both weathered the hurricane despite a few leaky windows! Mom and I wholed up at our apartment and thankfully we didn't lose power! Charles is coming Monday to help us move into our new apartment next week. Tracy had a full day of therapy today despite the bad weather. During OT, Tracy sat at the side of the bed (with help) twice and the OT taught Dad how to range Tracy's shoulders. Dad was checked off on positioning Tracy in the bed and worked on hip extensions with Tracy during PT. Adrienne gave Tracy a hand massage and Jana stretched Tracy's legs. During Speech, Dad fed Tracy six ounces of strawberry yogurt to show the speech therapist that he can do it!

Thursday, September 18th, 2003 ~

Tiff spent the night with Tracy last night and they both slept peacefully.  During OT, Katie and Connie continued to make Tracy's wrist splints. She finished the left one  and will work on the right one on Monday.  During PT, Tracy sat up on the edge of the mat with help and rested her forearms on a table.  She is getting more trunk and head control each day.  Tracy was stretched and ranged by Jana.  During Speech, Tracy had two ounces of vanilla pudding and Jen, her therapist, was pleased with her progress.  She is getting better at putting her lips together and swallowing with minimal cues.  Marlena ranged and stretched Tracy and massaged the back of her knee.  We are keeping an eye on Hurricane Isabel. They are predicting her arrival around the DC area this evening.

Wednesday, September 17th, 2003 ~ Eight Months Since the Brain Injury

Mom spent the night with Tracy last night and they both slept peacefully.  During OT, Katie started to fit Tracy for wrist splints. Tracy was up in her chair for a bit today and had PT in the atrium. Tracy was "prone" (on her tummy) for 20 min and her PT gave Tracy a deep massage to the back of Tracy's leg. Tracy was stretched and ranged by Jana and Adrienne massaged Tracy's arms and hands. During speech, Tracy had two ounces of strawberry yogurt smoothie. Our friend Liz Tomasezski stopped by to visit and brought Tracy some Clinique Lotion. Miss Dolly, our elementary school librarian in Louisiana, sent Tracy the book, The Little Engine that Could! We are keeping an eye on Hurricane Isabel. They are predicting her arrival around the DC area at the end of this week. Mamaw left this afternoon and made it home safely. Mamaw brought Tracy some really cute socks and a cute pair of pj's!

Tuesday, September 16th, 2003 ~

I spent the night with Tracy last night and she slept very well! She has been sleeping through the night alot lately. During PT, Tracy was prone (on her tummy) for about 20 minutes and she helped extend her leg. Tracy has her daily hand massage with Adrienne and was stretched and ranged with Jana.  During OT, we took Tracy outside and she practiced using her left arm to brush her teeth with a toothette! Kate held Tracy's arm up in space and Trace moved her arm back and forth (slowly) in order to brush her teeth! She also put some lip gloss on her lips! Awesome! During speech, Tracy had about 2 ounces of coffee yogurt. She is doing a great job eating by mouth.   Miss Dolly, our elementary school librarian in Louisiana, sent Tracy the book, The Little Engine that Could! We are keeping an eye on Hurricane Isabel. They are predicting her arrival around the DC area at the end of this week. Mamaw is leaving tomorrow, a day earlier than planned, b/c of the hurricane. We have really enjoyed her visit! Mamaw brought Tracy some really cute socks and a cute pair of pj's!

Monday, September 15, 2003 ~ Eight Months Since the Car Accident

Mom spent Sunday night with Tracy and they both rested well. During OT, Katie measuered Tracy for some new night splints that will help to extend her fingers.  She also checked to see if Tracy is ready for a new cast for her right arm.  The Botox injections have really helped to relax Tracy's arms and wrists.  Later, Mom fed Tracy about 5 more ozs!  Jana stretched and ranged Tracy's lower extremities and Adrienne massaged and ranged Tracy's upper extremities.  During PT, Marlena stretched Tracy and then Mom practiced transferring Tracy using the Hoyer lift.  Mamaw is enjoying her visit with us and we are glad that she is here.  We are keeping an eye on Hurricane Isabel.  They are predicting her arrival around the DC area at the end of this week.

Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th, 2003 ~ Nana's B'day!

Tiffany spent Friday night with Tracy and they both rested well. Saturday Tracy has a half day of therapy and she ranged and stretched by Lamar. During PT, Tracy was positioned on her knees by Jennifer for about 10 minutes, and put weight through her lower extremities. During OT, Katie showed Dad some shoulder stretches that we can do when Tracy goes home. During Speech, Jennifer tried some vanilla pudding, but Tracy wasn't in the mood to eat. Later, Dad, Mamaw, Tiffany, Charles and Mom took Trace out in the garden for some sunshine between the rain showers. Mom fed Tracy 5ozs of raspberry smoothie and she enjoyed it. Saturday evening, Tiffany took Mom to the Dave Matthews concert in Virginia. DMB played mom's favorite song: Gray Street! Sunday, Mamaw, Dad and Mom took Tracy to Mass on the second floor. After Mass, Tracy drank 5 ozs of raspberry yogurt smoothie in about 30 minutes. In the afternoon, Dad and Mom stretched Tracy on the mat in the atrium.  Tiffany and Charles are on their way to Virginia Beach to another Dave Matthews Concert this evening.

 Friday, September 12, 2003 ~

Mom spent the night with Tracy and they both rested well.  Jana ranged and stretched Tracy's legs, hips and feet and Adrienne massaged and ranged Tracy's arms, wrists and fingers.  During PT, Marlena stretched Tracy's lower extremities too.  Kate had Mom practice transferring Tracy using the Hoyer lift.  Tracy and Mom did a good job.  With a little more practice, Mom will be checked off!  During Speech, Jennifer tried some new smoothie drinks (passion and guava) and Tracy also tried a little bit of macaroni and cheese,  She didn't feel like eating much today.  We'll try again tomorrow.  Tiffany and Charles return from Virginia Beach this evening.  Mawmaw arrived from Louisiana and we are so glad that she is here. 

Thursday, Sepember 11, 2003 ~

Dad spent the night with Tracy and they both rested well.  Tracy had another GREAT day of therapy today.  During OT, Kate helped Tracy use her left hand to use a toothette, in get her ready to brush her own teeth one day!  I know our girl will be happy to put on her own makeup, not that she needs it!  She's a natural beauty!  During Speech, Jennifer fed Tracy 8 ozs of mixed berry yogurt smoothie.  Tracy is taking much bigger sips and swallowing them more efficiently with her mouth closed.   In PT, Marlena had Mom demonstrate various bed positioning skills and checked her off on her competency checklist!  Way to go Mom!  Once again, nursing school paid off!  Tiffany is visiting friends in Virginia Beach for a much needed mini-vacation. 

Wednesday, September 10th, 2003 ~

Tiffany stayed last night and they had a good one.  Tracy's morning started off with an upset stomach but was resolved by early afternoon.  In PT she was positioned prone for 40 minutes,

an all time record.  During speech Tracy showed a lot of emotions and responded with a nod when asked by Jennifer if she felt sad.  She even shed some tears.  This is another sign that she continues to improve with babysteps.  She was ranged and stretched by Jana and Adrienne massaged her hands and fingers. 

Tuesday, September 9th, 2003 ~

 Mom stayed with Tracy last night and Tracy slept peacefully. During OT, Tracy had a very special visitor! Taylor, the therapy dog stopped by and he laid on a mat with Tracy. Tracy rolled to her

 left (with help) and put her arm around Taylor (with help). She gave him big hugs and with help petted him. She then did the same thing, but on her right side. Tracy really enjoys Taylor's kisses! Hopefully soon our dog Snow will visit or come to live with Tracy! She loves her puppy! Tracy's legs, hips and feet were ranged by Jana this afternoon and then Mom ranged Tracy during PT. During speech, Tracy had a cup of cranberry juice and also had some coffee yogurt. Also, Adrienne massaged her fingers, hands and arms! John Huber, one of Tracy's ICU nurses at Bethesda surprised us with a visit this afternoon and brought Tracy some beautiful flowers. It was so nice to see him and he also loaned us a prayer book. Father Rock and Father Brown stopped by as well!

Monday, September 8th, 2003 ~

 Tiffany stayed with Tracy last night and they both had a good night's sleep.  Tracy had a GREAT day of therapy (she seems to like Mondays)!  During OT, Katie stretched Tracy's shoulders, arms and hands.  Katie helped Tracy practice swabbing her mouth with a mint flavored toothette again.  Pretty soon she will be brushing her own teeth!  During Speech, Tracy ate 2 ozs of chocolate pudding.  After Speech, she ate 2 more ozs of coffee yogurt.  She is swallowing quicker with little assistance and minimal verbal cues.  During PT, Marlena and Skye put Tracy on her tummy for almost twenty minutes to stretch her back, hips and legs and to put weight through her shoulders and arms.  Jana ranged and stretched Tracy's hips, legs and feet and Adrienne massaged her fingers, hands and arms!

Sunday, Spetember 7th, 2003 ~

Dad stayed with Tracy again last night and they watched the awesome UM vs. UF game! GO CANES!!! :) I'm sure that win made Tracy happy! Mom and Dad took Tracy to Mass in the rehab room this morning and then Cousins Chip and Eileen, Mom, Dad, Charles and I took Tracy outside for a bit. She had about four ounces of strawberry yogurt smoothie while we were outside. It's such a nice day out! Then we went into Independence Square to show Chip and Eileen around. Tracy has had a relaxing afternoon and a nice day off from therapy. She has been chilling in her wheelchair most of the day and  cousins Chip and Eileen headed back to Florida this afternoon. They brought Trace some adorable pj's to add to her ever growing collection. Thanks. Mamaw comes Friday from Louisiana and we are so excited! Father Brown stopped by yesterday to see Tracy again. He comes every weekend!

Saturday, September 6th ~

Dad stayed with Tracy last night and they watched some of the US Open. Tracy slept peacefully through the night. She had a half day of therapy today and her arms were stretched and ranged during OT.  During PT, Tracy was put prone (on her tummy) out on the mat in the atrium. This afternoon, Tracy's legs and feet were stretched while she relaxed in bed. Cousins Chip and Eileen, Charles and I took Tracy outside by the fountain for a little while this afternoon. Tracy watched some of the US Open today and she has had a relaxing evening. Charles is back from Japan and is staying until Sunday.

Friday, September 5th ~

Tracy and I had another sleep over and we watched the NFL Live Concert on TV. It happened only 2 miles down the road from NRH! Crazy! Cousins Chip and Eileen arrived early this morning from South Florida. They are staying until Sunday. Tracy's OT, Katie, stretched Tracy's arms and helped Tracy brush her teeth! Tracy actively moved her left arm in order to brush away! With help, Tracy sat up at the edge of the mat in the atrium and leaned onto a table, working on keeping her head up. During speech, Tracy had a few swallows of strawberry/banana yogurt smoothie and then had some bites of coffee icecream. She is really starting to move her mouth and jaw. Tracy's J-tube was taken out this week and now she is being fed

 solely through the G-tube in her tummy. Tracy was stretched and ranged by Marlena, her PT, in the therapy room. Emil stopped by NRH and gave Tracy her weekly massage! Charles is back from Japan and will be arriving tonight.

Thursday, September 4th ~ 7 Months at NRH

Mom stayed with Tracy last night and they watched some of the US Open. Tracy slept peacefully throughout the night. Tracy had OT this morning and her shoulders and arms were stretched and ranged. She had some chocolate protein shake and some tropical fruit smoothie during speech. Her speech therapist fed her and also worked with Tracy, trying to get her to stick her tongue out. That's pretty hard for her to do. Yesterday Tracy lifted her eyebrows up and down on command, twice! She is working on talking and is sooo close! During PT Tracy was stretchd out on the mat in the atrium. Tracy's arms have really loosened up since she had botox injections in them! Cousins Chip and Eileen arrive this Friday from Florida and we can't wait to see them! Charles is back from Japan and will be arriving tomorrow afternoon.

Wednesday, September 3rd ~ 7 Months at NRH

Tracy and I had another sleep over and we watched the OC. She had OT this morning with Katie out in the atrium and sat up at the edge of the mat, putting her arms on the bedside table with help. Mom fed Tracy four ounces of a vanilla protein shake. During PT, Tracy was prone (on her tummy) in the atrium after she was stretched and ranged by Jana. During speech, Amy, the speech therapist, fed Tracy some tropical yogurt smoothie and some water. She put her lips around the bottle and she is starting to do some different things with her mouth and tongue. Today, Tracy's J-tube was taken out, finally! She now is only being fed through a G-tube in her tummy. Tracy also said "yah" today during speech. Cousins Chip and Eileen arrive this Friday from Florida and we can't wait to see them!

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2003 ~

Mom stayed with Tracy last night and she slept on and off. We took Tracy over to the Washington Hospital Center for a routine bone scan this morning. We were there for about two hours and then brought Tracy back for an hour of therapy. She had speech and worked on eating some strawberry jello. She had about five bites of it while sitting up in bed. Tracy's OT, Katie, came for the second half hour of speech and helped Tracy sit on the edge of the bed. Amy, the speech therapist, continued to feed Tracy some jello while Tracy sat at the edge of the bed with Katie's help. This afternoon we brought Tracy back to Washington Hospital Center (it's across the street) for the second part of the bone scan. Tracy missed PT because of the bone scan test.

Monday, September 1st ~ Labor Day

Dad stayed again with Tracy Sunday night and she rested really well. Tiffany returned from her weekend off and had a good time.  Tracy had a half day of therapy today and did well.  During PT, Tracy was positioned prone (on her tummy) for close to thirty minutes!  She was able to get a good stretch in her hips, and back, and put weight through her shoulders and arms. Lamar ranged her feet, hips and legs.  During OT, Tracy was positioned on the edge of the mat, with her arms stretched out in front of her on a bedside table.  She was able to hold her head up with assistance.  Tracy did not have Speech today because o Labor Day, but had about 3 ozs of strawberry yogurt smoothie and a few bites of jello.