First Words!!! (7/14/06)

Josh had a really good day today. He was pretty alert alot today. I can think of 3 different times that he was awake and alert and he didn't seem all that agitated. Each of those times he was awake for quite a while, an hour at the least. He was following all the same old commands with some new things as well. I was making faces at him and he copied me a couple of times. I scrunched up my nose like a rabbit and Josh did too as well. It was pretty funny - he did it several other times throughout the day. Another new thing Josh did today was play a little game with me by throwing (very weakly, but throwing!) a little stuffed animal that was given to us. He did it repeatedly. He also correctly showed me with his fingers how old he was (24). It was fun to see a few new things today.

We also tried putting the cap on Josh's trach today while he was awake and he did say a couple of things. I had to strain to hear him because it was soooo weak. Some of it I didn't understand, some of it was just noises, but some of it I did understand. He told me his last name; he told me what my dog's name was - "Dixie"; he asked, "Where's mom" (she went downstairs for dinner); I asked him if he was okay and he said, "I'm thirsty though", and something else I think but I don't remember what it was. He then began to get very frustrated because I couldn't fully understand him so we had to stop so that he wouldn't get too agitated. It was very exciting to see this progress. I know in time he will get it. To address the "I'm thirsty" question, I explained to him why he couldn't drink, but I did wet his mouth pretty good with some toothettes. I think it satisfied him for the time being.

Another thing I noticed today was that Josh is having a hard time with is depth perception. I know he can see because he correctly copies things that I show him, but when goes to grab for the stuffed animal or give me five he misses by a good bit. I don't know why it is like this but I told the doctors and they are going to get Opthalmology to check him out just in case. Maybe he is just so weak that he can't do it. I can tell he is going to have to gain alot of strength back. I guess I would too if I had been lying in a bed for 42 days and counting.

Charlotte is a still a possibility at this time. I am really pushing for it. I will know more next week.

All in all it was a real good day. I pray that you all have a really great weekend. Thanks for your continued prayers - I know I say this everyday, but I really do mean it. We love you all.