Update: Aug. 7th

Hola to all. I hope that you are having a good day. Everything is going well here.

Josh has had a really great weekend and a pretty good Monday. Josh seems so much more alert most of the day as of late. I think he may be adjusting to his therapy schedule. This weekend he took it easy, but he did everything everyone asked of him. He practiced all of the exercises that the therapists gave him to work on, and he is really working hard on his speech. It really hit me Friday night that Josh is very motivated to overcome this injury. Sometimes I will look over at him in the bed and he is moving his arms and legs up and down just to practice the movement they make. I know he is going to be fine, no doubt in my mind now.

One thing that was so wonderful to see was Josh laughing alot this weekend. He even showed his sense of humor a little bit. It is so good for him too because it forces him to take deep breaths and it works out the muscles in his mouth a little bit. Dad was being very silly all weekend long and Josh would just laugh (it mostly sounds like a huff, but his face shows such joy) and sometimes he would roll his eyes. We were teasing dad that we were not really related to him - Josh agreed! (Just kidding dad)

Today at speech therapy, Melissa was blown away by how much Josh was doing. She could tell he had been working on it and was so pleased. She even tried thickening some water and let Josh have a swallow and he did very well with it. He may even get to try a bite of ice cream or pudding tomorrow! I am very hopeful that a swallow study is in the near future to clear him to eat again. Slowly, of course.

Josh is set to get the cast tomorrow to his left ankle. Between 1pm & 2pm they will give him the shot to deaden the nerve and then cast it a little bit later. I pray that it won't be too painful for him, but it is the best thing for him right now. I will let you all know how it all goes. Physical therapy is continuing to help strengthen his legs. They are really working with his right leg so that he can help assist a little when they transfer him from bed to chair and vice versa. Once his left foot is casted they can also work a little more with that leg (if it is still not too painful).

In occupational therapy (OT) they continue to work on his arms (especially the left) so they he can relearn to do the basics. He usually has about an hour in the morning and maybe a 30 minute session in the afternoon of OT. He still wears the splint on his right hand off and on to stretch out his fingers but I have a feeling that it due to be changed soon. Lisa also works with him on sitting and balance. Today Lisa came back for his afternoon therapy session and Josh said "long time, no see!" Mom said Lisa just laughed. We all really like her because she works well with Josh.

The doctor, therapists, case workers, etc. had their weekly meeting today regarding Josh's progress and they had nothing but good things to say. Everyone was so pleased with all that he has accomplished in the past week. When they measure progress they do it on a week by week basis, rather than day by day. I am really praying that he has another good week so there will be more good things to share.

That is about it for today. I am very hopeful that home is in the not-too-distant-future. There is still alot to be done in preparation, but it is getting closer everyday. Thank you all for your continued love and prayers. We love you all.