Swimming in February

There are certain days that make you appreciate California more than others. Today was one of them. After school, 3 hours of therapy we got to come to my parents house and jump in a warm pool. What a treat to take a warm night swim in February. Josie was in heaven and had to be drug out after an hour and a half. We are going to try and take advantage of swimming until the next rain hits on Saturday. Feels like spring already.

Josie did a great job with Liz today. Her walking is steadily improving. We are trying to increase the frequency at home, too. Our little buddy, Reggie from Michigan, is being treated by Sylwia right now. He calls the therapy center Josie's home. She probably would agree that she feels like she lives there half of the year!! Too cute. We wish we could be there with him. We miss all of you guys.
April 5th will be here before you know it...yikes, I really better pick up the pace!

On the way home from therapy, I received a call from Dr. Mitchell, Josie's neurologist. She was alarmed that even though we have almost cut the Carbitrol(seizure medicine) level in half her numbers were alarmingly too high. She was on this same dose last year and her levels were at 8. The same dose this year is at 15. She is even taller and heavier than last year which should make the same dose really low. We are quickly decreasing her again and running levels again next Wednesday. We will hold off on starting her on Topomax until we can figure out why her liver won't get rid of this med. I pray, pray, pray we haven't done anything to the liver. I couldn't stress enough to them that her unexplained, rapid weight gain was unusual. We will get to the bottom of it. Dr. Mitchell is shocked that she is functioning so well with numbers like that.

As for wonderful Teresa, she had her shunt put back in today. She did really great in surgery and after and if all goes well neurosurgery will release her to go home in 2 days. If the antibiotics are finished by then, then she will be free. She will be so happy to go home as will her parents. They have done another remarkable job being in there the past month.

Tonight I especially want to wish my grandparents Happy 65th anniversary. They are truly the definition of love and happiness. Their love and commitment to each other shines so bright. We are the luckiest people to have them around us all the time and to witness their great love. Love you guys!!

Best to all. Jenny and Josie