FINALLY, Analise starts physical therapy!!!

Message from Erik:

WOW!!  Super busy last couple of weeks.  Sorry the posts aren't coming as often lately.  For some reason this Christmas season is busier and more stressful than ever, and we're getting less done.  Christmas cards are coming soon too!  I will post them on the blog also.  

As for Analise, her bronchiolitis seems to be getting better.  She has less congestion and is not coughing through the night any more.  We have reduced the albuterol treatments, for right now.  She is sleeping a little more each night.  For some reason, she loves to cry around 3 am every morning for her 4 ounces of formula.  

Analise still continues to throw up a little bit each feeding.  We were a little concerned so we took her to get an upper GI X-ray on Tuesday to make sure there were no problems.  Analise had to drink 2.5 ounces of liquid barium that allows the X-rays to see how the food goes through the system.  Her bowel movements after the barium were white and painful.  Then she was constipated until today when she was finally able to go.  At her doctor’s appointment today, they said her intestinal tract looked normal, which is great considering her 2 surgeries on her intestines shortly after she was born (removing her ascending colon/colostomy and reuniting her colon).  

Analise's new gym equipment-Anything to encourage her to move her arms!!

Analise also had her FIRST physical therapy appointment on Wednesday through CCS (California Children’s Services).  Jerry, the physical therapist, walked Dawn through some new exercises and took several measurements.  It was a relief!!   Usually what we hear is to continue what we are doing, but the only problem is, WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE DOING.  Jerry will see Analise 1-2 times every week along with OT appointments as well.  

Although Analise still cannot move her arms, she usually has a smile on her face.  She looks at you as if she understands everything you are saying.  

Analise still doesn't like being stretched and will never miss a feeding, but she is a happy girl.  She definitely has an uphill battle, but with the incredible family and friends she has already, she will succeed.  

Analise looking at her Auntie Monika-Thank you Auntie!!!

Also, my sister Monika and Dawn's mom, Annette, have agreed to watch Analise during the week when Dawn goes back to work.  Yeah!! 
We were a little stressed trying to figure out who would be watching her when Dawn returned to work, but we now feel relieved that Analise will be surrounded by family who will provide all the love, attention, and care that she needs.  Thank you!!!

Analise trying to entice her Auntie Monika to pick her up ;-)

Analise met her beautiful new cousin, Chloe (Dawn's sister Victoria had her on December 1).  Chloe's hands and feet at one week were already bigger than Analise's at 4 months, and she was born with a full head of hair.  Analise is jealous. ;-) They were already having competitions too.  Chloe would cry, then when she would stop, Analise would start, and it went back and forth for a while until they both ate and fell asleep.  Congratulations Andrew, Victoria, and Hailey.!! 

Hey!! That's MY Daddy and Mommy!!

Analise's brother and sisters are busy too.  Kyle started lacrosse again.  What a fun game to watch!  Kassandra is busy again with soccer and will hopefully win some games this season.  And Kaley is starting to learn how to drive.  Although on our first experience she didn't really enjoy it and said she didn't want to ever drive again, but hopefully with some practice she will build the confidence that we all want her to have on the road, for all our sakes. ;-)

Dawn returns to work on January 3, and needless to say, she is not very happy about it.  It will be a big adjustment for Dawn and for all of us, but both Analise and Dawn will do great.  I don't go back to work until January 9, so I get a week alone with my baby. Do you think she will let me sleep in every day?

Only 10 more days from today until Christmas, are you ready?  

Good night!
(tomorrow we will add another video)