Analise moving her index finger...just the start!!

Analise has started to consciously move her index finger when asked to do so, and seems to enjoy it!!  She is starting to make the brain/hand connection, which is essential to moving the rest of her fingers. 

Please continue to pray for our Sweet Analise!!!

Go Analise...one finger at a time!!!

Cousin Isabela's essay and pictures of Analise

Our 8 year old granddaughter, Isabela wanted to enter a PTA photo/essay contest at school and wrote the following essay about her cousin Analise and also took these pictures, which she titled "Bubbly Moments". Even if she doesn't win this contest, she has won our hearts!!

"When I think of the theme "The Magic of a Moment" I think of my cousin Analise. Analise was born with a rare condition Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. This condition causes her to have smaller muscles in her arms and problems with her legs. Although she is only one she's had so many surgeries and has gone through so much. Since she has trouble moving she is learning to find ways through her challenges. She uses her shoulder muscles to move her arms. She spins and scoots since she can't crawl or walk. Through all the struggles she faces I realize there'S ALWAYS magic in every moment."

(sorry the picture is a little blurry, it is a picture of the picture) 

BUBBLY MOMENTS

Summer/Fall 2012 with the Perseks

  Analise being very resourceful and turning her pacifier around

Alright, we need a time machine to just slow life down.  Time is not waiting for us at all!!  

The kids are getting older and older before our eyes, aches and pains are coming to places on our bodies we didn't even know existed, and the minute things are crossed off of our "to do list,"  100 more things magically appear.  Crazy life, but we still have smiles on our faces (most of the time :)  !

Analise is doing well.  We, as well as many of you, are still waiting for movement from her shoulders down to her fingers.  She wants to move, and uses her shoulders and chest muscles as much as she can, but she still only has a slight twitch of a few fingers.  The doctors say that movement is still possible at any time the first couple of years, but after that, if there is still no movement, it's not as promising.  But that is what we love about the doctors in Philadelphia, they NEVER say NEVER!! 

We hear positive, promising comments each time we go back to Philly.  They work with the doctors and orthotists out here in California to make sure Analise is being taken care of.  They do thorough evaluations and want positive results as much as we do.  We just wish they were a little closer.  We drive through Philadelphia now like it's our second home... we don't even need GPS any more!!

We took Analise for her follow up appointment with Dr. vanBosse and Dr. Zlotolow in Philly in September.  Analise is starting to scoot around in circles, grab balls with her hands and lift them as high as her arms will let her, and last week she even rode a horse:)  In Philly, she even started walking in a gait trainer.  

 On a "gait trainer" at Philly Shriners.

Analise should be getting her gait trainer here in California soon.

It's amazing what this little bundle of joy is doing without the use of her arms.  

We can't wait to see what the future holds for her!!

The rest of our family is also doing well:  

I am teaching third grade now and loving it.  It's difficult to change grade levels, but I absolutely love the ages of these kids.  

Dawn and baby boy are doing great.  There was a little drama with the pregnancy, but all is well and both are healthy.  Dawn can't believe how much he kicks and punches.  Come December, we will have an even fuller house!! 

Kaley is taking her driving test very soon, but won't tell anyone the date until she passes.  She is really liking anatomy & physiology and statistics and getting A's in these classes that will prepare her for career choice.  She is leaning towards becoming a nurse as her senior year quickly moves on.  

Kyle tried out for the water polo team as a freshman and made it even though he never played water polo before.  Being the goalie is a tough job but he's getting better every day.  He is looking forward to playing lacrosse for a club team in the winter and spring.  

Kassandra has straight A's (mostly A+'s) in her classes in her first year in middle school and has become a soccer scoring machine.  

Here are a few pictures from our busy summer and enjoy some videos that are sure to make you smile.

Analise is starting to "scoot".  She loves to show us her "mad" and "happy" face!!  

Celebrating my parents' (Grandpa Richard and Abuelita Marti) 25th Anniversary with the entire family in July in Maui

Our family camping trip at San Elijo in August with one of Kyle's friends, Reed

On the plane on our way to Philly in September. Analise behaves very well while she is watching her favorite music video of The Laurie Berkner Band ...but when it stops...WATCH OUT!!! 

Having fun at the Ronald McDonald House in Philly. 
Thank you Ronald for another great stay at the Ronald McDonald House during our last trip!!

Analise on her first apple picking trip to Oak Glen with the family... with her cousin Eva on her wagon, a gift from Grandma Annette and Grandpa John

Analise's picks her first apple...with a little help from Mommy!!

Happy Fall!!