We have had an eventful few weeks but nothing too crazy. As you can see from the pictures, Amanda and ELLIE are doing well together. Amanda and ELLIE seem to really enjoy each other’s company. Amanda is learning to walk next to ELLIE while holding on to the handle on her harness. She also loves to snuggle with ELLIE. ELLIE is doing really well with commands like “get meds, get phone, etc” and she even gets diapers (clean ones) when we do a diaper change. She has been a tremendous blessing to our whole family. She not only helps Amanda, but she loves and comforts everyone else as well. When Amanda had her “issue” last week, ELLIE provided great comfort to Katie while we were getting things checked out medically.

Amanda did all of her blood work for Johns Hopkins last Monday so we should be hearing something soon. We also talked with UCLA today and hope to have a phone consult regarding medicines, behavior, etc. Amanda has had a few bumps the last couple of weeks, first with a spider bite and next with another vomiting episode (that makes 4 in 4 months). We went to the neurologist on Friday to talk things through and we have decided to try a medicine change. He is not sure if the vomiting episodes are seizures or migraines but either way, they are becoming too frequent. Plus, there are other side effects of the Keppra that might be rectified with a medicine change. We are optimistic that her language will improve on the new medicine and that she will lose some of her desire to be aggressive or need to do self stimulation (e.g., pinching, biting, pulling hair, etc.). It is always both exciting and a little scary when we do medicine changes. We will keep you posted.

Katie has had a big couple of weeks. She has started 4-H again, is enjoying her new school, and her pony. She also had a big event on Saturday, when she got her ears pierced! This is a big step for Katie, who is not a big fan of blood or pain. She went to Merle Norman so that Ms Tharpe, her first grade assistant teacher could be the one to do the piercing. The whole family, including ELLIE and Nana and Papa (& Amanda in her mask) went with to watch the big event. She got both holes put in at the exact same time by two different people so that she wouldn’t have to do them one at a time. She picked some cute faux diamond studs that really look nice on her. We are all proud of her for overcoming her concerns and following through with the ear piercing. She was quite happy once it was all over and she had earrings. She is already planning which earrings she will wear once her trainers come out. She has a lot more homework this year than she did last year, but she is handling it well. She is making nice new friends and seems to enjoy her teachers. So far, we are very happy with the new school. In 4-H, she will be competing on a horse bowl team, and will be learning a lot about animals, plants, etc this year. This weekend, she will be volunteering at a local horse show in support of 4-H. She also continues to enjoy horseback riding. She took a lesson on Sunday and will probably be taking lessons at least once per week this year.

Things are finally slowing down for me and Dan. The beginning of the semester was busy but things are starting to slow down now. Thankfully, Dan’s parents made it through Hurricane Ike safely. They live just north of Houston. They do not have power yet, but their house made it through the Hurricane ok. We hope all is well with you and yours. God Bless!
Susan