Walking!!

Melody is taking several steps on a regular basis with her walker now.  It is a lot of work, but she is doing it.  One of her favorite sentences is, "I Walk!"  She leans back and forth when she says it, because that is how she walks. 

If you can stand all the cheering and encouraging from Mommy, here is a snippet of what Melody is doing on a daily basis.  She is walking for a lollipop.  Notice how fast she walks at the end, the closer she gets. 

Legoland Bound!

Next Saturday we will awake early for the third year in a row and travel to San Diego early in the morning.  David's team, Robozilla, has once again qualified for the First Lego League competition there. 

 Here is David with his teammates and Team Coach and Assitant cheering on their team in the Robot game.  We are so proud of David and his teammates who have been working hard since September for this day.  During the qualifier they won two trophies, one for the Robot Game, and the other the Judge's Choice award. 

This is David as a back-up driver to Austin during their Robot game round.  They scored the highest score of the whole day in this round. 

Can you tell where our team is in the crowd?  LOL.  Melody's head is still a bit green from all our spirit that day. 

Though winning is fun, we are thankful for the time David has had in Lego League and the training he has had from some awesome coaches.  You see, at the FLL competition, the Robot Game is not the largest part of your team score.  Teams are judged on core values, robot design, and a presentation on a problem they have researched and designed a solution for. 

Judges are throughout the competition, watching how teams treat one another, other teams, and how they work together.  We are thankful for all the fun and robotics knowledge David has gained through FLL, but we are more thankful for the character and values that have been cultivated. 

In a world where athletes and the musically inclined have the vast majority of venues for which to showcase their talents, we are thankful for a competition that showcases another kind of talent.  FLL is growing like crazy and those of us who have kids with engineering and problem solving talents are very grateful. 

We are all very excited for Legoland.  We know our team will do their best in the competition and show the awesome and talented young men they are.  If you're looking for us, you can find us cheering them on with our green hair and neon green shirts.  Go, go, Robozilla. 

Blanket Ride

Remember trying to keep yourself busy after church while you parents were talking, and talking, and talking?  Well, I do, and apparently my kids know the exact same feeling.  But, they are pretty adept at keeping themselves occupied. 

Here is Melody getting a blanket ride from Elizabeth while Hannah video tapes.  Very cute and the clothes and blanket even came clean!  

Urology - More Than I Ever Wanted to Know

Who would have thought there is a special doctor just for the urinary system?  I hadn't even given it a thought until we've needed one more than we ever thought we would this year.

We actually see a nurse practitioner, and she is awesome and gives us so much more time and attention than the actual doctor can.  I asked her how she found herself in urology.  I mean, is that really anyones life ambition?  As I suspected, she just kind of fell into it and now really enjoys her job.  She is good at it, I will admit that. 

So why so much focus on pee, bladders, kidneys, ureters?  The nerves that control the urinary system are further down in the spinal column than even the ones that control the legs.  Therefore, people with spina bifida almost always have urinary system issues.  Even people whose legs work fine.

Up until this summer, Melody has been doing fabulous in this area.  However, after 3 back to back urinary tract infections, we knew something was not going well.  As we suspected, she has developed vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).  This means urine is flowing back up from the bladder to the kidneys instead of out of the bladder like it is supposed to. 

Tests show that Melody has grade 2 bilateral (on both sides) VUR.  There are 5 levels, so this is very low and means there is no swelling or damage to the kidneys.  Statistically, 80% of children will outgrow this problem within 5 years.  We are praying Melody is in that percentage.

In the meantime, Melody will under go a proceedure known as Deflux. (http://www.deflux.com/)  Basically, the Urologist will build a small "dam" in the ureters where they connect to the bladder.  This dam will allow urine to flow over and into the bladder from the kidneys, but prevent urine from refluxing back up into the kidneys. It is a fairly simple proceedure which will be done as soon as we can get insurance approval and everything lined up.

Why are we choosing the Deflux if Melody will likely outgrow the VUR?  If we don't, Melody will have to be on a low-dose of antibiotics daily for possibly the next 5 years, or until she outgrows the VUR.  There is a greater chance of repeat UTI's while on the antibiotics than there is if she has the Deflux done.  Also, there is the risk of developing resistance to the antibiotics.  Though it is likely Melody will outgrow the VUR, we need to be diligent to prevent kidney damage in the meantime.  Also, there is a high probability that we can avoid several years of not so fun tests if we go this route.  Plus, Melody just hates the antibiotic, so it is a daily battle to get them in her.

We are hopeful that this will solve the recurrent UTI issues as Melody has had a rough few months not feeling so well.  So pray with us for resolution of this issue and for downward flowing urine!

Perspective

Life is really all about perspective and attitude.  Each day I could find a lot of things to complain about, and to be honest, I often do.  There are lots of things to feel angry, sad or a sense of unfairness about.  Life really isn't fair, you know.  We don't get to choose everything about our life and all that we want it to include.  We just have to deal with the life we've been given and know that God has given us what He deems best. 

Choosing to have the right perspective and attitude is a daily choice.  Actually, a moment by moment choice.  Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the needs of my children.  5 children have a lot of needs and when you add spina bifida challenges, it can feel overwhelming at any given moment.  I have an amazing husband and helpmate, but sometimes the needs of our household can overwhelm both of us. 

What helps me keep perspective is the alternative.  I can't imagine life without any of our precious children.  The only alternative to having to deal with their needs, is not having them at all.  That thought stops me in my complaining tracks.  I know some parents who are getting through life without one of their children here anymore, and they'd give anything to have them here again.  Honestly, having a "chronically ill" child does make you realize it is not a given that you are going to outlive your children.   

Each of our children and their unique personalities, qualities and challenges has changed me, touched me, and blessed me and I am honored to be their Mom.  Without them I would not be the person I am today.  My life would not be as rich.  Is it such a joy to know them and raise them and love them.  They are talented, smart, funny, creative, thoughtful, helpful and a whole lot more. 

Since our thoughts and attitudes are so important, we are memorizing Phil 4:8 as a family.  I think maybe I need it more than anyone.  What will I choose to think about and focus on today?  It really does make all the difference. 

Phil. 4:8 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

RGO's - Reciprocating Gait Orthosis and Faith

It has been a little over a week since Melody received her RGO's.  There were two fittings before that and they have actually been adjusted once since this picture.  The biggest adjustment is that they are now lower on the sides, under her arms.  We are working daily with Melody in these braces, and overall she is adjusting well.  Our current goal is to have her in them at least 1 hour/day.  We usually do that in two 30 minute sessions.  Melody cannot stand or move in them independently, yet, so the entire time she is in them, someone has to be with her. 

We hope the RGO's will help strengthen Melody's legs and help her to walk someday.  The biggest thing they are helping with is her hip flexor muscles, which are very tight from the fact that she has been sitting much of her life.  The entire time she is in the braces those muscles are being stretched.  In the RGO's Melody stands straight, for the first time ever.  It brings tears to my eyes as it is the first time we've really been able to tell how tall she is.  It makes her look so much older.

Melody loves to be outside, so we put on the braces and walk around outside.  For now it is a great strain on my back.  Hopefully, in a few days we will have a walker for her to lean on, which should help.  Melody is enjoying being able to reach the door knobs, play in her little kitchen and push her doll stroller.  She likes to stand up right in front of the tv and watch a show and be able to reach things previously out of her reach. 

I've noticed Melody has gone wild in the past week. Even with the braces off she has discovered a whole new world opening up to her.  I'm not sure if it is the muscles being strengthened or her awareness of what she can do.  But, Melody now crawls more on her knees, gets into a bear crawl position (on her hands and feet with her booty in the air), and "dances" by rolling around on the floor.  She has even tried to stand up and push her stroller without her braces on.  She made it up onto one foot and knee! 

Her social development is taking off as well.  I truly believe that getting her up off the floor and not being held changes greatly the way people interact with her.  I see how she is treated like a baby when she is on her belly.  But, get her up and people talk to her differently.  Her vocabulary is exploding, which I believe is part of the development process.  This morning the ABC song was on and Melody said "J" (jah) and "mmm" at the appropriate times.  I find it hard to believe it is coincidental. 

Melody can walk reciprocating her legs when she does not have her RGO's on.  It is hard for me to tell if she is able to do that with them on.  They are heavy and take some getting practice to figure out how to use.  We hope she'll be doing it on her own, soon.

Many ask us what the goal is with the RGO's.  The doctors really believe Melody will be walking with braces like these the rest of her life.  It is possible the bracing will be somewhat less that it currently is.  It is possible it will always be the same.  The answer is, we really don't know.  We know the braces are helping muscles and bone strength and development.  Standing up daily is better for all body systems, but especially helpful for Melody's bowels, bladder and circulatory systems in addition to the skeletal and muscular strengthening.  We know that it is stretching her hip flexors and allowing her to stand erect for the first time. 

We do know that statistically, if someone uses a wheelchair for a few years, they NEVER get out of it.  Melody will likely use a wheelchair in the future, especially for long distances, but we want walking to be an option for her if at all possible.  We are committed to working with her and I must admit it is not easy.  Finding about an hour and a half in my day to work with Melody in her braces is a challenge.  But, we are making it work and the other kids are a big help as well.  They can hold her when I need to do something else for a few minutes.  It is a lot of work for Melody, too.  Sitting would be easier, but we are committed to pushing her to doing all she is capable of and with her strong personality, we think that is a lot. 

Pray for us on this journey with RGO's.  Pray that Melody will be walking independently with them sometime in the near future.  We know that what man may think is impossible is nothing to the One who made Melody and can easily accomplish the impossible in her life.  I love the song by Kutless, "What Faith Can Do," where is says, "it doesn't matter what you've heard, impossible is not a word, it's just a reason, for someone not to try. . . That's what faith can do."  Praise God for faith!

Being Together



Joel - Kindergarten



Hannah -4th Grade



Elizabeth - 6th Grade




David - 8th Grade

We are now in our second week of school for this year.  Thankfully, it has started off pretty well.  But, having the kids gone more than they were during the summer always makes me think.  You see, many parents can't wait to send their kids off to school.  Honestly, I miss them.  Joel and Hannah are only at the Learning Center one day each week, but it is sure different without them home.  

David and Elizabeth are at school 3 day each week and complete home study on the other two.  As our children grow up we raise them in growing independence and know that being away from Mom and Dad is part of that process.  It is healthy for them.

However, I believe it is even more healthy to spend lots of time with your family and your parents.  I don't feel like I have enough time as it is to enjoy my kids and to train them.  Training takes a lot of time.  We are not to yell up our kids, or just let our kids grow up, but to train them.  Training is a process of showing and modeling to our kids how to live.  It takes a  lot of time and patience.  Sometimes I have it, and sometimes God is working on me, too. 

As I being this school year I find myself greatful for all the time together that homeschooling allows us.  It is truly a gift to be able to invest large amounts of time into our kids.  What a blessing!

End of Summer Thoughts

I love summer.  I love being with my family an making memories.  We've had a really fun summer, and I'm sad to see it end.  There is something exciting about a new school year, too, but it comes with quite a bit of organization and preparation for a homeschool Mom, too. 

This summer we've spent lots of time in our pool and had friends over.  The kids have enjoyed riding bikes which was kind of difficult in our last couple houses.  We were blessed to go to a Fields Family Reunion in Oregon at the end of July.  We extended our roadtrip abit and saw 3 of my roommates from college days and took a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory.  We've settled into our home a bit more and worked on getting back into some family routines that were neglected in our year of transition.  David started a little business and Elizabeth, Hannah and Joel completed the Library summer reading program. 

Next week our lives get back into a schedule in a hurry.  I'm ready for it in some ways, and in others I would love a few extra weeks of summer.  However, I am thankful for the fun we did have this summer.

Last night I sat on the driveway with our kids and watched the world go by.  We played a guessing game of what color the next car would be and Melody waved to all the dogs and people passing by.  We watched airplanes, birds and lizards.  The kids puttered around with various toys.  But the best part for me is that we just WERE.  We were sitting, relaxing, enjoying one another and not feeling the need to do anything or go anywhere.  I'm not so good at that.  We need to do that more often.  Even when the school year begins. 

Just being and enjoying each other.  Sitting and enjoying the world God made for our pleasure.  Those are the moments to really live for. 

Making Strides

Melody has made a lot of progress in the past few weeks.  It was fun to return to PT and show them what Melody can do after they hadn't seen her for a month. 

More and more we're finding Melody up on her knees without any help.  She loves being able to reach more things. 

 Melody is now standing independently, once we help her up.  She stills sticks her bootie out too much, but we're working on it.  Her legs are getting a lot stronger. 

She is now crawling on all fours!!  No more army crawl, at least not all the time.  She is much stronger and can hold this position for long periods of time.

 Melody even had to show off her crawling abilities when we were taking girl cousins photos. 

 Melody really enjoys playing on my computer.  Well, pushing buttons anyway. 

And playing the piano is lots of fun as well as it gives her a chance to kick her legs.  The video shows that better. 

A Treasured Gift

A couple of weeks ago we had the privilege of having the Coats family here for a mini-reunion.  We had such a wonderful time together.  This was the second time my entire family was able to gather since Mom's cancer diagnosis.  It was a sweet blessing to have that treasured time as I didn't know if my Mom would ever see our new home. 

While my parents were here, my Mom gave us the book she has been compiling on our family's years in Yemen.  We were blessed to spend 5 years in Yemen when I was in elementary school.  In addition to the life-changing experience of living in foreign country, we were able to travel the world.  During that time Mom kept journals and sent frequent letters back to family in the USA.  From those she made this book, complete with hundreds of photos. 

We are having fun reading through it, remembering the adventures we had in the 70's.  The biggest down side is my children asking when we are taking THEM to Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, Africa, etc.  Some things we remember and others we don't remember at all.  In fact, I think it should be stricken from the written record that I EVER owned a cat.  But, it is there, in Mom's book. 

This book is a treasured gift.  A complation of family memories.  But, more than that, it a reminder of a Treasured Mother and Treasured Parents who allowed us to have so many experiences.  To see that world literally and through Jesus' eyes.  To travel the world with three little kids when people thought they were crazy.  I believe it shaped who we all are today and gave us eyes of love for the people of the world.  I treasure that. 

Getting Pushy

I know, some of you are thinking, you're pretty pushy already.

However, having a child with special needs means sometimes you have to get pushy. 

It means you have to decide what you think is best for you child.

It means you have to listen to all the "experts" and form an opinion.

It means you sometimes have to demand (nicely of course:) that which you feel is best for you child.

It means you wrestle with whether to get pushy or not. 

This week we are researching, discussing and praying about whether it is time to get pushy. 

It is not always easy to know what to do.

The whole process is very emotional and therefore exhausting for me. 

On Wednesday we will take Melody to spina bifida clinic. 

We will see several doctors, but especially her Orthopaedic doctor.

We will hear what he has to say after reviewing Melody's x-rays. 

We will see whether he is willing to sign the prescription for RGO braces for Melody. 

Then, if he is not willing, we will have to decide whether to get pushy.

At this point, I really believe the braces are what Melody needs.

Melody's physical therapist and orthotist (the brace maker) feel this is what she needs.   

I want to be open to more information the doctor may have that might change our minds. 

We want to ask good questions and make a good decision. 

If you think of us in the next few days, pray that we would have the wisdom whether to get pushy or not. 

Melody News

Just a quick update on Melody.  Today she had x-rays of her left hip.  She saw the Orthologist a few weeks ago and he is concerned that a muscle is too tight and is not allowing her left leg to align with her body properly.  This is an issue as I believe she needs a brace to help her stand, as does her Physical Therapist and Orthotist.  Putting Melody in a brace without solving the muscle issue, could result in damage to her back as when you put her leg in line with her other leg, it tweaks her pelvis out to the side.  At least that is the theory.

Sitting Pretty in her Favorite Chair

Melody's next Spina Bifida Clinic is on June 15th, and we'll see the orthotist again then and hear his thoughts after viewing Melody's x-rays.  I am really praying she doesn't need surgery, but we will go that route if it is what is best for her.  Pray for wisdom for the doctor and us.  We think that her hip is also out of the socket again as one leg is now longer than the other, which wasn't true a few months ago.  We will find out from the x-rays, but I doubt there is anything that can really be done for that.  It may just be something she lives with.   

We call her Destructo.  This is a pretty typical scene these days.



Thirteen

On the 29th David turned 13!  A teenager in the house.  Sometimes it is hard to believe.  It seems like just yesterday that he was born and now he is taller than me.  I've finally admitted it.  

David and Mom on his birthday

Kevin and I are so proud of the young man David is becoming.  We are looking forward to watching him grow through the years ahead.  He is thoughtful and sensitive and such a help to us and his siblings.  He can make Melody laugh like no one else.  What a delight to watch your child grow not only in stature, but in maturity and wisdom. 

Birthday Cookie

We've had a lot of fun celebrating over the past few days.  We enjoyed lunch at John's Incredible Pizza Company at David's request and our traditional chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.  We also got the bikes that have been in storage fixed up and David and Elizabeth have been enjoying riding bike. 

Chocolate Chip Pancakes - Yum :)

John's Incredible Food

And sometimes he's goofy, too.

A View from Elizabeth

Elizabeth has an eye for photography and often uses our camera to capture what she sees.  She has taken vast quantities of photos this month.  These are a few of my favorites. 

Bounce House

Hannah, Melody & Elizabeth in Bounce House

This past weekend Melody got to experience a bounce house for the first time.  It is so exciting to see her spreading her wings and doing things away from Mommy.  At parties it is hard for her as she has to be held all the time, but the bounce house was a fun place for her to crawl around.  Most of our other kids wouldn't have even gone into a bounce house at her age. 

I got this video as she was getting used to it with her sisters.  Unfortunately, my camera battery died before I could get video of her entering and exiting the bounce house head first.  She was all over the place. 

Moving

My Blog has been silent lately as we are in the middle of moving!  The previous owners moved out last Saturday, so since then we have been moving in.  It has been a lot of work, but fun, too.  The kids have been great help and  have enjoyed rediscovering toys that have been in storage for a year.

Standing!

Here is Melody practicing standing with her air braces.

Melody's legs continue to get stronger.  Her PT has given us some air splints to use to mimic knee braces.  They work a bit, but I'm pretty sure a hip brace will be needed as well as the knee brace. 

She tends to sit on the top of these. :) 

Her PT has scheduled a consult with the orthodics company in a few weeks, so we will see if they agree with our assessment that Melody needs HKAFO's.  (hip, knee, ankle and foot orthotics).  Currently she has AFO's.  We are hopeful that the HKAFO's will not be a permanent brace, but rather a step toward helping Melody learn to walk. 

With the right motivation, Melody really works her legs out reaching for things.  The older kids ninetendo DS, my cell phone and Joel's domino train are all things that will motivate her to push up on her legs and reach.  She has been enjoying playing with the domino train while standing at the table in the picture above.  Yesterday, when I didn't have time to help her stand, she got so angry.  Sitting by the table was NOT what she had in mind.  Now that she knows she can stand and reach and see everything. 

I tear up often when I am working with her on standing.  Just feeling her using her knees and hips is such a blessing.  In pictures you can see that I am assisting her, but you can't see how it feels when I know I'm not helping her.  I can tell she is getting stronger, too.  I can't tell you how joyful I will feel the day I can set Melody down in public ON HER FEET!  I have faith that day is coming, and what a day it will be. 

First Hair Cut



Before

I took Melody to Cool Cuts for Kids today for her first hair cut.  It makes her look so much older, but it was time.  She watched Dora and sat in a little taxi.  She wasn't quite sure about the whole thing at times, but overall she did really well.



During



 


After



18 months

Today Melody is 1 1/2 years old!  Here is a bit of what life looks like with Melody right now. 

 Quesidillas and smoothie for lunch.  Wearing much of my smoothie.

 

Sticker Fun.  One for you, Mommy

Disaster in her wake.

Getting into everything and not too thrilled with the word "no."

Sick Thoughts

Getting the Sick Kid Treatment - Joel has Lunch in Bed

For the last almost 6 weeks someone has been sick in our family.  It has been exhausting for me, which is probably why I got sick several times through the whole adventure. 

While having sick kids and being sick is no fun, it sure gives you a lot of time to think.  That is, when you are rested enough to even think straight.

It is times like this when I am so grateful to be a full-time Mom.  I'm so blessed to have a husband who works so hard to support us all.  I'm so thankful that I get to be here to do lots of cuddling and comfort my children when they are sick.  I'm thankful I don't have to wake each morning and scramble to figure out who stays with a sick kid.  Knowing that I can always be here if they are sick is comforting.  To all of us. 

Kevin's job flexibility is such a blessing in times like this as well.  He can stay with kids while I run one to the doctor.  Or, like last week, go pick one up at the last minute if another one vomits at an inopportune time.  Yes, he still works a lot of hours, but setting his own schedule is a blessing to our family. 

I really believe the kids need their Moms and Dads to be their primary caregivers, and it is times like this when I'm so thankful we have made the sacrifices to make that happen.  It is a wonderful blessing.

Our new HOUSE!

We are so excited that we finally own a house.  A single story with a pool, which we believe will be the most helpful for Melody's mobility needs.  It even has a view.  Something we were sure we would have to give up.  We praise God for His provision.  It has been a long one-year journey from selling our previous house to buying this one. 

We will begin moving in 23 days!  The previous owners are renting back from us for a few weeks while they complete the sale of the house they are buying. 

It has been a longer journey than I anticipated, and we are thankful to be nearing the end.  All we need to do is actually get moved.  The pool is only 6 months old.  Isn't it amazing that God even had them put a pool in for us?  Perhaps that is what we were waiting for. 

These are a few pictures I have.  Kevin has many more, but these are the best I have.  Of course, I'll have lots more once we actually can move in. 

MOMS Study Prenatal Surgery Results

Many of you know that we looked into having surgery to repair Melody's back before she was born.  The idea sounded crazy, but we learned so much about spina bifida by just looking into it.  Ultimately, Melody and I were not candidates for the surgery as I had delivered both our other daughters at 36 weeks.  We trusted God's hand in whether or not the surgery would be available to Melody, and are at peace that it was not what was best for her.

This month the results of the MOMS Study (as it is called) were released.  In case you are interested, I've added a couple of links.  The results of the study are positive that it can be beneficial to the child.  While it was in clinical trials, you could only have the surgery as a part of the trial.  I'm assuming this means the surgery will now become more available to those who elect to have it.  However, the criteria for having the surgery will still be pretty strict, so it will still not be available to many. 

Here is an article in the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/09/AR2011020906090.html
Another article in the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/10/health/10fetal.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=spina%20bifida&st=cse

Happy Tears

In parenting there are many things that bring happy tears.  This past weekend Hannah, Melody and I had the opportunity to travel to Idaho and visit my Mom and Dad.  On our 4 plane flights and car rides, I had the chance to ride beside Melody in her seat.  Usually I am driving when she is in her car seat.  But, this was a wonderful chance to be beside her.  Melody would stick her little hand out and hold mine.  Melt my heart moments.

But, these pictures make my eyes fill with happy tears: 

I've been doing these exercises for a couple of weeks, but I've never seen it.  Melody is actually bearing weight on her legs!  Yes, I'm helping her and she can't stand independently, but this is such a wonderful step.  The still photos don't show it, but Melody bends her knees up and down and really enjoys this exercise.  It is such a precious gift to see your child do something that  you weren't sure would even be possible.  Not too long ago Melody wouldn't even respond when her legs touched the floor, so to feel her push and try and stand up is amazing.  We are so proud and we are so very grateful. 

Melody Update

Melody has made lots of strides in the last month or so. She continues to crawl all over the place. In the evenings her little elbows are red from pulling herself all over. Tonight I noticed several bruises, too. She is into everything as pulls herself up and then can land pretty hard on her elbows.

She is really getting fast and sure gets mad when we thwart her efforts to get into the bathrooms, drawers, or into the boys legos. She throws tantrums by going rigid and making fists and shaking. It is really pretty funny, but we are trying not to encourage her.

This month Melody has had a head CT scan to make sure her shunt is functioning properly, which came back with a favorable result. She also saw the orthopaedic nurse practicioner who gave her an all clear on her hips. We'll return in 6 months for another followup, but it was wonderful news. The Nurse Practitioner also looked at Melody's AFO's (ankle foot orthodics) for the first time since they were fitted and said they are doing exactly what they need to be for her feet.

At Melody's checkup this month she was 22 1/2 pounds. She is on the small size for both height and weight, which we expect. Her head size is always over the 100th percentile, but that is the spina bifida and the shunt, so that is normal for her.

The most exciting thing is that as Melody does the "army crawl" everywhere, we are noticing that she is pulling her knees up more and more. She can really get her bottom up off the ground and we are working with her in a traditional crawling position as well as weight bearing on her knees. She is bending her knees now more than ever and moves more from the hip all the time.

This past month we're been back to active physical therapy twice each week. That will go through next week, and then we'll have a month off before going back to active again. It really makes a difference, especially in helping us know what to do at home. I think she has already met her goals for this month.

Her movements can be pretty unorthodox, but they are pretty entertaining, too. It is amazing how determined she can be and how creative. It is amazing what people can do. We've seen Melody grab her leg and almost throw it to get it out of her way, or where she wants it. She also has grabbed her pants to help her sit up. She'll lean over and almost dive onto her belly to get into a crawling position if she is in a hurry.

The question I am asked most often is "will she walk someday?" I truly believe along with most of the doctors and physical therapist that she will. What that will look like is anyone's guess and best guesses are that she will be 3-4 years of age before she is walking. From everything I can tell, Melody has limited (if any) feeling and movement below the knee. For the very first time this past month Melody pushed off when her foot touched the ground. This was very encouraging, but it will be a long journey to learn to walk without feeling the ground. For now it is one step at a time.

We are excited about how well Melody is progressing. So far, every goal that has been set has been attained. We'll take it one step at a time and look forward to seeing what Melody will be doing next.

Christmas Memories

We had a wonderful, blessed time together as a family in Idaho this Christmas. It was the first time in many years that our whole "Coats" family had been together for Christmas. I'm still enjoying all the fun memories we made.

Here is what our time together looked like.

A lot of snowball throwing (and eating).
Reciting Luke 2 and singing Christmas Carols.

A lot of sledding with Grandpa assisting almost every time!

And of course lots of eating!!