sprouting

5/30/11 Monday
Jewel went into her stander for 1 hr 40 min., yes, wearing her AFO's and her sneakers.  No sneakers in stander.  Jewel went into her gait trainer for 2 hours!  She had her sneakers on and music to motivate, though she did not walk the whole time.  She has been doing great in her wheel chair and equipment.
We are noticing more speech, clearer but still short 2-3 word phrases!  I notice if we pause enough in a conversation she interjects with comments here and there that are totally appropriate to the conversation and a bit humorous at times.  We have noticed that Jewels hands are more open and softer looking, more functional.  We are so happy for this!  Things are a sprouting :)
Memorial day holiday, libraries are closed!  No new Harry Potter for Jewel, so it is time to break out the new book on CD I got for her.  Yolonda's Genius by Carol Fenner, an unabridged production - read by Novella Nelson.  Riveting and captivating, Novella hooked Jewel right in with her velvet voice and the story line is tough and real! :)  Yes we love books and books on tape/CD.  Thank you Kathleen for this recommendation.
We went to check up on our garden and on Cookie Dough and all is well.  We bought him some hoof conditioner and a comb.  The owner was tending the garden and I am pleased to report that seeds have sprouted.  Yes, water melon, sweet potatoes, sunflowers and broccoli have sprouted, we have caught the gardening fever.  The owner said that he found out more information on Cookie Dough, we will talk more to him later, because we want to write a story about this incredible horse!
We have found a home for Grace, (she is Jewel's companion therapy dog), for the two days that Jewel and I will be at Camp Imua. This is a huge relief to have Grace taken care of, she is my furry daughter :)  We love her so much and she is an important part of our family, she is a huge part of Jewel's world. Makena and Raven will be there volunteering for the whole week.  I can only go for two days, for I need to go back to work.  We got another duffel bag for Raven for apparently she needs to bring more stuff!  We will be shopping for snacks soon, we need  to pack treats that will help the girls stay energized and camp only serves three meals a day, which will not suffice.  We have hollow legs and need to replenish, it is also comforting for the girls to have some treats and they always share with their cabin mates and their campers, if they are allowed to eat the treats.
Makena did another photo shoot today, it was of an 18 month old.  Raven assisted as she always does.  They are an amazing talented team and I am impressed by Makena's skill and progress and her ability to make money.  Go girls!