Monday, January 10, 2011

Leaps

I cannot even describe how amazing this baby girl is.  In just the course of the day, she has made huge improvements, bowling over the doctors, nurses and therapists.

This morning, her eyes were both drifting to the left, having a hard time focusing or staying centered.  Tonight, almost exclusively centered and watching momma!

She took her pacifier today, sucking strong!  It took a little of her favorite snack, Sweet-Ease, but she's on it.  The occupational therapist tried to take it out, and she held it so tight he couldn't get it.  They let me give her a little milk to practice swallowing again (it's been 6 days since she has eaten by mouth).

Then, magic: she started cooing today!  I was making a few phone calls in the hall, and when I came back, the nurse was all excited.  Scarlett was laying in her bed, just cooing and talking to herself.  It's a high-pitched kitten sound, and pretty much the cutest thing I have ever heard (appropriate, since her other nickname is kitten).  I think she likes the sound of it too.  She must be bursting with stories to share with us.

The last EEG showed no seizures, so that medication has been reduced.  They don't expect them to return, though new ones could emerge.  There is not evidence of a stroke, but they cannot be sure since they cannot observe much physical change.  They tell us that no matter what they see in the MRIs or EEGs, they are really more concerned with what she does and how she acts.  The brain, especially such a young one, is unpredictable and relatively unknown to even the best doctors.  There is infinite possibility of how her brain might redistribute the tasks of the damaged hemisphere, more so than any adult brain ever could.  They cannot predict how she might develop in the future, and they are so impressed with how she has handled the trauma so far.

We are absolutely amazed by her progress in such a short time, and it only gives me hope as to what joys lie ahead.

106 comments:

Anonymous said...

this is wonderful! ive been praying and waiting for this news! all good signs! what a strong willed baby! shes a fighter!im so happy for you guys! hold on to the hope!

Hilary said...

tears of hopeful joy!

Molly said...

What great news! I am so happy to hear it. I think of you guys every day, even though I don't know you IRL.

Molly (BBC March 2010) in Los Angeles

Anonymous said...

That's great news. Praying that she continues to make more great progress.

Anonymous said...

Yay, Scarlett. Way to go, little girl. You are awesome! Love to you all

Terri

Anonymous said...

Hoping and praying for wonderful results with the next surgery too!

Malory, PA said...

I have goosebumps every time I read these amazing updates! This one has made me so happy!! I am thrilled to hear how well she is doing today, and so happy that she has started cooing, that is one of the most adorable sounds a mommy gets to hear :) Scarlett and the two of you will remain in my prayers <3

Amy Biagini said...

Wow. That is fantastic! What a strong little girl!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy to hear she is doing well.
My Thoughts and prayers are with you through this.

ladypetrus said...

Praise the LORD! I am so happy to read this. We will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to update us.

Anna from Sunnyvale said...

This is great news! So happy to read this post! I've been following your blog closely. I was so happy when I hear my girls coo for the first time (I have that are 3.5 months now), so I can just imagine how happy you must have been! :)
You and Chris seem like wonderful parents. Scarlett is soo lucky to have you has parents. I wish I had just portions of your strength.
You will continue to be in my thoughts. Hugs!

Unknown said...

Wonderful news!!!

Jamilie said...

This is awesome news!! I keep praying for her!

Andrea said...

What an amazing day! So happy for you! xoxoxo

Jamie said...

one day you'll hear a story about a little baby going through this and you'll have your miracle story to share to bring them hope <3

Tammy said...

Oh my gosh! Yay!!! So happy for you guys!!

Anonymous said...

What wonderful, amazing news! I "cooed" at my computer when I read that she was cooing. Your daughter is such a fighter!

Amanda said...

So happy to hear this good news! Scarlett is an amazing little girl and I will continue to pray for her!

Anonymous said...

Awesome!! Your family is in my thoughts each day, hoping and praying! Thanks for the update on your strong lil one! <3
Sarah (BBC - October Board - Massachusetts)

Sandy said...

This is such good news. Always amazing what babies can overcome. Good thoughts coming your way

LeAnn said...

Oh my gosh, well....meeoow kitten!! Scarlett cooing is definitely the best news ever! I am truly happy for you and Chris that you both keep witnessing her amazing progress minute-by-minute even! We all keep praying and God just keeps the miracles coming~Praise Him for His faithfulness-YES!! How wonderful that amidst all of this going on, lil' butterfly is able to reach these important milestones--all three of you are amazing!! Hang in there, ok, as i can only imagine what you must be going thru at this time--the surgery on Friday will be another long day of waiting, but waiting on the other side of the finish line will be your sweet angel baby cooing her heart out and all of us cheering you on! Thank you for sharing this with us---it truly makes my day (and night) to hear how well she's doing and thriving!!! Praying for more & more miracles to materialize and for your JOY to be multiplied infinitely!! Sending our Love n Prayers, The Resh Family in Fremont, CA xoxoxo

Kimberly said...

I get so excited for u when I hear this good news. It fills me w/joy; I love to hear it. I continue to pray, send positive thoughts and visualize her completely healed.

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers for Scarlett's full recovery.

Rebecca {{BBC june2010}} said...

awh that is some really good news ive had a little bit of a crummy day and coming to this blog and hearing this just put a smile on my face WAY-2-GO Scarlett. She's an amazing babygirl and she puts alot of sunrays in my life i heard a song yesterday "Butterfly Kisses" and it made me think about her through the whole song. STAY STRONG and im sure thinking of you three every day....{{hugs and prayers sent to you three}}

Nila said...

Oh wow, that is so amazing! It really made my heart leap for joy....we are praying for you little Scarlett!

Natasha said...

Yea!!!

Exactly, hopefully Scarlett's brain can reconnect the neurons in different ways to serve the original functions.

Be strong!

Aloha,
N

Sinead said...

Glad to hear of her improvements. It's amazing how well they can heal. Expect some worse swelling and bruising after the next surgery but know how the passing of days will return her to herself. I am glad that there was a clear EEG. Make sure someone reviews all of the possible seizure types and what they look like before she is discharged so that you know what to watch out for at home. Seizures can really take their toll on development but if you know how to recognize the signs you can get medication adjusted quickly.

Krista said...

Yay! Way to go Scarlett! Such wonderful news! Keeping you guys in my prayers!

Anonymous said...

Since I am on the East coast I checked for updates last night before I went to bed - but had to patiently wait until this morning. With any child the hustle and bustle of the day goes so quickly and settling in at night doesn't happen for quite some time and then the time difference etc...your night time routine ends up starting my day with a content smile - one not nearly as miraculous as baby Scarlett's but I am sure my co workers will appreciate it all the same :) The prayers pouring over all of you are creating such a wonderful force and I'm so glad to be part of that. Peace to all of you today - that is other than those sweet little sounds of your bundle of love.

Unknown said...

Awesome!

April and Roel said...

My heart is filled with happiness! I am thrilled that your Scarlett is doing so well. Go Scarlett! Go!

Jill Angel said...

Awesome! Keep it up, Scarlett. Stay strong!

Roofssweetiepie said...

I am so happy that Scarlett is doing so well...She truly is an amazing little girl and is teaching us more and more every day!!! Thank you and your husband for being so willing to share this intimate part of your life!

Anonymous said...

What a fighter! She is an amazing child. I know we will be hearing about Scarlett's great triumphs for the rest of her life (and ours). This is only the beginning. I too have been following your blog since the end of December. I check for updates at least 5 times a day. Thank you for keeping us informed. I am so impressed with all of your honesty and courage. You both are amazing parents. No wonder Scarlett is such a fighter. I love her not giving up her paci. She is so strong. Keeping you all in my prayers. Keep up the positive thoughts!

Anonymous said...

Such amazing progress! I think of Scarlett often and praying for all of you. Such a tough journey for all of you.

amanda in indiana said...

So amazing! What a strong baby girl she is! God can heal even the biggest problem, my family will keep praying!

M said...

yes yes yes!!! SO great to hear this!

Anonymous said...

Awesome news!!! So great to hear how well she is doing!

Mary - BBC Nov '09 Board said...

Praise be to God!!! What amazing and wonderful news!! "She must be bursting with stories to share with us." THAT sentence sent chills up my neck!! She is so amazing!! I am so happy for all of you! Keep on fighting little one!! We are still praying AND thanking God each day!! Hooray!!!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful update! Praying hard and regularly for you, your precious baby girl and everyone who is caring for her!

Anonymous said...

Praise the LORD! I am so happy that you have this news to share with us! We continue to pray for Scarlett to heal quickly and that this all soon will only be a memory of how strong and brave you are all as a family unit. God Bless you all!

Anonymous said...

Thank you God for this wonderful update! He really is amazing! So glad she is doing so well. ((hugs))

Anonymous said...

Praise God. Miracles do happen. I am looking forward to seeing more to come! Prayers still coming!

Anonymous said...

Scarlett,
You are amazing! And God IS good!!!

beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Life said...

That is AMAZING news! I'm another BBC mama showing my support for baby Scarlett. I check in daily and have you linked on my blog as well. So many people praying for Scarlett and you guys.

Susan said...

Wonderful and amazing news! Hoping this is just the beginning of more good things to come. Way to go Scarlett! Sending you continued prayers for health and healing.

Anonymous said...

That is fantastic!! So glad to hear that Scarlett is doing well. I loved reading this post this morning, it made my day.

From a fellow October 2010 Bumpie (we're all praying for Scarlett)

Angel said...

God is so good! Keep it up Miss Scarlett Grace! You are strong in the Lord and all His might!

jbuchan said...

This brought tears of joy! I'm so glad she is making these wonderful leaps! She is a strong little girl!!!! Still in my thoughts and prayers - you keep on fighting baby Scarlett!!!

Much Love ~ BBC Oct '10

Mama of Two said...

YAY! Scarlett totally rocks! What great news!

katy said...

Come on, little kitten! Keep fighting!

Constant love, tears and prayers coming at you from North Carolina!

Unknown said...

God is an AWESOME God!!!!

Anonymous said...

Thank God for taking care of your baby girl and watching over all of you taking care of her!! I pray and hope that thing go up and just get better from here!! God Bless you all

Michelle said...

Tears came to my eyes when I read your update this morning about your little kitten :) Such an amazing little girl. And her parents are truely amazing too :) My husband is a School psychologist- and has a great interest in the human brain. And the stuff I have learned about a young child's brain is truely remarkable. Drs are so amazed with their little brains that they are basing what they learn towards the elderly when they suffer severe strokes....and training the brain to regenerate itself.

Keeping you and your little one close in my thoughts....
Michelle (2010 June birth board)

Jenn said...

Yeah, Scarlett! Keep fighting you strong little girl. Those special moments you are giving Mommy and Daddy are SO awesome.

Unknown said...

Praise God! Can't wait for good news following Scarlett's surgery on Friday.

Anonymous said...

That is SO amazing! I am SO glad she is doing so well! It was obvious from the beginning what a fighter she is and she proves that everyday! Keep up the great work Scarlett (and mommy and daddy too :))!!!

Anonymous said...

YAY SCARLETT!!!! Way to go!!!

Laura @ Our Messy Messy Life said...

I have the chills reading this. You are so right. The brain is an amazing thing! You are all in my prayers.

Stephanie said...

Trying not to bust out into tears at work! How amazing. I can't even imagine what joy it must bring you to see your little baby fighting so hard.

Tiffany said...

Incredible!! So happy to hear such wonderful news. I will continue to pray for all of you and especially Scarlett as she comes up on her next surgery.

Mrs.Andrews-Next Adventure Travel Co said...

Tears of joy running! Thank you Lord for this miracle! Keep her strong and keep the healing coming!

Anonymous said...

Oh the sweet sound of cooing from your sweet Scarlett. I am sure it melted your heart as it did mine while reading this. Prayers continue for you all from Vacaville. God Bless You!

Kelli B. (BBC March 2010) said...

Max (my son) and I have been praying for Scarlett every night since we read about her on BBC. Please know that your family is on our minds and we KNOW that she can pull through!!! Come on little miracle....

With love from Colorado,

Michael, Kelli and Max

Anonymous said...

WOW!! Sitting at work with goosebumps and tears of joy falling down onto my lap! My family and I pray for baby Scarlett every night since learning about her battle on BBC...you guys are an amazing couple, amazing parents and your love and dedication to eachother is admirable. Keep fighting the fight and HOLD ONTO HOPE...come on butterfly...you can beat this...xoxo.
With much love and prayers from Minnesota,
Chris, Amanda & baby Rylee

Anonymous said...

Yay Yay Yay what a praise report!!! Thank you Jesus!! We are still holding on the hem of your garment though... Please Lord continue to strenthen Scarlett for her next surgery and we thank you for such a speedy recovery!! Sending love and prayers from the Outer Banks, NC (Kill Devil Hills to be exact) :)

Jessica May NY said...

Great news! I am sure you are filled with pride and happiness. This little girl is beautiful and strong, not to mention famous. I bet she is going to lead an amazing life!!! I am wishing you all the best and I know she will continue to amaze us all.
Love to you and your family.
Jessica May BBC July 2010

Kaila said...

Once again baby Scarlett has brought me to tears! Soo super happy to hear that wonderful news.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to read such a positive update, and I hope she makes even more progress today!

I'm already praying for her for Friday and the journey that lies ahead. She's amazing!

--- Rachael M. (Nov 2010 BBC)

jennifer852501 said...

Yay, Scarlett! You are making my day, baby girl!

Anonymous said...

Scarlett keep fighting sweety!!! We need you to!!!
There are so many people that care about you and pray for your recovery
You have such amazing parents and you mean everything to them
Please keep fighting and many so many people happy!!!

Kassie said...

Beautiful News! We are so happy that Scarlett is responding and making such progress! I bet her coos were music to your ears! We continue to pray and think of you all everyday!
<3 The Price Family
Anchorage, Alaska

4+1=5hopingfor7 said...

I just wanted to tell you, that i'm covered in goose bumps right now. What a wonderful wonderful thing to hear about. My problems seem minute compared to what you are all going thru, and I daily pray for your precious Angel. I thank God for giving you the wonderful gift that your sweet baby deserves. Thank you for sharing with the world!

Amanda O'Gorman said...

Beautiful! So happy for you!

Anonymous said...

This is amazing news. I check your blog everyday to see how your family is doing. I am so happy to hear the news, your baby girl is so strong!

MC said...

This is amazing news! Praying that Scarlett grows stronger each day.

Unknown said...

I teared up when I read this post.
The power of prayer, my dear! You had people world-wide praying for Scarlett, and God heard all our cries.
I know the doctors can't promise anything, and they will always tell you that things may still get worse. But I find hope, and I find strength, and I find God's hand over your little baby's life.

Anonymous said...

Great news! We are praying daily for Baby Scarlett and for your family.

Stacey said...

Praise the Lord! So glad to hear GREAT news!

Catherine Soni said...

So proud of precious Scarlett! What wonderful stories you will have to tell her when she's older...how strong she is, how feisty she is, what a fighter she is!! So happy for you guys and continuing to pray for all 3 of you!!

Anonymous said...

I have read your blog today. I am so sorry for what’s happening on you and little Scarlett. She is such a strong, brave, and beautiful little girl. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayer. I believe in miracles.

Unknown said...

What amazing progress! It never fails to amaze me what strong little fighters our children are! Children's brains are amazing how they can change and adapt! Praying to continue hearing such great news and great updates.

https://grahamstowne.blogspot.com

Tamara said...

My daughter had two surgeries at Oakland Childrens in the past month and even though her situation is a piece of cake compared to what you are going through... I know just a little how wonderful it is to hear the cooing!!! I just found your story last week on BBC at I was just as touched as everyone else by Scarlett's story. I am from Fremont, but now live out of the area, but we have been coming to Oakland for Joy's treatment since she was a few weeks old, she is now four months. So your story has "hit home" in many ways. We were there for a second surgery yesterday and I thought about your amazing little girl and your family the whole day... You have been in our prayers and will contiue to be. Scarlett is touching and changing lives... thank you for sharing your journey.

Anonymous said...

That is amazing news! I pray for you and baby Scarlett everyday! Much love! Jennifer from San Francisco

jenny said...

oh my goodness that is the bst news i have heard all day, I giggled out loud when i read this.. Miracles do happen and your baby girl is one, she was not ready to leave this world, she obviously has a great purpouse in life to be such a fighter!!! Best wishes for a continued recovry!!

Marquez_Mama said...

Thinking of you baby Scarlett sending lots of hugs! Stay strong little one. :o)

Anonymous said...

God is good! I will continue to keep Scarlett in my prayers. She has shown us she is a fighter and she will do what she needs to make it through. Keep up the great work little butterfly and all of us will keep up our prayers. Love from Indiana. Kathie

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog since a friend posted it on FB - I wish you all the best and your little Scarlett has touched my heart. Bless you all.

Ruth Wallace (babycenter) said...

That news is great! I'm so happy to hear that she is doing well. My family and I will keep praying for you guys.

Kate said...

I'm so happy to read this entry! Thank GOD! Keep up the good work, Scarlett!

Anonymous said...

Following your difficult journey and praying for a miracle for your family!

Anonymous said...

My heart is singing to hear such happiness! Way to go, little one! Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord!

MrsMcGoo96 said...

I am crying tears of joy and gratitude reading this! Thank you Lord for answered prayers! I continue to pray for Scarlett and her family for continued and total healing.

Anonymous said...

Amazing!!!

My heart overfills with joy and my eyes with tears of happiness! I am so glad to hear such great things about little Scarlett's progress.

Love to all three of you once again!

TTC a lil F said...

We check back several times a day, this is great news! Sending prayers and strength from San Antonio, TX.

Anonymous said...

This is such wonderful news! I can't help but get tears in my eyes reading your updates. I get chills thinking about how strong she is and how much she has overcome in such a short period of time! Nothing but the best of thoughts for your whole family as her next sugery approaches. Much love!!

Jennifer said...

I just found your blog today and I am praying for baby Scarlett. What a fighter you have! Praying for another successful surgery this week.

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! Praying for your butterfly everyday! So happy to hear she is a strong fighter!

Kat said...

Oh my goodness! I just found your blog today from BBC; been off for months since my own little girl was born. She will actually be six months on Friday, not sure why but I definitely feel some sort of connection. I just want to say, you are all so amazing and strong. Your little butterfly is truly wonderful and she will come through this with so much love from all over the world! She is so resilient! I know that it will be more difficult that words can describe, but I am more than confident you will ALL come through this and be stronger for it. My family and I will be thinking of you, and little Scarlett!

Shannon said...

Such wonderful news! Continued prayers for all of you, I look forward to your positive updates!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy to hear the positive news, she's obviously a little fighter..I think about you all every day

Tonya said...

AMAZING!!!!

Linda said...

That is such wonderful news and I am glad to hear that she is doing great! :) I think about your family daily and am overwhelmed with such great news. I'm definitely looking forward to more updates!

Samantha said...

It's so wonderful to hear some good news! We are thinking and praying for your family. Scarlett is a beautiful girl! Keep your heads up high!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to read this!

You're all in my thoughts everyday. Such a happy update, thank you!

Keep it up Scarlett!!

~Heather BBC July 2010