Update #69 from Danielle

Hey everyone!

Steve has been very entertaining lately. =) He often joins in on conversations by talking, which is becoming more and more understandable. He's starting to 'talk' with clearer syllables and he's using his mouth to pronunciate words much more. It also seems as if he doesn't have to concentrate as much to make his voice than he did before. If for any reason we cannot understand what he's trying to say, he usually resorts to 'air writing'. This has become extremely useful and he even tries to say the letter as he's writing it. He's so determined!

He also continues to improve in Physical Therapy, (which is evident by his postponing discharge date!) It's very evident that he's gaining more and more strength as each day passes. It definitely doesn't take as much effort from others to help him stand either. We watch in amazement as he puts more weight on his knees everyday. It's by far his favorite thing to do. Occupational Therapy has also helped with his 'standing strength'. They have a standing prop that doesn't allow him to walk but helps him practice standing by forcing him to hold his whole body up in the correct position. He used this on Friday for a whole 15min! It's still difficult for him to hold his head up for a long period of time, but there's no doubt he's improving with that as well.

Speech has probably been the coolest therapy lately. We have been noticing that when Steve doesn't 'think' about what he wants to say, he can say it. But as soon as he is told what to say, you can just tell by looking at him that he's trying so hard to do so...and at times it's very difficult. Even with small commands involving his mouth are so easy if it's an automatic response command. For example, if I put a tiny sponge dipped in water in front of him, he'll open his mouth. If I ask him if he wants a little kiss, he'll pucker up. But, if we just ask him randomly if he can open and close his mouth...it takes some time. It's kind of a strange thing to completely understand and grasp why this happens. Rob realized this, however, and started to ask Steve question's that had an automatic response answer. For example, 'Peanut Butter and ___' , 'Stop and ___'. He said every single answer to these (about 3 pages worth!) with Rob and with the speech therapist. The speech therapists are all very excited about this!

He's had a pretty busy weekend already. Because Steve was technically readmitted into the Rehab floor from Neuro, he is considered a new patient. All of the new patients have therapy on weekends for about 3 weeks. So between the many visitors (which have been fantastic) and therapies, he's had a very entertaining weekend so far!

Hope all is well with all of you, and I hope to post another video of Steve's progress in therapy very soon!

-Danielle