ChloeWatts.com

Friday, Aug 13, 2010

August 13th, 2010 Posted in Daily News Post

Chloe is on a roll. She took Ivey for a walk last night for the first time since December 1st, 2009. Leave it to a dog to know what to do. She was on perfect behavior, and for a Jack Russell that’s a feat in itself. Dana tells me that Chloe actually left her crutch in the middle of the field and she and Ivey continued along without it. Lately she has been struttin’ around the house without even holding on to the walls. She does a quick catch every once in a while, but, overall, she is doing great by concentrating on her right leg and foot.

Her taste testing had a major success today also. She had a root beer float and had a very successful swallow that completely surprised her. She grabbed Dana’s leg in her excitement.

The E-Stim machine that Steve had her use yesterday did its job. Her secretions were down last night. That’s part of what it’s designed to do. It’s also supposed to stimulate the swallow mechanism. Chloe doesn’t exactly like the way it feels but I think she will put up with it if it gets her where she wants to be.

The school nurse coordinator was at the house on Wednesday to evaluate Chloe’s needs. NO SCHOOL NURSE… but an attendant none the less. This will mean Chloe won’t be hovered over. Chloe would actually like to see whomever is assigned to her stay in the office. I suggested maybe we could get a glass case with a little hammer for her and a sign that says break glass in case of emergency. Chloe liked that idea. She will need someone to help her with all her equipment if nothing else.

As if Dana doesn’t have enough on her plate… Her best friends’ mother passed away two nights ago, very unexpectedly. Tine was Dana’s second Mom growing up and she was very close to her. Dana was devastated and will be going to the funeral to help show her support to her friends.

Tim and Kathleen, with Barb’s support, continue to amaze us with their generosity of tasty meals… now Twice a week. We can’t believe it as they could use a job as much as the two of us. Although Dana and I have paid it forward well, it’s still difficult to receive. Guess that part of us will never leave.

Kevin and Laura will be with Chloe tomorrow night as Dana and I finally get a night out. We’ll be at the 11th annual Malino Blues Festival that is put on by some good friends of mine. It’s one of those no pressure events that just feels good. And it’s a pot luck to boot.

We are both excited about the ability to go to Celebration Church this Sunday. We haven’t had the luxury of a Sunday morning off in so long we don’t really know what to do with it. Colin will be still in Canada and Chloe will be with her dad for the night. It meant a little shift for the night nurses, but, now that Chloe doesn’t need the oxygen, everyone is feeling more comfortable about a night or two away from home base.

Dana and Chloe went school cloths shopping at Kohls the other day. It’s a perfect store with the wide isles and limited shoppers. Chloe ended up with a whole new wardrobe and is already enjoying it. She has grown so much from last year. One more step toward total normality.

Walking into school will be one goal that Chloe is determined to meet. I’m pretty sure that will happen. Her speech is much better but still needs work. Her walking is much better but is still wonky. She still doesn’t eat. So, the big concern, by Dana and Me, is how she will be received. We all know what kids of that age are capable of with anything they don’t understand. We will have the discussion with Chloe about how to deal with stupid comments and stares, well before she ever steps foot in the door. It would be great if our fears are never realized, but….

Sleep is still the one thing we all are looking to secure. We’re not really sure why it doesn’t come on the lighter nights at least. Even with all the advances we are never completely at ease. It’s like we work while we are trying to sleep. Gotta work on that.

Be well,
Ron