Faith: Saturday 1-15-11 Day 12

Saturday 1-15-11 Day 12

Marilena:

Well, the real Alannah is starting to come back today. She is demonstrating more energy,
more of her usual spunk, and we are so happy about that. She still has a little way to
go, because she is walking a little off balance right now and gets tired very easily.
And her appetite is definitely not where it needs to be yet....but overall, I see definite
progress from yesterday.

Aunt Denise, Uncle Rick and Grandma Doris came this afternoon and brought a big lunch/dinner.
Chicken bacon roll-ups, rice and broccoli, with brownies for dessert. Yum. Aunt Denise also
brought snow for Alannah to play with....yes, snow. It's some kind of powder that becomes like
snow when you add water to it. see pics. They had a good time...Alannah tried to fling it at
Aunt Denise a few times but Aunt Denise laid down the law. ( Although it was good to see
Alannah being mischievous again! )

Big sister Bella came to visit today and she wants to add a statement to the blog, so here she is:

Bella:

Hi! Yes I really am writing on the blog. Today I'm visiting with mom, dad, and Alannah. I'm really happy
and excited to be here with them. I miss being at home, with them, and with them at home! Alannah is
doing so much better. She looks really good too. She's also excited that I'm here with her.I also played with
the snow with her and we had tons of fun.

Marilena:

We miss Bella too.....it looks like we may go home soon if Alannah's blood work continues to improve
and if she begins to demonstrate a better appetite and better balance. The doctors are talking about
Monday being our potential "go home" day. It will be a little bit scary, but very exciting to get home.

Grandma and grandpa brought dinner from Aunt Mary and Uncle Ben again....they made sausage today so
we got fresh sausage and pasta for dinner, among other things. They also brought coffee and some
of Uncle Ben's birthday cake.....Happy Birthday Uncle Ben!

Alannah had physical therapy today, and they walked around the unit and did some steps. Eric and I have
been holding onto Alannah when she walks because she is off balance, and the P.T. did too at first, but then
she let Alannah walk with just contact guard, meaning she was hovering around her but not holding onto her.
Her balance was still off, and she was weaving like maybe she had a special drink at lunch, but she held her
own. Overall, she did a good job.

The neurosurgeon on call came to see Alannah today and removed the gauze from the incision, stating that
they need it to be open to air now. So all Alannah has on is the mesh cap to keep her from picking at it.
She informed us that the incisions are "water-proof" within 48 hours,
which I thought was amazing. So technically, Alannah could have taken a shower today, but she said
to play it safe and wait until tomorrow. I am a little anxious about rushing that procedure, so we
may wait an extra day or two.....I don't want to take any chances after all she has been through.

We are so happy with her progress and continue to pray for her to have a happy and fulfilling life.
I believe that God has brought us to this point, and He will continue to protect and love her.
Thanks to all who are supporting us and praying to Him for her.

The Enfields

P.S. Thanks to Ms. Deb, Ms. Bev, and Ms, Casey (did I get those names right Denise?) - the people Denise works with who provided the "snow"....Alannah really enjoyed it.