A hectic week of progress

Wow! We are at the 7 week mark! It feels like a life time.

Mic has progressed so much, so quickly, myself and staff are amazed.

On Monday MJ wasn't able to colour in a picture, she was just barely able to keep the pen on the page and she kept colouring the same spot. By Thursday, MJ was able to colour half a picture. MJ was also assessed for her wheelchair and by Friday, OT had to phone the wheelchair service and have them change the order.

On Wednesday, MJ tried kneeling and sitting with her legs crossed, but her left knee is still quite swollen, so it pulls when stretched. She persists though and tries to get through it as best she can. I have to say that the cheating doesn't stop with thumb wars. If MJ can cheat in the physio session to achieve the goal, believe me, she gives it a go. The physio's don't let her get away with it all the time though.

MJ has also received the machine that can talk for her. She types : I love u, quite a bit. I tell her to tell me rather than type it out. She has hardly used the machine this weekend though. The nurses are also encouraging her to speak more rather than use the machine.

MJ is able to pull herself up to a sitting position which she couldn't do last week. She is also able to assist with transferring herself from the wheelchair to the bed. Her legs are not strong in the least, but at least she is able to pick them up and with loads of support she can take two steps. She is not yet able to stand, I might add, but at least she is trying.

She is also talking louder now. She seems to be scared when she hears her own voice, but when she is relaxed and laughs with friends, nurses and family, she forgets and becomes louder as she laughs.

MJ also had her first trip outside of the hospital on Saturday, with me (Mum) and Cortni. It was very cold and MJ did not enjoy the trip. I think she became aware of people staring and also of the fact that she couldn't see me as I was pushing her. That in itself must have frustrated her as I think she knew she should be walking. I don't think she liked the crowds and noise either.

I learned that the wheelchair is a lot heavier than I imagined, and I also became aware that I couldn't navigate the streets as if pushing a buggy/pram. I kept having to look where she could get off/on the pavement and how bumpy the pavements and streets are. I also became aware that some shop aisles are just not wide enough for a wheelchair, and dodging people is not as easy as if pushing a baby in a pushchair.

Today at the hospital, MJ was learning to push herself in the chair. Obviously her right hand is not quite strong enough, so she might not manage to get to the right place, and she doesn't have the strength to push herself too far, but the girl has guts and she tries.

Thanks again to the friends who have visited and for the gifts they have given to McAyla and Cortni. Thank you Mandy, Keith, Kim and Ash for your special gift, it is very much appreciated.

I have loads of photo's to post, but will do a catch up on those another day.

MJ said "Mum"

Monday, October 20: It's been 6 weeks that I haven't heard MJ's voice. Today, when the teacher was giving Mic a lesson, she taught Mic to say mum. She took MJ's hand and placed it against her throat so that MJ could feel the movement in the teacher's throat. MJ then placed her hand against her own throat and said "Mum"!

We all started to cry. MJ was crying probably at the shock of hearing her voice and also because it must hurt due to the pipes and things being down her throat. I was crying because I was so proud with the effort she puts into things, and the fact that I got to hear her little voice all over again. The teacher was crying because she got so wrapped up in the moment and I think it's an absolute joy for her when the kids achieve something for the first time.

Mic went on to say dad and then dab. Later on, we were playing catch with the ball (yes, in the hospital) and I bent down to fetch the ball and then I heard her call me. I looked up and she then mouthed "I love you". For 6 very long weeks I have wondered if my child would ever say these words to me again and today she filled my heart with joy.

MJ is now pulling herself forward on her wheelchair and supporting her upper body that little bit more. Whilst playing games with Mic, I tried to get her to stretch her right arm as far as possible. It hurts, but I tell her that just a short time back she wasn't even able to get it as far as it is now. She even lifts her left leg a bit now, which she wasn't able to do last week.

Another new achievement is MJ plays on her DS. She doesn't always understand the game unless she is shown, but it'll come back in time. She is also able to use her knife and fork although it is a bit of a struggle.

Hopefully, if Mic gets to drink at least a litre of fluid a day, they will take the tube out of her nose.

MJ mouths words

Saturday, October 18th: what an exciting day! I got to the hospital really early this morning and MJ was crying. I cuddled her and settled her down. I watched her dress herself and was so completely amazed that she copes so well with such little use and mobility in her right hand an arm. She brushed her hair and her teeth and all of this was done with her left hand. Considering she has never been left handed, I find this amazing.

I asked if she was okay by giving a thumbs up. She copied me! I was stunned at this new development. I continued to ask questions and she either gave a thumbs up or a thumbs down. The next thing I new, I asked her a question and she mouthed the word no. Then she started to cry. I think the tears was because she realised that there was no sound. I was so excited I jumped up and down and called the nurses over. They were elated too.

Mic's intake of food is also increasing. She still doesn't like corn and peas. Anything lumpy or hard she also has a tendency to spit it out. It can be disturbing to watch, but I guess in her mouth they feel huge and she can feel the skin on the beans, peas, tomatoes etc., that normally we don't.

All in all, I think she is making tremendous progress. She makes me immensely proud to be her mother. Everyday she does something new. Everyday she manages to smile, even when she is scared or hurting. I am humbled by the strength and resilience McAyla has shown over the last 6 weeks.

I need to say thanks to Sharon and Niall who wrote to CFC about McAyla. Thanks to Chelsea for the little gift they have sent to my little girl. The fact that the team addressed it directly to McAyla really means a lot. I know McAyla will treasure the items forever.

MJ stood today

Wednesday, October 15th: While MJ was in the gym today, sitting and working at stretching, she started to cry. She was in a lot of pain. I had tears in my eyes for two reasons. Firstly I didn't want MJ to hurt and I wished I could take away the pain for her. Secondly I felt so proud that she was doing so exceptionally well and fighting through the pain. In a strange way I was happy to see her tears as it means it's another emotion she shows, another way of communicating with us.

While she was crying, I hugged her and she hugged me back and kissed my head. She kept kissing me as if to say: "I love you mum". I kept telling her I was so proud of her achievements so far and I told her how much I love her.

The physio's got her to stand without the tilt bed. Her legs are very weak and she started to cry again. Through all the pain, MJ perservered and stood again and again and again, each time resting for only a few moments. (Check out the photo on the website of MJ standing.)

By the time we got her back to the ward, she was parched. She finished off a whole cup of thickend water. She cried again and I asked if she could have some pain relief. After the paracetemol was administered, MJ settled down and started to smile and laugh again. As a reward for all her hard work, I bought her a milkshake. She loved it and again finished a whole cup.

For lunch MJ had cauliflower and mash with lamb mince....all of which she would never have eaten before the accident. She finished almost all of it.

MJ also had a computer session with the teacher today. I guess the teacher has figured out it's best to go in the morning when MJ can't fake sleep...lol! The teacher told us MJ coped really well with the activity and was operating the mouse. I think MJ just wants to access MSN so she can chat with all of her mates.

MJ falls out of bed

Monday, October 13th: I've had a really emotionally draining weekend. Mic fell out of bed - or as the nurses tell it - she got out of bed. Considering she has no upper body strength to hold herself up to sit, I find this really frustrating. Anyway, she hasn't hurt herself too much as far as everyone can tell. The doctor did look her over and there does not appear to be any additional bruising.

On Sunday, we were outside of the hospital when the air ambulance landed. I knew exactly how that mum was feeling. I knew what would be going on inside A&E and it brought tears to my eyes. Memories I have buried just came flooding back. It was good for Dave to see it though. To see how the police cordon off the place and how the paramedics rush to get the child out of the helicopter and into the hospital.

Today Mic had a change of diet. From Mash and gravy to chips and broccoli with gravy. MJ used to love broccoli, but the look on her face today made me think this might well have changed.

O and X's

Saturday, October 11th: Mic is moving her right hand more frequently now. She is trying to get it to work herself. She will try and bite her fingers and also make the hand go through her hair with her left hand. I think it must feel like she has pins and needles in her arm.

On Wednesday, Mic was given a pen and a book to write in. Unfortunately Mic is not left handed, so she doesn't quite have the co-ordination to write correctly. Although, in saying this, we played noughts and crosses yesterday and she tried to make a mark with the pen. She really concentrated and as such was able to play the game properly, without assistance. It's just one more thing that's MJ. We used to play the game for ages when she was bored.

Last night, the police returned McAyla's shoes that she had on the day of the accident. I wanted to cry. I kept touching them, thinking about what she must have felt. There must have been that brief moment, a milisecond in time, when she knew what was happening. I pray that she never remembers it.

On a lighter note, have you noticed the funky socks that Mic is wearing? I promise, they get a lot brighter and funkier, lol!

MJ performs new tasks

Tuesday, October 7th: One month ago today tradgedy struck our little family group. This time last month, I was crying so hard, praying that my little girl would keep fighting and get through this tough time. One month on and MJ is dressing herself (with a little assistance), laughing, trying to feed herself, drinking thickend water and sits in a wheelchair.

I showed Mic the photo's of herself in ICU. She grabbed the phone out of my hand and started to scroll through the pictures. She seemed quite intrigued with how she looked and I don't think she could associate the pictures as being her.

Mic got her wheelchair today, but is only allowed to be in it for short periods of time. So, taking full opportunity of the moment, I took her for a spin around the ward. I showed her where she'd been living for the past month. It felt, for me, just one step closer to being able to bring her home. The challenges that lay ahead with possibly adapting our house around Mic are minor in comparison.

I started to feed Mic and she took the spoon out of my hand. Twice I filled it with yoghurt for her and twice she placed it in her mouth, with the proper co-ordination. She almost finished the pot too! The SLT's were going to try her on some Quavers and possibly mash. I can't wait to get there tomorrow to find out how she did with it.

Ash and Sam gave MJ some Spongebob hair clips at the weekend. Today she rearranged them in her hair. She had some difficulty in closing them, but I think that's more because they are new than anything else.

Wow! She's doing amazingly well, and I am so proud of her.

Still laughing

Monday, October 6th: I got to hear Mic laugh first hand today! I was the source of her amusement. More accurately, my hair was. She played with my ponytail and was giving me funky hairstyles that were just beautious.....NOT!!! LOL!

She had a good physio session today, in which they got her to sit up. She did really well and even reached to the right for the ball. Even though she was in agony, she kept going. What a trooper!

The kisses are coming more freuently too. She actually purses her lips to give us a kiss. MJ is putting a lot if things in her mouth recently and I think this is just another phase in her re-development. If she holds your hand, don't let her bite your fingers! She also has the tendency to close her left eye and peek out the right. It looks like she's winking or playing a game with you. We think she is trying to make the eye focus as the vision may be a bit blurred or doubled. Only time will tell.

Mic's splints will come off at night time now too, giving her feet the freedom they need. Hopefully she won't get stuck in the side rails now.

P.S. Mic's website is up and running now, so have a look and give us some feedback. http://mcayla.com

Mic laughs!

Sunday, October 5th: The most exciting thing happened today....Mic laughed! Unfortunately I wasn't there to see it, but Ash and Sam were. They made her laugh and filmed it too so everyone can see for themselves. Wow! I'm over the moon! Another piece of McAyla is back! I think the doctors are going to have their socks blown right off tomorrow when they get the update!

By the way, sorry about the video being sideways, but you can't mistake that genuine smile and giggle. I truely hope that you are able to view it and share the joy!

Mic had some visitors yesterday, Kim and Nic B (and their mum's). As soon as I have permission from their mum's, I'll upload the photo's of the visit. Thanks guys for coming to see MJ, I think it did her the world of good. She stayed awake longer yesterday than she has done in ages. I truely believe in my heart of hearts that Mic was listening to both Kim and Nic. You guys were amazing and handled the whole situation really well. Thanks for talking to McAyla and holding her hand, it warmed my heart to see her friends being so positive around her.

I can hardly believe that nearly a whole month has passed since our world got turned upside down. I'm so amazed by how MJ is fighting to get back her health and how she's is proving those initial reports of her status so wrong. LITTLE PETAL ROCKS!

What an exciting day!

Friday, October 3rd: What an exciting day! We were walking into the ward today and happened to pass the neurosurgeons on their rounds. The one registrar told us Mic was talking! He said that it's only yes and no, but she is verbalising. Well, as you can imagine, I couldn't get in there fast enough! As much as I spoke with Mic the whole day, I have to say I didn't hear a single word. So, I checked with the nurses. They said that the nurse on duty last night thinks she heard Mic say no. Until I can say I've heard it myself, I still don't think she has spoken. Sorry guys! I know it's disappointing.

Mic had her first proper bath today. That in itself tired her out. I bought her some toys as she likes to hold things and touch things with different textures. So, when she went for her physio session, we took the bag down with us and asked her to choose what she wanted to hold. She chose the cheerleader pom-pom. Making choices is another improvement too.

Another good thing, the neck brace is off. She went for an x-ray and they decided it was time for the thing to come off. I'm so glad, because it was causing her so much discomfort. Mic can hold her own head up, but it isn't consistent, as the muscles really haven't had to work too hard over the last month. She still feels like the collar is there, and reaches for it, and I think she is a little confused when she doesn't find it there, so she finds her t-shirt and pulls at that, or sticks her finger in her ear.

The other new thing she is doing is tucking her hair behind her ear. It's just soooo McAyla! I love it.

She has been a bit naughty though. She pulled the feeding tube out of her nose....twice!
As she discovers her face, when she feels something odd, she tugs at it or scratches it, hence the pulling of the tube. I can say that it is not pleasant watching the nurses have to put it back in.

I got to feed her on Thursday. She was really tired, so didn't have too much. The SLT's tried to give her water first, but as she hasn't learnt the skill to hold it in her mouth before swallowing, of course it poured straight down the back of her throat and she coughed and sputtered until it was all out. They'll try again next week with some thickened water.

Monday should be pretty exciting for McAyla as well, as the OT's will be coming to assess how she dresses and washes and they want to see if they can teach her to do some of it on her own.

There won't be a blog tomorrow as I am staying with Mic at the weekend. I'll update you all again on Sunday night.

Eyes

Wednesday, October 1st: Today Mic went for an eye check up. The doctors are concerned because MJ doesn't like to pull her eyes to the right. So, they just needed confirmation that no major damage has been done to the right eye as a result of the fracture.

You'll be glad to know that there isn't. She has a swollen nerve at the back of the eye which, in time, will heal and the eye should then move as normal. Establishing how far Mic can see and what she can see will take place at a much later stage. The nerve is swollen due to the high pressures that were inside the skull when the brain was swelling. Before the test took place, Mic reached up and rubbed her left eye. She hasn't done that before. She also discovered her ear and nose.

Mic had some drops placed in her eyes which helped to dilate the pupil a bit. The drops sting. McAyla looked like she wanted to cry and did not respond well to the drops or the bright light that was shone in her eyes. At one point she grabbed the consultant's hand to pull it away from her eyes.

We were in the waiting room and it dawned on me that there will be some things I need to get used to sooner, rather than later. Firstly, the fact that people don't know how to deal with someone who is verbally unresponsive, and secondly, the fact that people will always stare when something or someone is different. I don't believe it is out of nastiness, but merely a desire to understand why.

On a lighter note, Mic can play thumb wars again. Not quite the same rules, as you have to place your thumb against hers to let her know it's there, but she's able to pin you down. One...Two...Three...Four...Mic declare's thumb wars!!!!