I'M OUTTA HERE!!

My apologies for this clip being sideways - I wasn't aware this camera couldn't capture "vertical" video! And I call myself a photographer!! Until I can get a better shot, enjoy watching her WALK!!!

SWEET MOVES AND NEW SKILLS!!!

So much has happened since I last posted a blog... where do I begin!!! Jaz is nearly free from the g-tube. She is talking up a storm, and even singing a bit. She is walking all over the place with little to no assistance. She busts out a ballet move every now and then and shows off her skills = ) At times her therapy looks more like she's in training for an athletic competition - with maneuvering through obstacle courses; aiming for targets while swinging; and then bouncing on a ball while hitting and kicking a balloon around the room. Yesterday she walked to the top of a flight of stairs about 15 steps high with little assistance. It was an amazing achievement for someone who just took their first solo steps just 6 days earlier!!! WOW!!! It's hard to keep up with posting her improvements, its all happening so quickly now. There is no doubt we will be home very soon! WHAT A BLESSING!!!

FIRST STEPS!!!!!!

Grateful beyond words... and simply speechless!!!

CLIMBING MOUNTAINS

Jazmyn conquered the stairs today by taking about 3 steps up and two big steps down!!! She repeated her trek a few times before moving on to other therapy.

Her speech now includes using two syllable words, and putting sentences together. She just glows whenever you understand what she is try to tell you.

Get ready to mark your calendars for Jazmyn's big comeback dance because this girl will be back on stage before you know it!! This girl has been dancing in her bed, dancing in her wheel chair, and dancing while standing up!!

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Jazy's rehabilitation has been amazing to witness. The rate of her progress has been quite rapid. Each day there are new achievements. The other night before I tucked her into bed I said the usual... "I love you" to her. To my surprise she repeated the words to me! To see her put so much effort and care into these three words was incredible. She lit up when I understood her. What a MOMENT!!! Her speech is still broken but getting better. It will not be long until her words are clear. She puts everything she's got into all she does, and it's paying off in miraculous ways. The PT therapist gave her a small walker to try walking across the room. Jazmyn walked across the room, out the door, down the hall, and made multiple rounds through the halls! She didn't want to stop! She wore herself out and passed out for a nice long nap.

READY TO ROLL

There are a few small bikes set out for play in the backyard here at the hospital. Jaz had her eye on this one, and once she got on it there was no getting her off! Hosein and I were so excited to see her take to it so quickly and require so little assistance. Hosein is going to bring her own bike down with him on the next visit. Health Bridge is going to need to instate speed limits on the premises, because once Jaz gets her bike she is going to be ready to roll!

TIME WITH THE BOYS

Daddy and Kamran are here visiting us at Health Bridge! It feels great to be together again. Daddy has been dancing around the room with Jazzy in his arms, while Kamran has been running around the room - well... running just about everywhere! Then there's Mommy, who has been chasing everyone trying to take a few pictures. We've enjoyed playing in the backyard and simply being outside. What a blessing it is to have a family. It's a crazy juggle act at times, but the love and friendship we share is priceless.

SOARING HIGH

Jazzy's rehab is swinging into high gear! She's a busy girl with a steady schedule. She has been working on standing, sitting, and reaching - to name just a few. Its hard work, but her therapists make it fun. Jaz LOVES the swing - the faster and higher the better!! Her fine motor skills are improving as well. The latest and greatest is her writing..."MOM", "DAD" and more!!! Everyday she finds a new way to amaze me. I LOVE THIS GIRL!!! GO JAZ!!!

DR. JAZ

Dr. Jaz has now opened her own private practice specializing in teddy bear care. She is an excellent physician with exceptional bedside manor. Success with relieving tummy troubles and headaches has given her an outstanding reputation within the medical community. Dr. Jaz completed her residency at Kaiser LA and is temporarily practicing in the OC area. Dr. Jaz will be moving her practice to Camarillo in the near future.

TOOTHLESS BEAUTY

Jaz has been anticipating the loss of her first tooth for about 6 months. On the 4th of September, she lost her first TWO teeth while at the hospital. She could not have been more excited. Jaz wiggle those two teeth for hours until one was pulled by the Doc and the other by mommy (while she giggled). Over the weekend Daddy came to visit. She also received a visit from the tooth fairy!! She and Daddy didn't waste anytime and logged onto toysrus.com. Jaz picked out a Barbie to buy with her newly acquired tooth fairy cash.

STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES

We finally made it to Health Bridge on day 76 of this unbelievable experience. After multiple attempts to get here I had a hard time believing it was really happening. Jaz was so excited to go that she quickly used up all her energy giggling and fell asleep in the car (probably felt a sweet sense of relief as well). Health Bridge is a nice change. Shortly after arriving the PT had Jaz up on her feet and taking her first steps across the room - they don't waste any time here! It was amazing to see!!! The facility is designed as a villa - which makes it feel a little more like home instead of a hospital. We can go outside and walk around in the gardens (a little bit of FREEDOM!!!). Jaz was thrilled to touch the beautiful roses. It was magical watching her feel the petals and delight in their beauty. I've come to understand that it's when we appreciation the little things, we experience the biggest difference in our lives. Jaz nearly lost every ability to function and it was devastating. To see her return to us little by little has instilled a sense of gratitude beyond measure. I cannot stress enough the importance of gratitude - especially for the little things. When was the last time you stopped to smell the roses?

STAY TUNED!!

Look out Health Bridge here we come! We're packed and ready to roll! Jaz is so excited about going that she woke up at 5am this morning and said "GO"! I feel the same way Jaz "let's GO"! We'll keep posting her progress on the blog from Health Bridge, so stay tuned!!!

COULD IT BE TRUE!!!

Jaz is looking great and feeling great which could only mean one thing... it's time to GO!! She is tolerating the g-tube feedings well, and if she continues to do so through the weekend she will be transferred. We've made arrangements with Health Bridge (rehab hospital) and plan on going there Tuesday.

We are so proud of Jazmyn. She has braved sooo much during this whole ordeal. She still has quite a bit more rehab ahead of her, but if anybody can do it... it's Jaz. She is an amazing young lady. We love you Jazzy girl!!

SPELLING BEE

Jaz sat in a little chair and spelled her name with letter blocks! She then went on to spell other words and sit up all pretty and stuff = ) Jaz spelled "MOM" and then said it as she turned to me! This girl really knows how to make her mommy melt!

BUTTON...BUTTON...WHO'S GOT A BUTTON

Yesterday Jaz had her g-tube switched to a MIC-KEY, or otherwise known as a Button. Normally it's a quick bedside switch. Unfortunately she had to go the the OR to have it changed out due to a few complications. Today her button is working well for feedings and she is looking good. Monday she will be able start eating by mouth in addition to this. When she no longer needs the supplemental nutrition the g-tube will be removed. Hang in there a few more days Jaz and we'll have a chocolate pudding party on Monday!!

CHOCOLATE! NOW WE'RE TALKN!!!

Jazzy was given another swallow test and...(drum roll)... she PASSED!! And yes, she is STILL a picky eater = ) The speech therapist offered juices, jello, and apple sauce... she wasn't going for it. She did however eat a little pears and peaches. In the end the thing that really got her attention was the chocolate pudding. When that was suggested she practically crawled out of her bed to get it. As Jaz would say "Now we're TALKN!". These first bites were exactly 10 weeks to the day that Jaz first became ill and wasn't able to swallow or eat food anymore. As one could image the girl is hungry! It was so exciting to not only see her eat, but even hold her own spoon! Adding to the fun the pudding did get a little messy. It was very cute to watch her try and coordinate her tongue to lick the chocolate off her lips = )

THE LATEST SCOOP

- CT results are in....
There is no more evidence of pneumatosis and Jaz has restarted feedings!!! What a BLESSING!

- Transfer to Health Bridge....
Date is yet to be determined - will happen as soon as she is stable on her feedings.

- Weeks hospitalized thus far...
This Friday will be her 10th week at Kaiser.

- Cabin fever status...
Jaz... all giggles, as usual = )
Mommy ran out of jokes about 3 weeks ago and needs new material - for Jazmyn's sake.