Zach had his 7th birthday today and I was hoping it would be a good experience for Jenny despite being the first birthday of one of her children since her stroke (did I mention that the kids’ birthdays are the most important holidays to Jenny and she really gets into them?). Jenny insised that I made the cake despite several very capable people offered to do it for us. Jenny eventualy admitted that she did not want anyone making a better cake than her. I am not sure how I am suppose to take that, but the cake was great. I admit that Jenny would have done it better, but I used star tips and character cake pans and all. Jenny cried only once at the party and that was during the singing of “Happy Birthday”. I am sure she wanted to sing to her son. She told me the other day that singing is something she misses most- more than walking or moving her arms. Unfotunately, it is the one thing she does not show any improvement on. Jenny eats better these days. She pretty much eats what we eat for dinner with little or no alterations to it. Chewing is still a problem, so I guess it is lucky I am use to cooking for young children who don’t chew so well so our menu does not ave to change much to accomodate Jenny. I see new movments in her arms and legs that are larger extensions of smaller movements. She is usually able to repeat them at least once more if I ask her to do so.

Jenny had family in town to visit again and it always seems to go better when new faces are here that she enjos seeing. Jenny tries harder in therapies and is happier. We tired letting Jenny sit cross legged on the floor with only her arms holding herself up. Her torso was strong and when she felt herself falling, she reacted by locking her arms and catching herself. Her neck still wants to pull to the left and so she fights this movement while she tries to balance herself and remember to swallow all at the same time. She was able to sit by herself for 30-5 seconds with no help and for several minutes with slight readjustments. She gets stronger in her neck and torso each day that we work on it. There has not been any new movements, but the old ones get a little stronger each day. Again, none of her movements in themselves are capable of performing any self help tasks at this time, but she is getting so close to making this happen..

Jenny has definately changed from constant crying/emotional outbursts to laughing fits. Both are typical effects of her stroke, but the laughing is so much more enjoyable. Jenny is getting stronger in her trunk and neck. I sat her in a rocker and a glider chair and she sat so well. I moved the glider down to the main floor so she could use it more. She also is able to sit and support her trunk and neck for several seconds if not more. Jenny is working so hard that by evening time she is truely wiped out. The physical therapist took her wheel chair leg supports off and Jenny began swinging her right leg from side to side with quite a bit of force. It appears that Jenny discovered this movement and had been waiting for a chance to show it off, She can also lift her knees a little, when helped. She pretty much can move anything with a little help.

I took Jenny on a date to see Harry Potter in the theatres. I was well prepared, but a few obstacles popped up. This was one of the first times we went out where we were totally by ourselves. I had to use the restroom, but realized I did not know what to do with Jenny. I could not take her with me, and I did not want to leave her in the hall alone. Aside from waiting to use the bathroom until I was home, it was a great date. I was greatly aware of how accessible buildings were due to my social work background and having a double stroller for all these many years. It is just a bit more difficult because Jenny and I had each other to hold doors and help over curbs.