Sunday!!
Firstly, sorry for the delayed posting! We went away for the weekend into the Idaho mountains and were unable to get a decent internet connection. But we did manage to get some super photo's! We spent Mum's last weekend with us in a resort hotel and enjoyed some wonderful R&R by the lake and golf course. Ian got to dip his toes in a swimming pool for the first time (and seemed to enjoy it!). We couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend to hang out with Mum before she flies home later this week. It has been wonderful to see her and for all her help with Ian while Barbara worked on recovering. Barbara is doing ever so well now and will begin driving again this week, we hope (a great relief to us all!). A big thank you to all the friends and neigbors who have shuttled Barbara, Mum and Ian around these last three weeks - you've all been wonderful!. Enjoy the photos.

Hot, Hot, Hot!
Ian spent much of this week wearing only his diaper due to the extreme temperatures we've had. He also got to wear one of his baseball hats now that his head is big enough to fill them out! Of course, like all 'youngsters' today he had to wear it sideways. We are amazed at how much development we have seen from Ian in the last three weeks. He seems to be doing something new almost every day, so it is fun for us to see and experience all his new little activities. He is almost rid of his W.H.S issue (Wobbly Head Syndrome!) and is fast approaching the time wear we won't have to support his head much longer. Oh, and of course we should also mention that today Ian is officially six months old! Happy half-Birthday, Son!!!

Mommy's Back on the Blog!
As promised Mommy posed for a photo with Ian tonight. Don't they look great?! We've all had a terrific day hanging out - nothing too active for any of us, and perfect for Barbara to have some quiet time. This is the last posting on the Blog about Barbara's condition and progress. The many telephone calls, cards, gifts and flowers she has received have been wonderful and a great tonic for recovery - thanks to everybody out there for reaching out and to the many who have provided dinner for us too. You were marvellous! Feel free to call Barbara at some point soon to catch up, but know she is really on the mend and with the medical support she continues to receive over the next few weeks we are confident she'll 100% in the very near future.

Tonight's second photo shows Ian in the 'tummy' position. His neck strength is improving now and he holds himself up nicely (though seconds after this shot was taken he did keel over!). He continues to sleep for 9 - 10 hours straight (Thanks, Son!) and is now reaching for things and holding them as well as putting all his fingers in his mouth!

One week on .....
This time last week Barbara was still in hospital and the diagnosis was not yet confirmed. One week later look how far we've progressed! Barbara is noticably more conversant now and, I can confirm, taking calls so dial away. She reads out aloud to me and both pronounciation and intenation are getting much better. With a good (normalized) blood test result today, I think we've ended the week in great shape and Barbara can now cruise ahead with her recovery with ease, I feel. Obviously still some work to do and she needs to take life a little easy stil, but Barbara is not complaining on the latter!
Meanwhile Ian enjoyed the spectacular weather here again today. 100 degrees with a similar weekend in store. Barbara has promised a photo of herself and Bumper Boy for Saturday's posting, so tune in again on Sunday.

Nanny Has Arrived!
Nanny arrived just in time. Barbara had her first speech therapy appointment this morning and was able to attend and leave Ian at home with Nanny who he hasn't seen for nearly 3 months. Barbara did well with her first session and was given a 'reaction time' test which will be the determining factor that allows her to drive again. This we hope will be as soon as next week as her progress continues to be good. In fact I'd go as far as to say her progress has been stellar! The Occupational Therapist has suggested that shock-wave treatment might be useful to stimulate her facial muscles back to normal - of course I was able to have a few jokes on this suggestion which did make my lovely wife show her beautiful smile .... the natural way. Well done honey, you are making terrific progress. More blood testing on Friday though. Ugh!

Making Progress .....
Each day will see another bit of progress towards recovery. Speech therapy starts on Thursday and I think they will be impressed with Barbara's improvement. Our day tends to be one of reviewing where Barbara is compared to the day before. I'll ask Barbara to smile to see how much of her (right side)mouth will lift more than it did the day before. And more will lift! My best comparison to how Barbara spoke before this event is to listen to our answer machine message. This I have told Barbara is the new goal - to sound as chirpy as she does on that message. Given how determined she is, I know she'll reach and beat any goal she is set, so I think we're on our way now! In the meantime, Ian can't wait for Nanny to arrive from England. He stayed up so long tonight that he fell aslpeep in his 'buzzy' chair waiting. Bless him!

Steady Progress ....
Barbara is doing well. In fact, very well from the way I see it. Her speech is improving daily and with each and every sentence she is rediscovering 'lost' words. We spent the morning seeing some of the 'ologists' whom she still needs to see as an out-patient. Some more blood tests are needed this week, but generally it will be a week to get back to some normality at home, with some peace and quiet time with Ian and to take it easy on herself. Ian has been a very good boy today and he even took himself to bed early tonight - but only after he spent some time with the Cookie Monster!

Mommy's Home!
After six nights in hospital (to add to the 18 nights already taken in 2006!) Barbara was released from St. Lukes and made it home to see Ian. She still has several out-patient visits to make, which start in earnest on Tuesday morning. Barbara was feeling a bit tired, which is to be expected but nothing a good soak in the tub couldn't take care of. Barbara still has her sense of humor, raising a smile to my joke that her enthusiasm for spending at least one night on every one of the nine floors at St. Lukes hopsital was beginning to become a problem! Ian and I are happy she is home. And Barbara is too. Thanks for all the messages of support ...... you guys are all awesome!

Not Home Yet ......
Barbara did not get released from hospital today, but will hopefully get out on Monday after the Doc's have run one final set of tests. She has again made some steady progress today and is diligent with the language and writing tasks set by the Speech Therapists such is the determination she has to get back to normality! Her spirits are high and she is smiling and finding humor too - a very good sign to us all. Ian paid her a visit tonight and spent a happy hour bouncing on the hospital bed. Mom managed to feed and change him without help and without getting out of bed either! Here's to a happy home-coming on Monday.

An Incredible Week .....

When you least expect it, life can take a turn in a completely different direction.

On Tuesday July 4th Barbara was suddenly admitted to hospital. All the progress she had made since coming home from her last ordeal seemingly coming drastically untied. The details are superfluous on a public web site such as this, but please know that Barbara has made steady progress each day since.

As of tonight she remains hospitalized and is making a transition between intravenous medicine to one that she will take herself to negate such a situation occuring again. Barbara's exceptional underlying health and youthfulness in these circumstances will be a significant advantge to her over the coming weeks and months as she works towards making a full recovery, which is expected. Her rehabilitation effort will be focussed on speech therapy as her motor skills are relatively unaffected and of no major concern. I fully expect her to walk out of hospital!

The staff at St.Lukes have again been magnificent. Of equal magnificence are our incredible family and friends and work colleagues. Ian has spent several days with various folks who stepped up at short notice to babysit for him. I am told he's been a joy to look after and this his first period of time away from his Mom does not appear to have phased him at all. Of course, I know he's looking forward to seeing Mom again soon and that we hope will happen on Sunday when we expect Barbara to be discharged.

In situations like this I am reminded of how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family. A strong and spirited wife who I know will pull through this set back by making it look easier than many of us could ever imagine. The coming weeks will hold challenges for us all, with Ian remaining the joy and center of our world from whom we will both draw strength from each and every day. Nanny from the UK (my Mom!) arrives on Wednesday, yet another blessing for which her help and support both Barbara and I are exteremly grateful for (Thanks, Mum!).

I plan to post an update each day this week through next Saturday since so many people have requested details on Barbara's progress. She knows you are all rooting for her and in the coming days when she is ready I know she'll be able to take your calls. In the meantime know that she draws on the knowledge of this extraordinary support which will help her through this unbelievable and unexpected ordeal.

With love and thanks to our incredible friends and family around the world. Your support is more important than we will ever be able to tell you!

Love
Barbara, Steve and Ian

Closet Boy!
We're back at Sun Valley again this weekend. Ian clearly enjoys it here and the mountain air definitely makes him sleep well. To further ensure Ian gets a good nights rest, he's taken to sleeping in the closet of Mom and Dad's hotel room. Its quiet and dark and well, he seems to enjoy it! This weekend Steve played golf while Barbara hit the spa (again!). We also enjoyed a fabulous buffet dinner at the Sun Valley Ice Show, a summer attraction that the Sun Valley Lodge has hosted for many, many years now. Of course Ian feasted on formula but Mom and Dad had a fantastic time with superb food and hospitality. Next week we'll be in San Diego, California - Ian is certainly racking up the air miles, that's for sure!