It's been a while...

Firstly, thank you for sticking around and bearing with us! It's been a long few weeks, but life is good.

Emma is progressing well. She had to go in for another EEG two weeks ago as she was having more staring spells, but for the first time EVER she had a completely normal brain reading! Phenomenal!

Each week Emma goes to the therapy clinic, or "school" as we call it, three times and has five sessions at home. She makes really good eye contact, and giggles so much more! We recently went for her 18 month appointment at the doctors office, and met a few more of her milestones this time.

Even with all the above happening, Emmy is still considered non-communicative. But tonight Emma grabbed my fingers to indicate she wanted me to stand up, and then used her body to indicate to me that she wanted me to chase her! I couldn't have been more thrilled to oblige. These small moments are huge for our family and give us so much hope for her future communication!

I have not yet been able to schedule my tests, so we are no closer to knowing what this diagnosis means for Emma and I. It's been an emotional roller-coaster, that's for sure, but I'm in a good mental place at the moment. That's all I can ask for, and I'm grateful for moments of true calm. Whatever happens, I am the luckiest woman in the world to have the family that I do.

In the meantime, I will be speaking at the Project Linus National Conference on June 21, and plan on delivering some blankets in Emma's honor. If you'd like to donate a homemade blanket, please message me and I'd be happy to coordinate! See below the picture for instructions.

We have some big news to share with you soon that will hopefully go some way to explain our absence over the last few weeks, so stay tuned!!

Here's to more blogging :)

Love, Katy xxx

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Information from:

http://www.projectlinus.org/

WHAT TYPE OF BLANKETS DOES PROJECT LINUS ACCEPT?Our chapter coordinators accept NEW, HANDMADE, WASHABLE, blankets and afghans for giving to children ages 0-18 years. Project Linus blankets are not donated to adults. As a national policy we accept all sizes and styles, although some chapters may have more narrow requirements based on the needs of the facilities to which they donate. Project Linus blankets must be of excellent quality and free from contaminants. Special care should be taken to ensure that blankets are free of smoky smells or any chemicals which could cause problems for a child. Ensure that blankets are free of pet or animal hair. Hospitals will not accept these blankets, and they will most likely be discarded. Recent studies show that laundering these blankets does not remove contamination, and in some cases can even make it worse. Always check blankets carefully for pins, and remove any embellishments such as buttons that could be swallowed.WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “HANDMADE,” AND WHY? When we say “handmade” or “homemade” we mean something that is not commercially manufactured or purchased. Of course, home sewing machines, knitting machines, etc. are fine. It has always been the mission of Project Linus to donate only handmade blankets. We receive thousands of letters and thank you notes every year from children. Over and over they express how touched they are that a stranger would take the time to make something for them. They really know the difference. Purchased blankets are nice, but handmade blankets are from the heart. If you do not have the time or ability to hand craft a blanket, perhaps you would consider a monetary donation. Visit our Donations page for more information.WHAT TYPE OF BLANKETS DOES PROJECT LINUS NOT ACCEPT?Project Linus chapter coordinators are instructed to reject blankets that are not of excellent quality. In addition they must be free from contaminants. Special care should be taken to insure all blankets are free of smoky smells or any chemicals which could cause problems for a child. Hospitals will not accept these blankets, and they will most likely be discarded. Recent studies show laundering such blankets does not remove contamination, and in some cases can even make it worse. Again, if unusually strong smells due to chemicals used in detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets, mold and mildew or smoking products are apparent, most hospitals will discard the blanket rather than jeopardize the health of a patient. Always check blankets carefully for pins, and remove any embellishments such as buttons that could be swallowed. Thank you for helping to make sure that Project Linus blankets are safe and healthy, and will bring only comfort and security to a child in need!WHAT ABOUT SIZES?Project Linus donates blankets to children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on chapter need. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" × 36." The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" × 60", or what is called "crib size." Blankets could be as large as twin size for teens. Local chapters may have certain preferences depending on the facilities to which they donate. Visit our Chapters page to locate contact information for your local Project Linus chapter so that you can ask about specific current needs.