Update - 9/25/07

We couldn't be happier. Matthew is making tremendous progress in many areas, particularly with walking and his speech. For more than two weeks, he has been walking over 100 ft. at a time (with one or two stops to rest for a minute). This walking is done using a walker and he does need a little assistance moving the right leg forward, but Matthew is doing most of the effort on his own. He is doing a terrific job balancing his weight while using the walker and can reach back to his chair and sit down on his own. Matthew's right side still shows signs of strengthening. He can roll himself completely in bed to either side WITHOUT assistance. He couldn't do that before because of his right side.

The last post mentioned Matthew's visit to the neurologist. The doctor did drain a very small amount of excess fluid and there was a little hardening of the shunt, but nothing to be concerned about.

Matthew is also talking a great deal more and initiating sentences on his own. Recently, Lucas turned the TV off and Matthew said without any prompting or difficulty in being understood, "Lucas, turn that TV back on." He definitely knows what he wants and is getting better at communicating that. He is also eating a lot more and asking for food which is quite a change from a few months ago.

We thank you, O Lord, for your continued care of Matthew!

"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! . . . Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Ps. 150: 1-2, 6

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother