Word Up!

Ive gives us a wave!

Last night was a big night! Elle and I ventured over to the hospital after work to see Ive and to relieve grandma, who had been on lookout duty for quite a while (Melinda was getting some much overdue rest). Ivy had been sleeping most of the afternoon and woke up a couple hours after we arrived. She was more alert than usual right from the start. We had Aladdin on for the 43rd time (she refuses to let us watch anything else) and she was really focused on it. It was the first time I've seen her have the attention span to focus on the TV for long periods. While she was watching, I was giving her water. That's right, she's drinking now! We feed it to her via a little sponge, and she's able swallow it down, no problem. I couldn't help but notice how unusually alert she was. She was really moving her right arm around and giving us really deliberate facial expressions.
At a certain point, my fatigued brain accidentally decided to ask Ivy a question which didn't have a simple yes/no answer. I can't remember what I asked her, but before I could reformulate, she was mouthing an answer. Elle and I just looked at each other in disbelief. Ivy was clearly forming words with her mouth. We investigated further: I explained to Ivy that her trach was preventing her from making sounds, but if I blocked with my finger, she would be able to at least try to make a sound. I asked if she wanted to try, and she said yes. I put my thumb over her trach and told her to say "AAHH". I waited and finally heard a faint "ah". We couldn't contain our excitement! I quickly asked if she could try a word. I said, "Say mom." Again, a brief pause and I heard a very weak "Mom". Elle and I erupted into tears. Ivy smiled. Then the three of us set about planning a big surprise for mom's return. When mom came back, we called her close to Ivy. At almost a whisper, Ivy said, "Hi mom." Mom was floored, instantly sobbing. It was one of those rare moments of pure joy.
We spent the rest of the night, through the morning truly conversing with Ivy. Her voice is very weak right now, so it takes a while to get at what she's saying, but she incredibly patient. She can spell it out, if she comes upon a troublesome word. Ivy's attitude has been incredible throughout all this. She has moments of frustration and pain, but she is absolutely fearless about her recovery.
Today respiratory therapy added an attachment to Ivy's trach which allows air in, but not out. This enables her to utilize her vocal cords whenever she wants/needs to. She hasn't stopped talking since. She's been on the phone, teasing nurses, saying hello/goodbye to anyone who walks in the room.
Video to follow soon...