Truly a TIme for Celebration!

What wonderful news to hear that you are home again, Ivy! Congratulations and keep up the good work. Happy Tofurky weekend to you and your family. Love to all.
Monique

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Hi! I miss you all! Enjoy your thanksgiving and all the food! Thanks for helping and supporting me.

Gosh... is there anything to be thankful for?

IVY! IVY! IVY! That's what I'm the very most thankful for this year and today. And for all the people who rallied around; medical people, family and friends. And the critters in the wings too (who would have been closer if they'd been allowed). There is just no greater gift I can think of than having you back, Ivy.

I hope you have a wonderful day today, and revel in not only being here with everyone you love on your beautiful green planet, but the brave new world that is opening up with a new administration coming to us this next year. I think even more of our shared dreams might come true soon...

Love to you and yours.

Lynn

Happy Thanksgiving, Alvarado Family!

Just a quick note to wish you all a most wonderful Thanksgiving.
From what I'm reading in the blogs there sure is lots to be thankful for.
God Bless!

~DesiRee

Release

It may sound sudden, but Ivy was released from the hospital today! It's been in the works for a couple weeks, but I didn't want to say anything until it was a sure thing. It's much sooner than we expected, but obviously for Ivy it's been far too long a wait. We'll be continuing therapy at home and she'll be going back to the hospital a few times a week for therapy there. She is very tired but happy about leaving the hospital after four months!

Ivy takes down her birthday streamers.

Last day in room 656!

Mom and Ive get ready to leave.

Another Brief Escape

We got Ivy out again Sunday. She once again spent time with Biscuit and went over to grandma's in the evening. This time we ate out at Charlie's Trio for her first restaurant meal in over three months. We came back to Grandma's and watched "Juno" before Ivy treked back to the hospital. We've been concerned with Ivy's attention span since she regained consciousness and started communicating. Sometimes it seems very short. But when watching one of her favorite movies she was able to really focus in and enjoy it. At least we know she is capable of focusing for long periods of time when she wants to.

Ivy, I am so proud of you for all of the progress you've made. You are the strongest person I know and I truely love reading the blog and watching all of your videos over and over again. I think about you everyday and all of our crazy memories. I wish that I could be with you everyday making new ones. I can't wait to see you again Ivy. I Love You soooo much.

Jessica

Furlough

Ivy had a 12 hour leave on Sunday.  For the  first time in three months she (officially) got out of the hospital!  Her first stop was my place, a few miles from the hospital, where she was greeted by her dog Biscuit.  Ivy couldn't stop the flood of tears when she first touched her.  She's been telling us how much she's missed Biscuit every day for the last month! We then had a quick vegetarian tamale breakfast and she was off to get more blue and a trim.  While we were waiting for the hair dye, we took a stroll around Burbank.  After her hair was all prettied up, we stopped off for a quick rest at my place, then loaded up Biscuit and headed to Grandma's for a nice feast and some chill-out time with family. Melinda and Ivy returned to the hospital by about 8 and Ivy was asleep literally seconds after she got into bed.  What a day!  We had been waiting for it for a month, and Ivy was beaming the whole 12 hours.  Hopefully we will be able to do this every Sunday!  I didn't have access to my digital camera so I don't have any pics to post yet, but I did get some shots with Elle's 35mm camera, so I'll try to post those when I get them developed and scanned...

Very Belated Post

Before I post what I'm supposed to post here, let me apologize to Pat for taking so long to post this for her. I'm sorry Pat, truly sorry. Love, -elle

Here is the original post from Grandma (Pat) to Ivy:

Ivy, Grandpa would go shopping with me for any reason except greeting card shopping. I took too long to pick out the cards, however, I know he would like the card I found for you this year.(No matter how long it took to find it.)

"Granddaughter"

Nobody can give to the world what you have to give.
-Who else would wear a t-shirt that said "Free Hugs" and mean it?

Nobody can smile your smile.
-Who else would smile that beautiful smile to everyone she passes?

Nobody can laugh your laugh.
-Who else would laugh at Frank's (Dad's) jokes, the way you do?

Nobody can shine your light.
-Who else would make everyday full of sunshine?

Nobody can be wonderful in the way that is is so truly you.
-Who else would call someone handsome when no one else had?
-Who else would tell a teacher "Hi cutie, you look so pretty today!" or love all living things; bugs, animals, trees, plants, and even human beings the way you do?

Could there be any better reason to celebrate?
-Who else could give all those who love you the best reason of all to celebrate as you regain your health a little each day?

We know it's very painful and wish we could do your therapies for you. Since that can't be, keep up the good work. We want you to be the best you can be.

Happy Birthday Ivy! We love you so much.

To help save Mother Earth, I will:
1. Turn the water off when I'm brushing my teeth.
2. Use biodegradable trash bags for cleaning up after Ike.
3. Turn the water off when I'm washing the dishes.
4. Taking and using the reusable shopping bags at the store.
5. Recycling whenever possible.

My list isn't long but you do make me aware of what I can do to "Go Green" and I will keep trying to do more because of you, Ivy.
Love,
Grandma