crutch walking

I am walking!!!!! Some Doc 's said it couldn't be done BUT LOOK AT ME!!! Sorry I'm just super excited!!

casey watch

self explanatory videos

JULIE THIS IS FOR YOU!!

My pelvis didn't move at all and
that's a piece of what you need to walk.
Thanks Julie for helping me!! I still really miss you and Ashton!

SAVE THE DATE

Unfinished Business is organizing a dinner-dance fund raiser for me on Jan. 30, 2010, at the South County Regional Center in Arroyo Grande.....more info to follow.

Come and dance your socks off with me
to the sounds of the best 60's R & R band on the centra coast!

walking lonesome

haha i love how im rocking out to the beatles

where did your hand go?

wooooooooooo!!!!!!!!! i'm walking all by lonesome! heck yes! i could scream!!





now let me remind you, you learned to crawl first so this is really exciting!!!!

lefty working

i look like im sleeping...hahaha i am actually reallly relaxed and im really focused on my arm and moving it that's my left arm. i am trying to hit sheri with lefty hahaha just joshing
i

ready ....roll over beethoven

I have been wanting to lay on my tummy for over a year without screaming because it hurt so bad.

First walking

sorry for the side view..this is from nov 8ish

okay so those are my easy walkers... not so "easy"
marketing *roll my eyes*




my first walking and up the stairs

my left arm

And recently I have been thinking I'm going to be a hospice nurse!!!!!!!!!!! I am really excited about it.

MY WEEK AT A GLANCE

I have a very busy schedule.
Everyday I wake up and if my mom isn't sleeping right next to me I call out for her. We walk down the hall. Then I get in my easy stander and eat breakfast. the easy stand is helping to make my legs perfectly straight.

I have OT( occupational therapy) 3 hours a week.

I have PT ( physical therapy) 4 hours a week.

I have school 5 hours a week.

I have myofascial massage twice a week from this really great lady, named Cynthia.

I also have acupuncture every 10 days.

AAAAAAAAAAnd I exercise at a gym once a week for a hour.

After Thanksgiving I'll start speech therapy 1 hour a week.

We leave around 9:30 and get home sometimes about 4 and other times about 5:30.
I know it will pay off.

Take today for example. I had to leave my house by 9:00 to get to the gym by 9 :30. I exercised and left at 10:30 to get to OT at 11:00. Just to leave and go to Los Osos at 12:30 for a massage then go back to SLO for school which is about an hour to go to school, then go home. Yay the end of the week!

TRIKE RIDE PART TWO

Okay so I have been working super hard 6 days a week. i get one day off.... for my own sake:) i have 5 days with therapy (OT and PT) and just this past week...I amazed myself with the bike, these few little short clips that my mom took proves it. these are from this week...

Compare this to my ride on October 27, 2008....
A LOT HAS CHANGED!

the end

we bought a recumbent stationary bike last weekend. i am riding everyday 10-20 minutes

happy halloween

happy halloween

October 17th

That day seems familiar, but I can't put my finger on it.... Oh what could it be?!

DONUT SHOP

i walked into the donut shop today with mom, no wheelchair or nothing just moms arm to hold on to. also last monday at therapy i walked on the treadmill at a very slow speed for about 5 min. i am very excited!!! bye :]

IT WON'T BE LONG!!!!!!

Ivy has been working really hard all summer with therapy four times a week. It is soooooo paying off now. She has also put on a bit of weight. When she was released from the hospital last May, she weighed a whooping 97 pounds. She is now 109 and her muscles are really beginning to show. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did. Many, many happy tears after this accomplishment.
Melinda

Physical Therapy from 8/27

just watch .....no need to explain....but the next one taped Thursday, September 3 .... will make you flip
melinda

Sketch

Ellen and I are moving, and over the course of packing I found this old sketch I did of Ivy, oh, I'd say at least 12 years ago. I always liked it for some reason, and included it in the porfolio that got me accepted into art school. I had completely forgotten about it, so it was a nice suprise when to stumble upon it. Ivy probably doesn't remember it at all.

Thank you for the visit!!!

I can't tell you what a fantastic surprise it was to hear crunching in my driveway and discover it was you and Melinda pulling in! I'm embarrassed to say it had been one whole month since I'd read on this site, though it seems like only a couple of weeks. Fantastic videos here following your progress. What I love best is how much you smile when I know how hard this work must be for you, but still there is always that big grin going on!



Teranga was disappointed she didn't get to dismantle Melinda's shoes, but she still appreciated that you came and made her day more interesting. I think she really liked checking out your wild socks, too. Gus just always loves visiting with people. He's a little person himself, you know.

Love you bunches!

Lynn & Russ

WOW IVY! What a triumphant year you've had! You are so strong and you have accomplished so many great things in this past year. If you've done so great this year, imagine what next year will be like :) I miss you very much and I hope to see you soon!

Love you soooo much,
Jessica

PS... my mom and dad also say hello :)

What a year it has been!!!!!!

So tomorrow will signify the one year mark of the day that changed my life.
On my miracle day I want to ask everyone to celebrate life.

Perhaps you might take time today to:

-eat whatever you want, except meat because

animals like to celebrate life, too!!!

-hug your parents; thank them for always being there for you.

-take a nap if you don’t normally and don’t take one if you do!

-skip down the street: its fun: and who cares.

-turn a tragedy into something good.

-dance to your heart’s content.

-compliment a stranger.

-cry, heck no one is judging!!

-call up an old friend.

-smile at strangers.

-hug the children.

-live life to its fullest.

-take time to smell the flowers

July 20, 2008 was the day I had my cardiac arrest!

I want to thank everyone that helped save my life.

Not only initially, but throughout this entire year.

Speaking of Zoo to You...

On July 1st, Ivy and I went to dance to "The Ivy Band" aka Unfinished Business when they played in Templeton for Templeton's Concert in the Park. Mariah showed up and kept saying she had to go home, but she couldn't tear herself away from those hot 60's sounds and fine company. Mariah stayed for the entire show.

While we were standing near the gazebo, a cousin of Ivy's found us ....HI Trisha and Wesley.....wish we'd gotten a pic with you.

Then a beautiful young girl came up to Ivy and me , gave us each a wonderful hug and kiss and acted as if we were long lost friends. I was embarrassed but when I couldn't place her I had to ask sheepishly, "Do I know you??? Who are you????" The answer shocked me. "I'm Sami, Anita and David's daughter." Now in my defense she hadn't been at the Zoo to You compound when we had visited a couple of weeks back. AND I hadn't seen her since her 6th grade birthday party(11 or 12 years old) and Sami is now in high school.
David... it is time to lock her up in a closet! Thanks Sami for hanging out with us for as long as you did. You really made Ivy and me happy.
Sami even promised to give Maya a kiss for us.

To The Zoo

A few weeks ago, Ivy, Melinda, Mariah and I were lucky enough to visit Zoo to You.

Ivy was able to get reacquainted with an old friend. Maya the spider monkey got very comfortable in Ivy's lap.

Dear, Ivy & Freinds

I want to tell you Ivy, you continue to amaze me. This last year has been the true challenge, and you are beating it. You have many real friends who have been there for you from the beginning. I believe this is the real medicine. Love , & Hope, never giving up, antibiotics.. .HEY! ... Wait a minute! That's what Ivy's always going on about... Love , Hope, Earth, Tree's, Life, peace. I love you Ivy, Dad By the way, we spent the 4th at the Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles, where Unfinished Business jammed. Ivy was out on the dance floor again, which is nothing new. although, during the song "Shout" I saw her getting her hand in the air on que, while standing alone. I think that's a first. The band is great therapy. Later.

Hey Beautiful!!!

I just thought I'd stop by your blog and tell you: You are amazing and wonderful. I love you with all of my heart, Miss Ivy! Your progress is phenomenal! Love, -elle

My debut

Ivy stands
Dun, Dun
Dun

Ivy stands
Dun, Dun
Dun

do I have any takers to pound-it with me?

Ivy's left arm is getting better all the time. Look at how straight it goes and ow well she can stay balanced while she stands on her own and twists in different directions to "pound it" with Julie




Sorry I had to divide the video in half in order for it to upload...
has only taken me 3 days to figure this out....AAAARRRGGGHHH
Melinda

So is this what poledancing is all about?

Things really are getting better for me....even my left arm is stretching out....
thanks to Sheri, my occupational therapist.

WHEELCHAIR YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED!!!!!!!

So today, Tuesday I did a transfer by my lonesome!!!!!!!!!!! And Timmy aand Cap came home too!! the family is coming back together.
very exciting day!!!!!!

love
ivy

sorry had to split this video in half

Come dance with miss ivykins!!!!!!!!

So Unfinished Business is playing:

This Sunday, June 28, in Grover Beach at Ramona Garden Park from 3-6pm. The park is located at 993 Ramona Avenue, corner of 9th and Ramona.


On July 1st in Templeton. 6:30-8:30PM. I'm guessing there is only one park in Templeton.
We (my mom and I) couldn't find an address.


AND then on the 4th of July there is a celebration at Robert Hall Winery... in Paso Robles 3443 Mill Rd. Take Hwy 46 to Mill go right......Purchase tickets, about 30 bucks, at roberthallwinery.com BBQ, Music, and Fireworks!
It's a family affair

be there or be square!!!

ivy
Kira lu who i love you!!!

June 25

It speaks for itself!!!!!

Julie, my therapist says i just have to get my core stronger,
then i will be walking!!
BUT WALKING ON MY KNEES?????? OH REALLY!!!!!

I'm very excited!!

So is this what pole dancing is all about???

Things really are getting better for me....even my left arm is stretching out....
thanks to Sheri, my occupational therapist.

Best Buds

Look who made the paper!! Ivy and Jessica at graduation today. This is on the SLO Tribune site.

Thinking of you...

Hi Ivy,

It's baby season here so you are crossing my mind more than normal. I just read your blog to catch up and am so happy to see all your progress! Keep getting better so you can get your butt back here - Bootsana says you are the only one who believes she is being tortured by her keepers ;) and she needs you for reinforcement.

Much love,

Amanda

Arboretum

Just wanted to share a few shots from our trip to the Arboretum on Sunday...

We are not home yet

Just wanted to clear up a bit of confusion. We haven't made it back home yet. We are still in Burbank. When we were released from Children's on Friday (5/9), one week ago at 10 pm, we had planned to go home on Monday (5/11). However, Ivy couldn't keep much down and we both wanted to stay close to the doctors in case we needed help....which we did. We went back to Children's on Monday(5/11) at which time the rifampin was stopped. After a few days, the strong antibiotic was out of her system, Ivy turned around and now she is doing much, much better.....in fact she is eating constantly. At this rate she'll be back up above 100 pounds in no time.

We plan the trip home this Tuesday (5/19).
melinda

Ivy,
You are lookin' and soundin' excellent..not breaking your stride much since you have been down there! We are all looking forward to seeing you. Keep up the good work!
Love , Hugs and Prayers,
Candy and Dick

For a gifted soul!

Dear Ivy and family,

I was a little scared when I read your blog recently. However, once I continued to read on I realized that your in good hands! God definitely has a plan for you! I know you're going to fully recover and become an advocate for those individuals who have or are going through a similar life experience. You still have that magnetic smile! What a beautiful picture! You continue to be in my thought and prayers!

With all my love, Stephanie Seay

Homeward Bound

Ivy has a new pacemaker and she's out of the hospital! She's looking great! I'll post photos soon. Her and Melinda have stopped over at our place for a couple of days, then it's back home again. She can't wait to see some familiar faces!

Hi Ivy. I'm thinking about you, wondering how you are. Hoping you're on your way home. If not today then tomorrow? Seeing the pictures of you from Easter made me smile. You are such a sweet girl. Hang in there. Be tough and get back to SLO County soon. Love you alot.

Kim

Hi, Ivy!

Hey, Ivy (& Melinda, too!)!
So...the other day...I'm driving along in my car on my way to work, and what song should I find on the radio?
Yup...you guessed it...
3 Little Birds.

I had been having a rough week, and all of a sudden came this song.
It was then that I remembered, "....every little thing is gonna be all right"
I smiled. Then I grinned. Then I laughed out loud because one of the first stories I remember of you is your mom telling me you flipped that doctor off.
My point in all of this? Well, to be perfectly honest, I don't have one.
I was just thinking about you and praying for you that things continue to go in the right direction so you can get the heck out of the hospital!

Photos from Easter Visit

Publish Post

Hi Ivy! I hope this post finds you well, sorry for the delay.... I am really bad about getting pictures out in a "timely fashion" whatever that means....

Just wanted to say that it was great to see you on Easter and I'm so happy to see that you are doing so well after another bump in the road... You are so strong and can take on ANYTHING!!! As if we didn't already know that.... I love you Ivy - keep up the great work!

Hello from SLO

Hello Ivy. I was thinking about you and just wanted to say hi. Have a good day. Off to work I go. Come home soon. Love you.

Kim

Recovering

Ivy is still recovering from surgery. She had an MRI done on Friday. From it they may be able to discover more information about what caused Ivy's cardiac arrest. It will take a while to analyze the data. Ivy's doing well though, and should have a new pacemaker soon.

The Eagle Has Landed!

Friday's operation to remove the cursed pacemaker was a success! Everything went well, the surgeons were able to clean up the area around the pacemaker which was looking pretty nasty, I'm told. They aren't worried about the growth inside Ivy's heart valve either. It's at a size now where the immune system can take care of it on it's own. Ivy just has to rest up, recover, and run the rest of the course of antibiotics before she has another pacemaker put in. Having been a victim of cardiac arrest, she will have to have a pacemaker/defibrillator for the rest of her life.
Ivy's in good shape though, considering the anesthetic, and the duration of her hospitalization so far (now surpassing 3 weeks). She was heard to declare today: "My sense of humor is coming back." I observed that her "sarcast-o-meter" was up at about 95% all day. She is doing very well indeed, and her caustic wit abounds. Be warned, if you're one of the unfortunate souls to ask her how she's feeling, you'll likely to hear the retort: "I'm in the %#@*ing hospital. How do you think I'm feeling?" Do not despair however, she still loves you.

Unit Shift

The bacterial vegetation has shifted in it's unit of measurement. It's size has gone from centimeters to millimeters.  Removal of Ivy's infected pacemaker without open heart surgery is getting more likely and possibly will be very soon. Yay!

Optimistic

After some deliberation, and waiting, and test after test after test, cardiology believes that the bacteria colonized in Ivy's heart is receding. They are optimistic that they will be able to remove the infected pacemaker by the end of next week without any open heart surgery business. It may not be definitive news, but it's good news none the less! Laying in a hospital bed for weeks on end has to be one of the most grueling forms of torture there is, and Ivy is hanging in there like a champ. Finally we can see a little light at the end of this tunnel, and the possibility of no open heart surgery is always a nice bit of news.
Melinda also wanted me to mention that she's still singing.

Hi from SLO

Hi Ivy. I just wanted to say hello and tell you that I'm thinking of you and hoping you are having better days. Get well soon and come home. Easy for me to say - huh. Take it easy Ivy. I love you.

Kim

Update

Ivy's had a couple of echo exams now to see how well the antibiotics are doing against the vegetation in her heart. It sounds like the doctors are sure that it is not a blood-clot, but bacteria that has attached to her valve. It seems as though there was some debate today among the cardiologists about whether it had improved or not. One said that there had been a small reduction, while the other said that the possibility of the vegetation getting smaller was inconclusive. They both agreed that it had not gotten worse. Right now we're waiting on that to go away before they can do anything about the pacemaker. Looks like it will be a long stint in the hospital again.

An Unexpected Turn

Ivy's condition has gotten a bit complicated.  Since she's been here, the cardiologists have been trying to rule out infection in any other area(s) outside the pacemaker. French performed an echocardiogram and found nothing abnormal in the heart. Thank "the Flying Spaghetti Monster" the doctors at Children's decided redo the echo because they found something troubling. Ivy has something, either a blood-clot or a small colony  of bacteria near one of the valves of her heart. Right now they are giving her a blood thinner in case it's blood, and the antibiotics are obviously continuing which could get rid of it if it's bacteria. Thursday they'll do another echo to see if the problem is receding. If these two methods don't work though, they will have to go in and remove it surgically.

Ivy looks better though, and she's sleeping better.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edit: Her echo has been postponed to friday.

Back at Children's Hospital

Ivy was taken back to Children's on Monday so she could be under the care of her cardiologist. Well, it's more like a team of cardiologists. They're taking out the infected pacemaker next Tuesday.  The antibiotics have kicked in, so she's feeling better.  She was really talkative yesterday, partially from the reduced fever, but also I think because she's nervous about everything that's going on.  Whatever it is, she's been cracking us up!

Hellova Girl

Hi Ivy. I was just thinking about you. All day really. I'm glad I got to see you before you left. I love you. Be stong(er) and tough(er). Think good thoughts. You're a hellova girl. We'll all see you in a few weeks, or less, and pick up right where we left off. Later gater......Kim

UPDATE ON IVY'S CONDITION

This morning the doctor confirmed that the staph infection is the same one Ivy has been battling. This is the fourth time it has reared its ugly head. She is now being treated and when the bacteria is gone from her blood, which will take three or four days of negative cultures, there will be a decision to be made. Either leave Ivy on strong antibiotics for the rest of her life or take the pacemaker/defibrillator out because that is where the bacteria is hiding. Each time a course of antibiotics has been run, it protects itself with a layer of a "slim like gel". When the antibiotics are gone it is then free to run a muck. Ivy completely understood this explanation saying "Oh I learned that in Miss McCartney's class. We investigated the slim, I know what the doctor was talking about." She had no questions for him.

That's where we are now, so if you have 5 minutes to stop by and say hi, she would love it I am sure. And.....don't forget to give her a hug. The staph is not the scary MRSA bacteria...we are not in quarantine.

Melinda ....still trying hard to keep singing "....don't worry....bout a thing....cause every little thing's gonna be all right...."

SENDING OUT AN SOS

After a week of high fever and two trips to the dr and one to the ER at French.........French called us saying that Ivy needed to be admitted to the hospital. Please come by and see her when you have time. She is in need of positive visits and a whole lotta love and hugs...
thanks for your continued support.
Melinda

Latest Dance

A couple of weeks ago, Ivy and I followed Unfinished Business to a Santa Maria Gala Fund-raiser for Orcutt Children's Art Foundation. Very fancy event....after the live auction it was announced that ...."we have already raised over $33,000 and this doesn't even include the silent auction or the dinner sales"

We even got to sit at the table with the band which pleased Ivy very much. The pictures were taken by a band member's wife. Thanks Karen!!!!


Ivy spent one dance being twirled around in a huge circle by a very good wheelchair dancer. He even had her doing wheelies. The rest of the dancers smiled at them, giving them plenty of room. Ivy laughed so hard that the dance really wiped her out. She had to sit out the next several songs before she could limp back out on the dance floor again.

We are impatiently awaiting April 4th, the next event which is a benefit for MS in Arroyo Grande. For details visit unfinished-business.org.

Come and dance with us.
Melinda

PROGRESS

Ivy's first successful attempt to stand up from a sitting position, using the ball to balance herself. Linda, her therapist is sitting next to her while Kirsten, a Cal Poly student stabilizes the ball.

Now she is beginning to stand "by her lonesome" as she calls it.

Linda barely helps out.















LOOK NO HANDS!!!!!!















Ivy is now standing on her "lonesome" for 10-15 minutes at a time. She usually stands up from her wheelchair with no assistance. This all depends, of course on the time of day and how much she has already worked her muscles. She made the comment after her therapies last Tuesday that her muscles were sore, just like they used to be after a good workout at the gym. She was sooooooo pleased.

Last Tuesday saw a really big jump in achievements. Ivy also touched her mouth with her left arm stretched. This was a first since last July!

We are so pleased with and absolutely adore our therapists. Ivy has lower body, Physical Therapy (PT) three times a week and upper body, Occupational Therapy (OT) twice a week.

Thank you so much California Children's Services (CCS).

Melinda ....who still makes poor Ivy listen to "......every little thing's gonna be all right...." at least a half dozen times a day while driving in the car.

Ivy is such a good sport...she's not complaining....well...... not too much anyway.

San Luis Obispo City Council Meeting

Ivy spoke at the City Council Meeting Tuesday tonight. Apparently there is the possibility that funds are to be reallocated and she wanted to show support for the police and fire departments by telling her story.

First, Frank started out with a short blip of what had happened to Ivy, making the point that Ivy was alive and making progress because of the quick response time of SLO City Fire Department Station #3. They were already at the scene administering fluids and CPR when the paramedics arrived. This was less than 4 minutes after the 911 call.

Ivy and I walked up to the podium next and Ivy told the council "I'm Ivy Alvarado from Arroyo Grande. I want to thank the firemen for saving my life". She then chocked up a bit so I emphasized again that the rapid response time enabled her to make the progress she was now making. In fact, today Ivy stood BY HERSELF for 7 minutes. And with that I began to choke up and had to walk away. The entire room, including the council members began to clap.

We had been sitting in the front row next to the podium for a good 45 minutes waiting for the item to come up on the agenda. By now it was 8:00 which is about the time of day that Ivy is wiped out and ready for bed. As we turned to leave, we were astonished. The room was packed with firemen, firewomen and other supporters. Everyone was smiling and thanking Ivy for her message and telling her to keep up the hard work. When we had reached the hall there was a lady standing there whom I recognized but couldn't place her or think of her name. Ivy said..."mom, you don't remember Claire my 6th grade teacher?!" Neither Frank nor I had remembered Claire's name.

Is there any doubt about whose memory works the best?

Melinda....still singing.."....every little thing's gonna be all right..."

PS I am trying to give updates at least once a week, but life is moving so fast. I have pictures to show you of the continued amazing progress Ivy is making. Keep tuning in...happy things are happening...and last night she WIGGLED HER LEFT TOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm in the clouds!

Ivy is completely finished at Children’s Hospital. Her feeding tube is out and we are home. Please come and visit!

Frank, Ivy, Marco and I went to a Valentine’s Dance last night…..”Ivy’s” band was playing, that’s what she calls Unfinished Business these days. Ivy worked her muscles so much that she had to sit out the last set. During previous “dance” therapies, she was up, mostly held up by someone else. But last night was different.

Let me take you on a mind walk. Up until the last two events, I have been the one on the dance floor with her, save a few cut in’s by brother, father and a couple of friends. Now, it seems I have been replace by MARCO, Ivy’s boyfriend. Does that bother me?….ha…..I laugh in the face of jealousy, HA-HA.

But I have to put my foot down. “I” get to dance with her when the band plays Soul Man and Shout, which they do back to back. So the band gets ready. Ben and Jim put on their shades and I tell Ivy “to bad if you are tired. It’s my time now.” As we were dancing, Ivy felt as if she was supporting her weight and was balancing herself. I pull my arms away from her and her reaction was to pull the one arm she has around my neck, up off my neck.

SHE WAS STANDING….ON HER OWN….WITHOUT SUPPORT!!!!!!!!

Now granted this was for a brief moment, but we, no she did it over and over again while singing with the band “I’m a soul man….” I looked at Frank and Marco and they were watching giving a thumbs up. The drummer, Dave and lead guitarist, Ed couldn’t stop smiling. They saw her as well.

At other moments, she also was bending her knees to the beat of the music and lifting her feet….one at a time of course. She also stretched out her left arm…away from her side, straightening her elbow as best she could.

She really worked and this morning is sore and tired. But she wants to exercise again today “because that is what you do with sore muscles…to build them up of course”.

I have one more short story to share from yesterday. Ivy wants me to tell you that she did not approve this message, whatever that means….

As we were driving home from LA we were listening to one of Ivy’s CD mix. A Bob Marley tune came on that I had never heard before and I’ve been singing over and over and over again ever since. Both Frank and Ivy think I’m nuts and tell me to shut up….

Now, in order for me to learn the words to a song, I must play it over and over again. Ivy says I become annoying. The lyrics to this particular song are very simple but I repeated the song all the way home from the south end of Santa Maria to Arroyo Grande, over half an hour, and with Ivy’s help I learned the lyrics.

And it goes like this….

Rise up this mornin,
Smiled with the risin sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin, (this is my message to you-ou-ou:)

Singin: dont worry bout a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin: dont worry (dont worry) bout a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right!

That’s it.................…it repeats and repeats…..and repeats

When we got home we called Casey, Ivy’s brother. I was singing while they talked. They both told me to shut up, nice kids don’t you think….at least they were laughing while they said it.

Now I sing it with my whole heart because it is so perfect.

This morning Ivy is wiggling the toes on her right foot and asks why she can’t wiggle the toes on her left foot. And I tell her…”don’t worry ….about a thing….cause EVERY LITTLE THING GONNA BE ALL RIGHT….” And again she laughs and tells me to shut up. Again she questions me “Are you high? What have you been smoking?” My reply is "This is much, much better….I’m just sooooooo happy for you!!!!!”.

AND I’m still singing……”…….every little thing gonna be all right.”

PS the song is Three Little Birds.

The Rumors Are True

As hinted previously, Ivy was seen at the SLO High winter formal, "dancing up a storm". She was invited by her good friend Marco and had an amazing time.
Marco's mom made a fantastic meal prior to the dance and even spruced up her place to look like a restaurant.
Ivy had a great time dancing, and seeing more friends. She's looking forward to moving back home very soon. She has just one more procedure down here at Children's Hospital next week and then she gone!

Meeting Robin and Larry

Recently Ivy met Robin and Larry again. Though she doesn't have any memory of it, she had met them once before on the day she collapsed. They went to Subway that afternoon just before Ivy took her break. Larry noticed an abandoned gameboy, and Ivy knew who had left it. So she took off into the parking lot to catch the family before they left. Robin and Larry finished their lunch and wondered why Ivy hadn't returned. They began leaving the parking lot and that's when they noticed Ivy on the ground. There were a couple of other people around her, and fortunately 911 had already been called. But it was critical that Robin was had been there at that time, because although someone had already administered mouth-to-mouth, Robin knows how to perform chest compressions.  So she was able to do that until the paramedics arrived a short time later.

We are a thankful beyond words to Robin and Larry, and everyone there at those critical moments. Ivy looks forward to meeting more of you in the future.

Dancing up a Storm!

Hey Ivy, I heard a rumor you were at a dance the other night up here in SLO town. Good for you! I'm delighted to hear you're getting out and about so much, and having fun with your friends. You go girl!

Lynn

Hooooray!!!!!

Wow Ivy, what a year that was!!! I'm so happy to hear about your New Year's, I wish I could've been there dancing with you. I'm very proud of everything that you've accomplished this year and I wish you the best of luck in 2009.

Love,
Jessica

A New Year

We're all happy to see the demise of 2008. Its been a rough year to say the least and we are ready 2009!
As mentioned before Ivy celebrated the new year with the sounds of Unfinished Business at their New Years Eve jam.  It was a great night, though it started out a little rough.  As soon as the band started playing and people started dancing, Ivy was overcome with emotions.  I think it was a mixture, part sadness at everything 2008 represents for her, part joy at just being back to enjoy something familiar.

But not too shortly thereafter, she was out on the dance floor, dancing for four or five songs at a time before needing a rest.  And though she still needs help from us with balance, she was carrying her own weight the whole time, and made it all the way through the stroke of midnight!

The guys from Unfinished Business were very cool and supportive, and mentioned during their set that she had been there last year as the youngest in attendance, and though facing some difficult challenges was back again this year.  They then played the Beatles tune "Get Back" in her honor.  We can't say enough about how much they've done for us.  Thanks guys!  They even gave Ivy a really nice tambourine for therapy!