Results from the EEG

Praise Be to God! We did receive Rebecca's EEG results in the mail and the findings were normal. It came with some mixed feelings. On one hand, praising God that this will rule out any obstruction in her brain that may be causing the limited function, on the other hand what does this mean as the next step?

We meet with Rebecca's therapist, Dr. Melissa, and she said normal just means normal and that it rules out anything structural in her brain. However, it doesn't rule out that the nerves are firing as they should be.

We are still waiting for the results from the neurophyschologist and his conclusions. From what I have read so far and from reading her birth records. Rebecca had tachycardia, hypoxemia, neonatal sepsis and signifacant coput or fluid on her brain. And her blood pH was low. All of these are indicators for lack of oxygen at birth which altered the development of her brain, thus resulting in a learning disability. The neuropsychology report should have more information. But at this point, we are staying on the non-verbal learning disability track and working with social services through the school.

The past few weeks there have been some ups and downs. It is clear that any change to her environment is extremely overwhelming for her and she can not cope with it. It is a blessing to be able to explain the down days she had to Dr. Melissa and have her explain to us what it was in Rebecca's perspective relating to the nonverbal learning disability. As we learned, any change to her environment, even a change of seats in her classroom, is enough to throw her off. Because she cannot visual see where she fits into the classroom, let alone where everyone else does. She knew what was before the change, but then move it all around without warning and her "coping " mechanisms (what little she has) have been depleted.

So the next waiting period will be for the neuropsychology report. Please continue to pray for the right direction in addressing Rebecca's individualized needs. Pray for coping mechanisms to help with her heightened anxiety. Thank you for all of your support and asking how Rebecca is doing!

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Love,
Rachel

The EEG

Well - today was the day for the EEG. Kyle was coughing quite a bit this morning and since the EEG required sleep deprivation, we all were running on 5 hours of sleep, so he went with us. Rebecca did so good, we were so proud of her!

We got to DeVos Children's hospital just fine and checked her in. She then was brought down to the room where the EEG was performed. While the electrodes were put in her head, she got to watch a Princess movie and then once it was done the test started. She just got to lay there comfortable with a blanket over her. First she just had to close her eyes for a few minutes and then with her eyes closed there was some strobe lights and then she just laid there quiet and comfortable for about 15 minutes with her eyes closed.

Before the EEG! above

Getting the electrodes on! below

Then it was done!! The worst part was having the gel and glue coming out of her hair. Her head is so sensitive and the technician was rubbing pretty hard. But once that was done, she was good. Rebecca requested a stop by Wendy's and then we came home.

The results will be sent to our primary care physician within a

week to 10 days and then we will have an appointment with our

doctor to see what is the next step. Hopefully, within the next 2 weeks

we will know a little bit more to this puzzle!


In the meantime, Rebecca has good and bad days like normal. Her therapist is working on breathing techniques for her and trying to think of different things when she feels fearful or like she is going to cry. That seems to be helping.



Thank you again for all of your prayers!! Will post again when we have the results from the EEG!!

The pinwheel part

Love,
Rachel

All finished!

A Great Week and February 1

Words cannot describe the change we have seen in Rebecca over this past week. And it can only be credited to the prayers that are being lifted up for her. Thanks be to God!! Her week started on Monday with her teachers estatically running to me and telling me that Rebecca had read her "final, final" writing in front of the whole group!!! She was just going to read it to her teacher, but then decided on reading it to the whole group!! Tuesday and Wednesday were good days, the comments from her teachers was that she was smiling and laughing and playing with the other kids, something they hadn't seen in a long time.

The next thing Rebecca did was just so incredible and I am so thankful I was there to see it!! On Tuesday night as we were getting ready to pray before dinner, Kyle ran over to the refrigerator and grabbed our prayer list which had a child (Arlex) from the Philippines and a picture of a child from Haiti (from GLOW ministries). We prayed for Arlex and Haiti that night and then when Rebecca and Kyle were getting ready for bed, I had checked my email and seen the headlines that a serious earthquake had hit Haiti. I told Rebecca and Kyle that we prayed for Haiti and didn't know the extent that those prayers were needed. From that, Rebecca asked for my lanyard from GLOW Ministries. I found it later that day for her and then asked her if she wanted to help me show the video and pass out coin collection bags to raise money for Haiti during devotions at Innocademy. So Friday came and we showed part of the video from GLOW (God Loves Orphans and Widows) and then Rebecca and Kyle passed out the coin bags to raise for Haiti. Rebecca used one of her coin banks and colored it GLOW and put a picture of a child from Haiti on it. Then during their United Nations time, which is all of the 130 students, the GLOW video was going to be shown again. Two of Rebecca's school mates came up with an idea to make Hearts for Haiti, or Valentine's Day cards so after this was presented then it was time for the video. So Rebecca asked for the microphone from one of her teachers and then sat in FRONT of the group of students and introduced the video about Haiti. It was so beautiful to see her have such confidence and to be an ambassador for the children in Haiti. But where did this strength come from?? Only from God and the prayers that are being lifted up for her!! She was focused on something dear to her heart and being a voice of God and not focused on herself and the fears that overwhelm her every day!! God is good!!

Having seen such confidence in Rebecca from Monday and Tuesday, I was so excited on Wednesday morning, I could pray for Kyle - all of this year I have focused my prayers in our Mom's In Touch group on Rebecca and Wednesday I could pray for Kyle. God had my daughter in His hands and she was trusting Him.

We have had a couple of appointments with Rebecca's therapist and it seems to be going good. She likes Dr. Melissa and is open to talking with her. We have our EEG scheduled for Monday, February 1 at 1:30. We have talked a little bit about it with her and have just said that some doctors need to look inside her brain, like a picture. She seems to be okay with it.

Will send out a request for prayers as Monday, February 1 draws closer. Thank you again for all the prayers that are being lifted for Rebecca. We can feel them and see them!!

Enjoy the pictures from GLOW's website: http://glowmi.org/ of the children in Haiti.

It's a Faith Journey

First - I just want to say a BIG Thank You, to all of you have added Rebecca to your prayers and the words of encouragement! I now somewhat understand why God was pressing on me to keep an update on Rebecca and to ask for prayers.

Second - I wanted to share what God has been doing so far. At our first test results with the ADD/anxiety psychologist he had mentioned that we pursue the further testing for the neuro-psychology. He thought that it wouldn't be until February that we would be able to schedule an appointment, so in the meantime we would start therapy with a counsellor in Zeeland. Andrew and I both decided we wanted to pursue any more information that quickest we could, so after I called to schedule appointments with the therapist (which the first appointment is January 4), I then called to schedule the appointment for the neuro-psychologist. Well - after explaining our situation, the receptionist said, "How about the 14th", which I asked of which month thinking January or February and she replied "December". Needless to say, I was overwhelmed with joy!

Our test result appointment with the neuro-psychologist was enlightening as well. Given that the testing has been done through a Christian service. We had a good 10 minute conversation on Rebecca's faith and how it will be strengthened for her. That more than likely this will be a permanent adjustment and that she will have to rely on faith in God to know when a situation is good or bad. Much like her self-confidence and self-worth is based on faith, that she believes God is who He says He is and that she trusts Him. Surely, our God was speaking to us and surely he is bigger than everything that is occurring with Rebecca.

I love seeing Him work and move, I may not like some parts of it, but when He does reveal His glory, that seems to strengthen me more!

One of my dear friends reminded me that we need to keep our eyes on God and not man - I read Psalm 118 that talks about this specifically verses 6-9:

6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.

I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in princes.

Just a reminder that He is in control!! Praise be to God!!

With Love,

Rachel

A New Year, A Need of Prayer

Dear Friends and Family -

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We have been very blessed with 2009, but the end of the year, God has presented us with a challenge to grow in Him. Our daughter Rebecca is 7 years old and has been going through a series of tests. Rebecca is a fun, loving and kind little girl. She has been created in God's image for His purpose and we have to keep being reminded of that! Rebecca has been regressing quickly in academics this year during second grade. There has been a heightened level of anxiety and separation from learning new tasks. Our journey began with God preparing us for these past few months, but more importantly bringing us to a school that is eager to help us with these needs. During her last conference, Rebecca's teachers recommended that we have her evaluated for an attention disorder. After a first consultation with a counsellor, we were referred to have an evaluation for ADHD and anxiety. Those reports have been completed but not conclusive. While Rebecca did test for ADHD, inattentiveness and anxiety, none-specific, our physchologist thought these were symptoms rather than the cause. Next was an evaluation with a neuro-psychologist. We have met for the initial results and again there was nothing conclusive, but rather a pattern developing. Our next plan of action is to have an EEG with a pediatric neurologist.

What does all of this mean? We are still sorting through it all as well, and as the best a Mom and Dad can! From the information that we have gathered, the pattern seems to be indicating that Rebecca's concerns are not from a behavioral disorder, but rather neurological, most likely due to some type of trauma to her brain. We are hoping the EEG will be able to give more information to help address her needs. While we have been trying to sort through the information, right now the brain trauma is most likely caused by trauma at her birth, however, IF the EEG, CAT scan or MRI show otherwise, and while it has not been mentioned to us, we have pieced together that there is a chance of a brain tumor, but that would be the worst case scenario.

What can you do? We covet your prayers right now for out little girl. Specifically that Rebecca knows who she is in Jesus Christ. That she is not different, weird or stupid, but that she was created in God's image for His purpose. Pray that she can cast ALL of her fears upon Him. Psalm 55:22

We will keep this updated as we receive information given to us. Thank for you prayers and asking us how Rebecca is! We are hoping this will be a great way to keep everyone updated. Thank you!

With Love,

Rachel

Kyle's Preschool Graduation

PRESCHOOL GRADUATION 2009

Kyle had his preschool graduation night and it was soo cute!! The week before he was special helper and got to bring in a bag with a toy he picked out. He then had to write in a book with the help of Mom, three clues that told what the toy was. He was so excited to show everyone his "special" toy which was a race car flashlight that made race car noises. As another part of being special helper, (as if sitting next to the teacher wasn't enough) :>), he gets to pick out the weather. Then as special helper he gets to help set out the snack with Mom! The next week was graduation night! Kyle was very proud! His class sang a few songs and then they were able to walk across the stage to get there certificate. Then cookies and juice afterwards!! Enjoy the pictures, the first are of special helper and then his graduation.



Kyle being Special Helper during his preschool.



Kyle with his teachers.

Up on stage singing songs and then getting his certificate.

The graduate, after!!

Rebecca's Birthday...I can't believe she is 7!!

Rebecca turned 7 on April 29. After school, Kyle and I surprised her by going to the store and getting another Webkinz. Kyle was excited because he scored a Webkinz as well!!! We had cake and gifts after dinner. On Friday May 1, was her birthday party after school. We had 13 girls including Rebecca. Whew - who's idea was it anyway to have 13 and 2 boys girls??? :>) It was great day and Rebecca had a lot of fun with her friends. It was so cute because all of the girls wanted her to open her gifts first!! Most were her friends from school and one of the girls is a teacher/director at Innocademy. Maddie wasn't feeling well and wanted her Mom to come, so when Kendra got there (teacher/director) Maddie perked up and Kendra stayed for a little bit. At one point the girls were running like crazy through the house and Kendra quietly said, "Girls, do we have running feet inside or walking feet?" They all stopped turned around and looked like, "I know that voice and I know I am supposed to listen to that voice!" It was the sweetest thing ever! So for future reference, make sure to invite a teacher to the birthday party!! Ha! Enjoy the pictures!! I can't believe that Rebecca is 7 already!!!


The birthday party girls - all 13 of them!!!

Rebecca and Kyle

Rebecca's birthday cake! Little bro and big sis!

Happy Birthday Rebecca!!!