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After leaving the island we flew to Boston and then drove to Vermont/New Hampshire. TJ is working for a company based in that area, he spent a week working there. On the weekend, we drove up to Montreal and went the Montreal Botanical Gardens, very stunningly beautiful. Our entire trip was an amazing experience, especially for Azaria, she had a wonderful time and was very happy.
Azaria will be 5 years old on Friday, October 26. She is such a sweet angel, we are all so blessed to be a part of her life. It is hard to believe she will be 5, she seems so little, yet still so wise. She has really developed her personality and is just as sweet and loving as can be. At this time, Azaria is still having daily seizures, usually 3-5 seizures a day, and usually lasting 1-3 minutes each. On a weekly basis, unfortunately Azaria is having really bad seizures that require Diastat, her emergency medication. At the moment we are adding a new medication, Lamictal, which has to be introduced very slowly. We are hoping that once Azaria gets to the therapeutic level of this medication, these terrible seizures will stop. Azaria is also on Vigabatrin (which we are currently weaning), and Zonegran. Our hopes are that Azaria will eventually only need to be on the Lamictal, and no other meds.
Currently, Azaria is in a home based school program. Her teacher Marlene visits us once a week (we usually meet at the park). Azaria always has a good time with her teacher, she seems to really enjoy the interaction. We decided on a home based program this year because of all the times Azaria was sick and missed school last year, and also because of the very bad seizures Azaria is currently having on a weekly basis.
Azaria is making progress with the help of the physical therapist, Amanda. Azaria has a soft body jacket that helps maintain her posture, she also has foot/leg braces to help keep her feet from turning in (her left foot is really trying to "twist"). And Azaria has a stander that help her bear weight on her legs. She seems to tolerate all these "gadgets" pretty well, she seems to be humoring us more than anything.
Our little Azaria is such a beautiful and wonderful, happy and loving soul. She has such a peaceful and calming presence about her, everyday with her is so cherished. It is hard to believe it has been 5 years since the day she was born. We are looking forward to the next 5, 10, 15 and hopefully more years ahead with her in our lives. She has taught us so much about life already.
Happy Birthday Azaria!
We love you!
Daddy and Mommy
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