What a difference two months can make!

This is a post that I have been anticipating and hoping to write for a very long time. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to label these past two months as a series of mini-miracles and milestones in Brielle's little world. We are far from through searching for all the answers, and I know she has a long road of progress ahead of her. However, the Lord continues to keep us hopeful and has brought us far on her journey in a short time.

Since we last wrote, Brielle has seen three specialists, had another EEG, switched medications, and added one medication. She also accomplished a big milestone and is more active than we've ever seen! This summer was certainly a whirlwind for her.

In a nutshell, we now have her seizures under control with the new medication. And we suspect that removing the previous medication is contributing to her alertness, new activity, and happy demeanor. She went from an occasional crawl here and there to finding myself saying multiple times a day, "Where did Brielle go?" I have never been so happy to have to fully "baby proof" our entire house! She now crawls from room to room on a daily basis with gusto and it is pure joy to watch.


I guess Brielle figured while she was at it, she may as well start pulling up to standing too! In the past week she has mastered this skill and she looks for anything and everything to pull up on now. We even had to lower her crib mattress! She has also made attempts to "cruise" on furniture, so knowing her personality--once she figures it out, she'll have that mastered in no time too!

one-handed standing & her adorable ankle braces

standing up! she now does this
without cheerio motivation ;)

Six months ago I certainly had my doubts about whether or not I would see her crawling or pulling to stand. Now I have hope that perhaps next year we might see her walking as well! We are so proud of her progress and often have a prayer of thanksgiving in our hearts as we see her getting around so easily. She seems so pleased with her accomplishments, too. :)

One other huge praise report is that FINALLY after almost two years of countless doctors and tests, we have an answer to some of her concerns. She has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is now taking thyroid medication to increase those hormone levels. I try not to focus on the "why didn't someone catch this earlier" ...shouldacouldawoulda. I am just thankful for SOMETHING to finally make sense, and something that can easily be fixed. This could improve many things for her... I'm sure in ways that we will not even expect. We are very hopeful that we will see more progress, activity, strength, and alertness over the next six months or so.

So, enjoy some happy pictures and videos of our darling little girl showing off her new skills, her new adorable ankle braces, and her proud smiles of a job well done. We thank you for your endless prayers and ask they continue as we move forward with hope.

swinging is her favorite!

lowered the crib. proud look ;)

love this smile!