Our visit with the PT didn't really shed any new light on Ryan's facial palsy. She placed some electrodes on his face and then asked him to smile, snarl, and some other facial movements - and then monitored to see if there was any muscle movement going on that we can't see (it was sorta like when you are hooked up to have your heart monitored). It seems that the left side of his face is stronger - but overall, she said that his muscles at this time are still too weak for her to really work with him. She was very sweet and she did seem hopeful that things would improve - but that it would be SLOW. I was just thankful that she didn't say that she just didn't see that it would ever be any better. She wants to see him again in 4 weeks and will continue to see him about once a month - she said as he gets stronger and shows more movement, then she could begin working with him. At this point though she said we just need to continue with speech therapy and really do exercises at home. She said we should ask him to smile, snarl, raise his eyebrows, etc - do 5 sets about 3 times a day. I told her we never ask him to do that because we are afraid it will be upsetting to him - she said if he isn't trying to do it, those muscles won't get stronger and to just remind him that we do it so that he gets better. I wasn't really discouraged by our visit - but obviously was hoping for more. I still have FAITH that this will return.

We did have a good w/end - Ryan and Addie got to go swimming yesterday so they were very happy!

This is the time for Ryan's blood counts to begin to fall - and he is showing it today. Hasn't left the couch all day - not wanting to eat or drink - just says he doesn't feel good. I know the same thing happens everytime his counts fall - but it doesn't make it any easier to see him feel so badly. The Holy Spirit has really been laying it on my heart to pray for protection over Ryan against infection - I always do this, but yesterday and today it just continues to come to me over and over. Please pray with us on this - as you know when his counts are down - an infection for him could be terrible!!

Our friend Jackson has his MRI tomorrow (Monday 7/9) - please pray and agree with his family for CLEAR results!!! www.ourlittleengineer.com