Jordan's JDMS Diary

January 1999

Friday - Jan 1
Our day was quiet. Jennifer had basketball practice in the morning. It was cold, so we stayed in. Jordan enjoyed the fireworks her father lit last night. She wanted to save some for tonight so Joey and Tammy could come over and enjoy them with us. They did and later we watched a movie.
Saturday - Jan 2
Jennifer had a game today. Jordan gets up and down the bleachers like she'd never had a problem. She and Jennifer's coach are friends, so Jordan always makes sure she gives her a big hug either before or after the game. The coach claims she needs it, especially if the team doesn't fair well. haha
Sunday - Jan 3
Today we met Joe's brother in New Braunfels for lunch. Jordan ordered a hotdog and was surprised at its length, but had no problem eating the extra long thing. We then went truck hunting for his brother. We, the girls, stayed in the truck and let the guys do the looking. It was really cold, at least for us Texans. Jordan kept occupied with a gameboy. She has really gotten into computer games since she's been sick. I thought it was good for her and still do, but I hope it warms up soon so she can get outside and get some physical exercise. She is still doing very well but I don't want the slightest chance of weakness coming back.
Monday - Jan 4
School started back up today. Jordan had an appointment with Dr. C, so her first day will be tomorrow. Dr. C. again was very pleased with Jordans abilities. He, again, commented on how he never expected her to return to her normal state. He looked at me as if he was saying that he had read her diary and wanted me to know that I was correct in thinking that he really didn't expect her to gain the strength she had. I've told his nurse about the diary and I may have even told him about it, but they've never asked for the address. Not that it matters, I'm just so thrilled my baby is nearing full recovery. She's staying strong, getting stronger and her lab work is coming back normal. She's confident again and eager to try everything. Thanks to Dr. C, the medical profession and God, my baby is doing wonderful.
Tuesday - Jan 5
Jordan went to school today and had no problems. After school we went to Pt. Pt D knew she had the appointment, but felt that we might cancel since Jordan is doing so well. Dr C had prescribed PT once every other week last month. Jordan actually only went twice in Dec. because of the holidays. She didn't have any complaints about any of her exercises and hasn't for some time. So we decided that today would be her last visit. She is still seeing the school PTs 4 days a week for about 20-30 minutes during PE. I'm even contemplating the request to stop that and let her return to regular PE. I think she may get more out of the regular exercise since she is only getting stretches about one time of the four. I'll have to call Dr. C and see what he thinks.
Wednesday - Jan 6
Assistant PT J came by the beauty school today to see if we wanted her to continue coming to see Jordan. We're not sure about the need of continuing her either, but we asked her to see Jordan today anyway. She has been seeing Jordan for about an hour on Wednesday since we stopped the hospital therapy. She's really only an aid in PT but she's more of a "confidience builder" for Jordan. She's young and has a great personality, therefore, Jordan's really become attached to her. ,p>Jordan's also been begging for a new pet. She gets so bored in the evenings. She gone from wanting a new dog, to a new cat, to a guinea pig and even begged me to have another baby. We live in the country, so daily playmates are scarce. We have a dog, we have a cat and we have enough babies. To my surprise, we now have a guinea pig!. Her father brought it home for her this evening. I'm not sure thats how you spell it and had no idea what kind of animal it is, but we now have one. I guess its better than a dog or cat since its too cold to let her outside much. I have three beautiful babies and feel too old for more. I guess I should be really glad she didn't ask for a snake. haha
Thursday - Jan 7
Another great day. I went to Jordan's school early this afternoon for an honors program. She received an award for more A's than B's. I thinks that's really good since she missed so much school in the beginning. She was happy with it too, although she would have liked an all A's award and a Perfect Attendance award. She got a better chance at the first than the attendance award, especially since she must miss one Monday a month for doctors appointments. I know she was glad that I was able to come. I videoed her getting it. I have been videoing Jennifer's basketball games so I'm sure it made her feel good that I had the camera today too. Some of her teachers told me how well she was physically doing. They too are surprised at how fast she has regained her strength. She's back to her old normal self again. We're so thankful.
Friday - Jan 8
Another basketball game tonight. Jordan and a friend of hers was on the court at half-time showing off. She is really getting strong. She was playing like every other 10 year old would. Her friend spent the night and they had a great evening.
Saturday - Jan 9
Sunday - Jan 10
We spent the weekend at home. I tried to clean out cabinet and closets that were neglected since before Jordan got sick. I've got a lot done but still have a lot to do. I couldn't get much help. With football on tv, Jennifer's own interest and Jordan being able to do just about everything, no one seemed to see the need to clean a closet. haha
Monday - Jan 11
Tuesday - Jan 12
Wednesday - Jan 13
I talked to Jordan's adaptive PE teacher today. She was having the same thoughts as I. We both think Jordan should try to get back into the regular PE classes now. She may not be able to do everything, but her limits should be few. The teacher will continue coming to see her twice a week to observe Jordan's activities. She will contact me in a few weeks to let me know how she is progressing.
Thursday - Jan 14
Joe's parents came for a short visit. Joe's father's brother was visiting from Florida and he came along too. Joe hadn't seem him since he was just a young boy. We had dinner together and they had a nice time talking about "the old days" as my kids would say. hahah

Jordan had a friend come home with her after school. Later, another friend came over and they had a slumber party. They had a blast. They wanted to go "rolling" (wrapping houses). I wasn't so keen on the idea, but about 2:30a.m. I pretended not to notice them "rolling" Jennifer's bedroom. Toilet paper was draped all over the place. Don't know how she slept through their giggles.

The girls intended on sleeping in a tent in our game room but the rose bushes scratching against the windows scared them. They ended up in Jordan's room watching movies until about 4:00............Its a good thing I'm the boss, I didnt make it to work until noon. But hearing Jordans laughter was well worth it.

Friday - Jan 15
Another game. By the time we get home from work, there is usually just enough time to grab something to eat and the camera and rush to the gym. The games hardly ever start on time so we end up not getting home until 10:30 or 11:00. Tonight it was 11:00. Jordan gets her exercise running up and down the bleachers. She always knows someone and must go visit them. She likes playing basketballl....but she not too interested in watching others play.....hahaha
Saturday - Jan 16
Joe went to a coach's meeting early. He will be coaching Jordans basketball team. Joey and Jenn will be assisting. Jordan can hardly wait. She has been practicing a little. She thinks she'll have no problem keeping up with the others. I hope she right.

We went to the funeral of our next door neighbors at 11:00. He was 87. He was a very nice and hard-working man. His children are good friends of ours too. We will miss him. Jordan sat next to his great-granddaughter (2yrs old). I didnt think I was going to get Jordan to come home with me. In fact, we did let her stay about an hour after most everyone had left. Her parents and grandparents said Jordan was a big help with the little girl. She kept her occupied for them. Jordan loves babies!

Sunday - Jan 17
We visited some friends who moved to a small town about 20 miles from us. Since Jordan got sick, we havent had time to see them much. They invited us over for a fish fry. We played a card game (hearts) while the kids rode 4 wheelers, played hide-n-seek and computer games. The couple have 3 children, ages 13, 10 and 7. Jordan had a lot of fun. Jennifer coped by watching TV.
Monday - Jan 18
We were scheduled to see Dr. C on February 1 but Jordan has a game at the exact same time so I called today to ask to change the time or date. They gave us another appointment on Feb. 15. I really didnt want to wait that long, but they checked with Dr. C and he said to got ahead and reduce the Prelone by another ml on the 1st. We also had to change the appointment on March 1 to March 8 because he will be out of town. Dr. C told us Jordan should start growing when we get her down to 2mls a day of Prelone. That will be Feb 1st and we can't wait. She is so much shorter than her classmates. They even "mother" her because she looks so much younger. haha She doesn't complain about that much. She likes the attention. hahaha

No school today, so Jordan was home with me. She had such a great day. She cleaned her room and even made her bed which is something she's always wanted help with. She even racked leaves with her Daddy. She played outside with a friend for a few hours and we watch videos of her when she was just a baby. She must have been tired. She was ready to hit the sack at 8:00.

Tuesday - Jan 19
We have another game in Austin tonight so I know I won't have much new to say.

I would like to say that Joe and I cannot express enough of our gratitude for everyone who has had Jordan in their prayers. We know that our baby has been in God's hands from the moment she was born. He blessed us by giving her to us and He blessed us again when He healed her. He answered our prayers. He answered your prayers. We thank you with all our heart. I'd need a new homepage to list everyone who has shown concern either by calls, cards and email. So many of you have helped us cope when we weren't sure we could. We not only thank God for taking care of our little Jordan, but we thank Him for having you to help us through it. May He bless each and everyone of you.

Wednesday - Jan 20
Last night was tough on all of us. We didn't get home from the game in Austin until mid-night. Joe let us sleep (Jordan & I) until 9:00. We really hate for Jordan to be late to school, yet we want to give Jennifer attention too, especially since we've spent a lot of time with Jordan needs over the last year. We may have to start letting just one of us go to the out of town games. The girls usually sleep on the way home. I dont know why the Tuesday games are out of town and the Friday games are home. I wish it were the other way around. It would be easier on all of us. Even though Jen is 17, she needs her rest too. Guess we'll have to decide something soon.

PT assistant J didnt make it to the beauty school to see Jordan today. We missed her. Maybe she's celebrating her birthday a day early. I told Jordan that we'd stop by the hospital tomorrow to give her a gift.

Jordan got a "recorder" from her music teacher today. A recorder is a type of musical instrument. Jordan practiced a few hours this afternoon. We hope she learns some songs soon. The single note practices are annoying Jennifer and regretfully are not impressing us much either.

Tomorrow is our first basketball practice for our (Jordans) team. We have 4 nine year olds, 4 ten year olds and 1 eleven year old. Joe hasn't coached in a while. Joey assisted coaching last year and with his and Jennifer's help, maybe things will go well. We'll have to wait and see. Jordan is excited about them coaching.

Thursday - Jan 21
The basketball practice for Jordan and her team went about as good as could be expected since the girls didn't know each other, some hadn't played before and Joe didn't know the girls names. Joey didn't make it, he was sick. Jen did pretty good helping. Jordan did very well. She is one of the best 3 dribblers according to her coaches...hahaaha I hope its not too exhausting for her. She did have to stop after about 30 minutes. Her side was hurting her. She took a break for about 5 minutes and then went back out. We're watching carefully. She loves being able to play. Im so proud of her.
Friday - Jan 22
Went to Jennifer's game and Jordan sold over $100.00 worth of girl scout cookies! She did very well and was excited about it. She had no problem running up and down the bleachers to delivery them either. The team didn't fair so well.....they lost 84-44. Tall girls compared to our little ones....hahah
Saturday - Jan 23
Jordan's team had another practice. Jordan's basketball skills are pretty good but what's more important is her ability to work out the entire hour without being to terribly tired. She loves feeling normal!
Sunday - Jan 24
Jordan's little face is looking more and more like our old little girl again. It seems to be thinning down day by day. She is also getting more and more active doing things on her own.
Monday - Jan 25
Jordan had a pretty good day at school. She still seems to tire some toward the end of the day. Her last class is a language and reading class. They read for about an hour all together and this makes Jordan sleepy. Too, the class is right after lunch and recess. Jordan is going to regular PE classes now and all of these things are probably contributing her tiring. With basketball, more exercise and more daily activity this should probably be expected. I may start picking her up early from school again just to give her a little more rest. A short break about 3:00 is what she may need. I think the activity is good for her and she may be able to read more after a longer break.
Tuesday - Jan 26
Jordan had a good day at school, yet still gets sleepy around 2:30. After school today, we picked up more girl scout cookies to take to the game. We also picked up the troop assistant's daughter. Both girls had a good time at the game and Jordan has done very well selling cookies this year.
Wednesday - Jan 27
Thursday - Jan 28
Over the weekend, Jordan went to visit the little girl next door but she wasn't home. She decided to stay and help the little girls mother clean their yard. Apparently she did a good job or at least tried because she was rewarded today with a nice card and coupons for ice cream at McDonalds. She also got mail from Joe's uncle and cousin. She received information pertaining to the states where they live (Ohio and Florida) for a class project. When Joe's uncle was visiting, Jordan asked if he might have some information she could use. He really came through for her. She got newspapers, pictures and even car license plates! She was really excited that she got pictures of her third cousins. She immediately sat down to write thank them. She also began digging for pictures of our family to send them. I was excited to receive their pictures as well. Only Joe's immediate family members live in Texas. Most are in Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky so I haven't had the opportunity to meet them. I hope to this summer at their annual July 4th reunion in Ohio. We've never had the opportunity to go but hope to this year.
Friday - January 29
When I picked Jordan up from school today, she had already arrange (without my knowledge or permission) for a friend to spend the night. She had been taking 10 mgs of Paxil for quite some time.....I'm wondering if it may be causing her to act out in such a manner......I'll be asking Dr. C about taking her off. She seems so eager and impatient. Anyway, I allowed the friend to come home with us. We went to Jen's game and they did manage to fall asleep around 11:00. Jordan has a game tomorrow at 9:00. I hope she's not too tired.
Saturday - Jan 30
Her first game and she played great! There are no officials to keep score, but I did. They won! 6 to 2! Not a real great defeat....but the game was exciting. We had girls on both teams running with the ball....to throw it in the basket without dribbling. It's really cute to watch littles ones. Their mistakes are more intertaining than anything else. Jordan was kind of a ballhog! She had the best time! I know that she wants to see how much she can do and by the looks I was getting, she wanted to make sure I saw too! I'm so very proud of her. She is doing so good. We count our blessing everyday. Jordan's friend stayed until 12:00. They had a good time.
Sunday - Jan 31
Neither Joe nor I felt well today. We got better as the day passed. We allowed Jordan to go to a friends for a few hours this evening. She had tried to play scrabble on the internet earlier in the day, but we need more memory on this old thing for it to work right. She was in bed by 8:00.

Tommorrow she goes down another ml of Prelone! We've had a great few months and expect her to keep progressing!




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