Day 22

Good dive. Not much else to say about it.

As for my observation of Olivia, I noticed she has been laughing more. Its like a stronger longer laugh. She's getting more excited about things. She's really into greeting people with waves, smiles and hugs for her favorite people. She has more energy and zest. Its great to see.

I'm excited for Saturday, halloween, because this will be the first year I think she'll “get it” She knows what candy is and likes it! Its going to be fun. For the past Halloweens I've had to roll her around in a wagon. I think this year she'll want to run from house to house! She's going to be “little Bo Peep” and her little sister Eve will be her sheep.

Tomorrow is Friday! Yaay!

Day 21

Today was OK. She was happy to get to the office, so thats always nice. She loves the staff and they love her. The technician said Olivia has a “magnetic personality,” and I can agree with that. People are drawn to her..even other children. For a child that cannot speak, she communicates very well. My husband and I joke that Olivia is 'beyond talking' that talking is 'so last year.' She is waiting for us to figure out mental telepathy. Sorry Olivia, you are gonna have to talk! Humor us, will ya?

She continues to have great eye contact and very bright smiles. She is also getting very good reports from school. We are grateful for that!

Olivia running and following one step commands..

Day 20

Olivia made her “celebrity” entrance today. She was very happy to come to the office. She walked through the doors, stopped, and started waving and calling out. It was really cute. Its like she was saying “I'm here!”

She was ready to get into the chamber and now knows when I say “get close to mommy” it means for her to put her head down. The tech closed the door and started the oxygen and pressure. When I first felt the pressure on my ears, Olivia smiled and giggled. It seems like she enjoys it now. She doesn't rub her ears, doesn't whine, just smiles and tries to interact with the people around. We have gotten comfortable in there now. I don't think I lost any weight (it would've been nice) but it seems much more roomy in there somehow. The stretcher even had the head inclined a little bit today and it didn't bother me.

20 dives down, 20 to go. We have an evaluation with the pediatrician this week. I'm going to review all my blog entries just to remind myself of where we started and see where we are now in this process.

Thanks for following along!

Day 19

It was a pleasure to see Olivia entering the HBOT center today. She was smiling, waving, reaching and just really happy. She greeted the receptionist, she was really looking at all the decorations in the office and “taking them in.” When I came back from the bathroom, she was already by the chamber, patting the stretcher, ready to go in. She was playful through the glass, wanting to entice people to play with her. Her smiles were bright and full of pure joy! It really lifted me up.

The dive went pretty well. After awhile, she started signing “all done,” but there was still 15 more minutes to go. She wasn't bad though, just tired of being confined. She was happy to come out. She gave the tech and my dad a high five. She took the tech by the hand to get a sticker and did her happy run again.

I took her to the bathroom with me, and we practiced washing her hands. She is working on this in school. She is able to dry her hands with the paper towel and throws it in the garbage on her own. For us, this is huge! This shows me that yes, someday, she will be able to do things for herself! Things will be easier! Most importantly, she is LEARNING!

We are seeing improvements with Olivia...she is waving alot and appropriately. Today getting on the bus, she turned around to wave goodbye to my neighbor, got on the bus and waved to the driver. It was wonderful!

Day 18

Taking off yesterday was nice. Olivia slept 13hrs and 20 min. last night. She woke up happy and refreshed! She had plenty of beauty rest and it was perfect timing because she had her school picture today. She looked super cute.

Olivia was cranky arriving at the center. She cried going in, and for a little while inside. She was fine for awhile, got whiney again, and got over it. She stayed at the bottom of the chamber, which I really appreciate, and was happy getting out. The tech lifted her off the stretcher and she took his hand to go get a sticker. She then enjoyed some time with the receptionist admiring her and her stickers. She is making more and more friends! You can tell the staff is falling for her. Who could blame them?

When we went outside, Olivia ran to get a rock. It was a new run! It was a REAL run, not just a fast walk. The true definition of running is when at one point, both feet are off the ground. It was great! It was adorable. Jumping is next!

Day Off

Today we decided to take off to see if Olivia would benefit from a mid-week break. I thought she would take a nap soon after coming home from school as she usually falls asleep right away in the car, but she didn't. She did, however, fall asleep for the night at 6pm. Lets see how she is tomorrow!

HBOT Olivia dive #17 coming out!

The tech asked Olivia if she wanted a sticker...she loves the stickers!

HBOT Olivia dive#17

Happy going in!

Day 17

Y'know, I think Olivia can read! (either this blog or my mind :-) Today she again stayed at the foot of the chamber and we had another great dive! She was super super happy at the office.. walking around, playing with the receptionist and noticing all the decorations. She went up to the chamber and tapped it like she wanted to go in. We went in with no whining, and she stayed happy throughout the entire time! We watched a movie, played patty-cake, interacted with the tech and grandpa, and sang songs. The time went fairly quickly and she came out happy, verbal, and energetic! We enjoyed a nice nature walk afterwords. She was kicking acorns and stomping on dry leaves. Great job Olivia!

Day 16

I was afraid today was going to be rough. Olivia woke up cranky, but as soon as she saw the HBOT technician, she brightened right up! She then went happily into the chamber and stayed happy throughout the dive. She must've read the previous blog or my mind, because she stayed at the foot of the tank and watched the movie “The Little Mermaid” most of the time. It was a blessing!

Other than Olivia and I having rosy cheeks, I noticed something on myself today. Starting this morning my throat felt itchy and then by lunch it was getting sore. On the way to the center I felt my glands were a little inflamed. After the dive, my throat and glands were fine! I think thats pretty awesome!

DAY 15

TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF!!!!!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited its Friday? We are tired! Olivia fell asleep on the way there and didn't want to wake up. BUT she did and wasn't happy about it. She didn't want to walk. Her new thing is that she wants to be picked up all the time. I think she got that from her little sister. This morning waiting for the bus, she threw a fit cause I wouldn't pick her up. I had Eve in my sling. Olivia's fits include collapsing to the floor and crying. The ground was wet and I was trying to get her to stand, nope, spagetti legs. My patience is running slim. She was ok getting into the chamber, but started signing “all done” about 30 mins in. She was scratching at the door and moving around alot. I tried to slide down to the foot of the chamber to give her more room, but it made me vulnerable to hair pulling, head-butting, and eye scratching. I like it much better when she goes to the foot of the chamber.

We were both happy to get out! I could use a drink, but can't cause I'm working tonight. Oh well, chocolate will have to do. Oh, and the icing on the cake was the ride home (which I'm still experiencing) its dark, and wet, and tons of traffic. Ugh!

Monday I'll be refreshed and renewed. TGIF!

HBOTday14insideChamber

It was another good dive! She is handling it very well now. Even if she's not in the mood to go in, once we're in there she's fine.

Day 13

Olivia was super vocal today! She was babbling away, singing along with me, and she answers back with a sound when you ask her a question. She knew the end of the dive was coming when she saw the tech come around to the side of the chamber. She's well aware of where the door is. When the door opened, she cheered! She ran up to the tech and hugged her. She took her by the hand and they ran over to where the stickers are kept. She's loving the stickers! We are on our way home now and she's sleeping. We decided next week to take Wednesday off to see if that helps Olivia get more rest. Her teachers keep writing how tired she is. On a very positive note, for two nights straight now she is sleeping all night without interuption! Daddy and I are loving it!

Day 12

Oops! Sorry we're late posting! I think when Olivia and I are in the chamber, she is getting smarter and I'm losing some.

We had a nice dive. Olivia and I cuddled, she put her head on my shoulder and wrapped her little arm over my neck. We looked into each other's eyes and played peek a boo games. She has the cutest little face and big round eyes! The time went a little slow. I thought it was time to come out, but then my dad gestured that we still had 11 more minutes until we started rising to the surface.

I feel like we are pretty used it now. I don't feel too confined anymore, and the pressure change isn't that bothersome. Olivia knows the routine, and though she isn't always enthusiastic about going in, she still goes with the flow.

Olivia has been sleeping the ride there, part of the ride home, and then sleeping the night from about 8pm till 6:30am. Last night she slept straight through! Nice! Even with all this sleep, her teachers are still writing that she's tired. We might try cutting her therapy down to 4 days/week and see if that helps.

Day 11

Another great dive! Olivia was happy, she didn't run to get into the chamber, but she didn't fight it. Its funny, there are three chambers that all look the same, but they are all a little different. Some people have their favorite one. Today we tried the one to the far left. It has a valve by the head just like in a plane where the air flows overhead. I was able to control the air (full blast!) and point it right to my head. The chamber was nice and cool, and we were comfortable. Olivia spent most of the time at the foot of the chamber or resting her head on my belly. Towards the end of the dive, she turned onto her back and watched “Dumbo.”

Olivia's teacher wrote a great note today saying that she is doing really well! I wonder if the oxygen is helping her learn. Its exciting!

Day 10

Another sleepy Friday! What a busy week. Olivia's teacher keeps writing that she is tired in class. I'm wondering if its from her busy HBOT schedule, or all the hard work she's now doing at school! We might have to tweek her schedule...more sleep somehow!

Grandma and Eve came today. Its always fun when they come since they like to hang out with us and play games through the glass. Olivia did really well. No meltdowns! I think we are getting used to it. We were doing some speech in there. I could get her to make the “mmm” sound, and say “ah” I'm working really hard trying to get her to say “Mama!” I know she can say it, but I'd like her to be able to repeat it and say it when she wants me! When that happens, we are having a great party!

Day 9

Dive #9 – Sponsored by Aunt Mary and Uncle Tony

We'd like to thank Aunt Mary and Uncle Tony for their generous gift! Today was a great dive! Olivia went into the tank easily and stayed happy for most of the treatment. We watched “Mary Poppins” and enjoyed the music and dancing. Olivia was singing “Twinkle Twinkle little Star” very nicely. She makes sounds at the right times and melody. All thats left is words! Its in there and its coming out slowly but surely.

We tried a different chamber today. It was closer to the oxygen source, so it was cooler and for some other reason, the speakers were louder too. Olivia and I cuddled under the blanket and kept each other cozy. We are definately getting quality cuddle time!

Tomorrow is Friday and grandma and Eve are coming. Yay!

Happy after HBOT dive #8

After HBOT dive #8

Exiting HBOT chamber dive #8

Entering HBOT chamber #8

Day 8

Another great dive! She fell asleep almost immediately on the drive there. She woke up a few minutes before we arrived. She had her snack with grandpa and was happy to go in with me! She ran up to the technician and hugged her. It looks like she's made another friend.

The dive went well, we watched “Happy Feet.” When she started getting whiney, I slid down to the foot of the tank to give her more room. This seems to help so that she can move around a little better. She drank her juice when the pressure changed and didn't even rub her ears!

When she came out, it was like she had Happy Feet! She was energetic and happy, and vocal! Yesterday, she started singing in the chamber to herself. Today we were clapping together and she was giving me kisses. I'm going to post some videos of her after the dive today...too cute!

One thing I've noticed on myself, my face seems to have a rosier appearance! I have some natural blush. Hey, if I start looking 10 years younger, I won't complain.

HBOT exiting chamber on dive #6

She was super excited getting out of the chamber! She was happy and very energetic! She even hugged the technician!

Day 7

Olivia fell asleep very soon after we started off for the HBOT center. We didn't even have time to show her the video. Oh well, I think she's getting bored with it anyway. She woke up when we turned off the car and she wasn't super happy. Grandpa gave her a brownie and that worked wonders!

Olivia was a little cranky getting on the stretcher with me. I was hoping she would be cheerful since another little boy and his dad were watching us go in and I didn't want him to get scared.

Olivia was “all done” about half way through. Then she was a bit whiney and cranky..she was biting the pillow and chewing on her straw. I moved myself down to the foot of the chamber and Olivia rolled on her back so that her head was on the pillow. She seemed comfortable (I wasn't, but its not about me..) She was drinking her juice and actually watching tv! If I can get her used to this position and comfortable watching the tv, maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to leave her alone in there. Its a long shot, but I can be hopeful!

Day 6

Best dive yet! We got to the HBOT center 10 mins earlier than usual. We walked through the main entrance instead of the side. My dad played with Olivia in the lobby at the water fountain as I visited the restroom (I learned my lesson!) Olivia had a snack with my dad in the lobby and then Olivia pulled me down the hallway (running) to the office. I let her choose the movie, and she chose “Finding Nemo.” How appropriate for our dive! We went into the chamber happily. I brought in her juice and I think she finally realized that drinking as we change pressure helps. She only drank in the beginning and the end. She started signing “all done” when we were in about 45 mins and never cried. She came out of the chamber very energetically and looked like she wanted to hug the technician!

We took a little walk outside before getting into the car for our ride home. She ate again and is now getting sleepy.

I don't have any dramatic changes to announce. Its more subtle. She seems quicker, more alert, its like she is processing things she sees and hears faster. So far so good!

Friday, Day 5

TGIF!! We are tired. Olivia is usually tired by the end of the week, so I wasn't surprised how tired she was this morning. I was surprised, however, when she came energetically off the bus and RAN up the driveway to the house. I then read in her note from her teacher that she took a 25 min nap at school. She then took another nap in the car and woke up very cranky when we got to the HBOT center. She cried going into the chamber, whined and cried during the treatment, and was happy to get out. Now, as we are driving home, she is cranky again. It looks like she'll fall asleep. Yup, she's out.

All in all, it was a good week. I'm glad we are doing this. I knew it would be tough, and it is, but we are all hoping it'll be worth it. I'll be watching her closely this weekend to look for differences!

Day 4

Today went much better! It had alot to do with my mom and Eve coming. It changed the dynamic of the trip, so she was in a much better mood when we got there. This time, I layed on the stretcher first and she actually came to me. She layed on me without a fuss, and we slid in without tears! (or snot) I brought in her drink, but she refused it during the pressurization. She did drink it at the end, so I think that helped. We used a flatter pillow and the air stayed nice and cool. My mom kept coming over and playing with Olivia, she made both of us laugh! I was laughing so much, I started to wonder if we were getting laughing gas instead of oxygen.

The time went by much quicker. Olivia did have moments of whining, but not too bad this time. I didn't feel overly confined either. One time I had an itch on my leg, though, and I couldn't scratch it. Oh well. I made sure I visited the bathroom before going in and that helped tremendously!

After 2 HBOT sessions

She is responding very well to her video. You can compare this to the video of her the day before on youtube. (search for oliviasmommee) its vid00024