sometimes, it feels good... sometimes, not so good

This is a picture of Ali being massaged in a crawling position. She is so relaxed. This is typically how Ali responds to the therapy. She just relaxes and enjoys the special attention her little body gets from these two pair of hands.

Pictured to the right is Ali not no comfortable. As you can see, they are doing some work on her arm with it stretched a little bit behind her. The muscles Ali will use to crawl need strengthening. During the coma, Ali held her arms tightly aainst her body, muscles tense. Now, Ali's arms must be stretched and prepared for crawling.

Ali is no longer happy about today's work out. No pain, no gain.

Last week, therapists thought they were going to have to put splints on Ali's arms to help her to straighten them. That never happenned because over the weekend, Ali started stretching her arms by herself as I was held her and the beautiful and charming Susan massaged Ali's arms and played with her little fingers. So Ali is progressing beyond expectations.

I feel sorry for the little booger. Not only is she getting an extreme workout, but she just cut two new teeth and has three more pushing through the gums. Poor kid!

So here's something to pray about: on Tuesday we have another family planning meeting with California Child Protective Services. Our goal is to get custody of Ali. Child Protective Services has to grant that. Hospital staff, my daughter Charity (Ali's mommy), the beautiful and charming Susan, and state social workers handling Ali's case will all be at the meeting. My sister and I will attend via phone link. Please pray that the Lord gives us favor and that the outcome of this meeting will be that Ali is released into our hands when discharged from the hospital. I praise God that everyone listed above is incredibly focused on Ali's well being and continued recovery. So far, the hospital staff, both doctors and nurses, have noted remarkable improvement in Ali due to the constant presence and loving care provided by the charming and beautiful Susan. But the hospital staff doesn't have the power to grant custody. They can only influence the decision that ultimately the state has the power to make. We've seen the Lord really move in this situation and we're praying that He guides hearts and grants wisdom and delivers Ali into our care.

The moment I know that we get to take Ali, Aaron and I will load up in the car and head out to Northern California where Ali and Susan will stay with my sister until we're approved to bring her back to Florida. So pray for that process as well.

Below is the view out Ali's window. This view looks down Sacramento Street toward the Pacific Ocean. Notice the fog rolling in.