Dear Friends and Family!
It is with great joy that we write this update about our SEVEN month old daughter, Lucille Carolyn Hickson. It is so hard to believe all that she has overcome, it is humbling to think of all she has been protected from and it is with much encouragement that we look forward to seeing her continue to clear hurdle after hurdle now that her early intervention therapy sessions have started. The Lord has blessed us so much by having Lucie in our lives. It is remarkable to think back to just seven months ago and not know what was to come, not know how things would look for Lucie and our family at this point and face the fact that our little newborn would have to fight for her life in the NICU for many many days and months. Lately, she seems to have been growing almost daily in size and we can't help but talk about when we first got to hold her in our arms, how she was no bigger than our forearms, and how we had to be careful so that she wouldn't get tangled or weighed down by all of the cables, monitors and tubing. Looking at her now, nine pounds later, it is just miraculous. Truly.
So, as of Tuesday, Lucie had the final hearing regarding her Early Intervention (E.I.) Therapy where they would let us know what services would be provided for her. We knew she already qualified for E.I. since she was born under two pounds, but weren't sure what the State would approve and grant to her. They let us know that she was approved for occupational therapy twice a week and special instruction therapy once a week. Lucie began her occupational therapy this past Friday and is off to the races. Drea and I were given some ideas on how to strengthen Lucie's "core" tummy and neck muscles and it's been helpful knowing ways we can play with her and cheer her on as she continues to progress and fight on. We also got to take some seven month old photos of Lucie and yup, she's adorable. However, we took them on an imaginary camera so we have no way to share them... sorry, should have thought it through. J/K, OF COURSE THEY ARE BELOW!
Thanks for continuing to press on with us in Lucie's journey!
love,
Los Hicksons
