Finding Maddux: December 2008

Well I have been behind a bit on my blogging but I have 2 to keep up with and it has been a busy fall and Christmas season. We have found a new tradition this year with pumpkin picking at Hill Ridge Farm. This was the first year we have gone to a real pumpkin patch. Pumpkin patches in California just are not the same. We went with our best friends and had the best time! Maddux and an open field...need I say more!

Maddux says, " Mom I can't see a thing!" And of course I give her my glasses.

Loving on her "little sister"

and finally a picture that I am in! Thanks Kelli!

Our real trip! She always loves no matter what!

Her Seizures

Our journey began when Maddux had her first visible seizure cluster at 15 months. After an EEG, her final diagnosis was a rare type of infant seizures called Infantile Spasm Epilepsy. Commonly misdiagnosed as reflux. Her prognosis was that her physical and mental state would not be above mental retardation. After months of trying to find out what was wrong with Maddux, a mother's intuition, we finally had a diagnosis. We were happy to finally have a label so we could start her treatment. After 3 years of different seizure meds, hospitalizations and a special diet, her seizures are now gone. But we consider her in remission. We will never forget the shots of ACTH, the blank, over-medicated stares or the first day she went without 100 seizures. Every night we thank God for giving us another seizure-free day. Even though that was the hardest part of this journey, she was still our Maddux!

But it was our own eyes that saw these great things the Lord has done. Deutoronomy 11:7

Her Diagnosis

During our battle with Epilepsy, Maddux began to slip away from us. Her words stopped, her smiles stopped and she acted as if she were the only one in the room. The toys stayed on the shelves. I would have given anything to have toys to clean up. It was like the love was gone from her eyes. Maddux used to not answer me because she was having a seizure and her brain couldn't "hear" me. Now she was not answering me because she just didn't know the answer. When Maddux turned 2 years old she was diagnosed with Autism . Devastating, yes, but now we could take this diagnosis and find her and bring her back. Even with that label she was still our Maddux.

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. Job 9:10

Her therapy

Maddux started therapy at 18 months. She began her treatment with in-home OT and PT and as she got older she graduated into Early Intervention. She was in a full day program at Pediatric Therpay Network in Torrance, CA where she had one on one OT, PT and SLP classes as well as group sessions. Words can not express the miracles that happened behind the doors of that center everyday. Maddux was able to work with the most wonderful, caring and knowledgable people who changed all of our lives. I dedicate all of her progress to these wonderful people who I hold dear in my heart. She has come so far and I can not wait to see what lies ahead for her! She is still our Maddux!

I will remember the deeds of the Lord, yes I will remember your miracles... Psalms 77:11

Thanksgiving

October is her favorite

Jaime Lackey Photography

Our Maddux

Her Seizures

Her Diagnosis

Her therapy

Books I used for resources

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