Look Who's Talking....and Eating!

Sorry for the delay in getting this posted. I was out of town and technology was not working in my favor!

As many of you have read Kay is having an amazing week! The girl doesn't give up!

Tuesday was an amazing day for Kay, her family and friends. She was finally able to speak! It was an early Christmas present for everyone!

Monday Kay had a smaller trach put in that can be capped to allow her to speak. When Mrs. O'Meara arrived at the hospital Tuesday morning she heard Kay's voice say "That's my mom" as she was heading down to physical therapy. What a wonderful surprise! Kay spoke to Mr. O'Meara and Cindy all day! She even spoke to Devin, Mr. O'Meara, David & Monica on the phone. To hear Kay's voice again was the most amazing thing!

Kay still definitely has her personality. She was joking with her dad, noticed her mom's necklace and when asked what she wanted for Christmas she said a BMW. Watch out Devin! That's our girl!

Kay was also asking for food, she missed Thanksgiving dinner so who wouldn't want some real food. David didn't fool her when he pretended to call and order food for them. Kay knew right away that he didn't really order anything. Just like Stephen mentioned, it's hard to pull one over on Kay. The nurses have started giving Kay yogurt and some pureed food and she even has been able to feed herself!

Kay must be so much happier now that she is able to talk and start eating. It was so frustrating for her to try to mouth her words before. Mt. Sinai better watch out, Kay will have a lot to say!

It will still be a while before Kay is ready to take phone calls and such, but before we know it we will be hearing her crazy, hilarious stories and wonderful singing again.

Kay continues to work hard at her therapy. Being able to talk will for sure make it easier for her.

Keep sending her your wonderful words of support. She's come so far in just over a month! What a fighter!

We Love You Kay!

Working Hard!

Kay continued to work hard this weekend.

Thursday was such a beautiful Thanksgiving Day that Devin was able to get Kay up and dressed and brought her down to the Mt. Sinai lobby in her wheel chair to take a look outside and feel the fall breeze. What a great way to start an important day! Later in the day Kay had many family and friends come by to spend the day with her. Everyone is so thankful for the amazing progress she has made. In just 1 month she has come so far.

This weekend Kay showed a bit a movement with her right leg which was great. Slow and steady is how her progress should go.

Saturday Kay got a little frustrated with her physical therapist and Devin during her therapy sessions. She clearly told Devin to leave her alone at one point....whatever..we're just glad to see some more clear communication! It was Saturday, she probably wanted to hang out, not exercise...aren't weekends for resting?

This weekend Kay also got a mini makeover which we know she always loves. Saturday evening her girlfriends all came to visit and Monica painted her nails, not sure it's a manicure she'd pay for but she seemed happy. Later all her girlfriends gave her a basket of comfy clothes that she can wear in the hospital and to therapy...we know our girl always wants to look good. She seemed happy with the selections! We also read Kay some gossip mags and while she was very interested in watching The Real Housewives of Orange County (who wouldn't be?) she would grab the magazine to read herself when she heard something that interested her. While Kay seemed very excited to see all her friends at once and have a little get together it was a bit overwhelming for her...or at least the perfume was!

Sunday Kay also got a fab, sassy new haircut! It looks great and will be much more comfortable for her. Her old ponytail was getting some elementary school like knots that were pulling on her head. She's definitely the most well dressed and well groomed girl at Mt. Sinai Rehab!

Sunday Kay also did lots of reading. She was able to mouth many different words even beyond names when written on a white board. Kay also did some teaching herself. Monica & Courtney didn't remember sign language as well as she did so she gave them some refreshers when they were trying to spell their names. Kay was also singing again! Once again she was able to mouth most of the words to Sarah McLaughlin. She even told Devin, Monica & Courtney to "sshh" when she just wanted to listen and didn't want the rest of us singing out of tune.

Kay continues to work hard and it's easy to see how much she wants to progress. She tries to move around a lot and even attempts to get out of her wheelchair when she is in it. With all her hard work does come some frustrations sometimes, but it wouldn't be Kay if we didn't see any personality.

Keep supporting Kay through all her hard work. With everyone's support she will continue to progress more and more. Devin & the O'Mearas are an amazing support system, they are all working so hard with Kay. Everyone needs our support right now!

We Love You Kay!

Happy Thanksgiving..She Almost Said It Herself.

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! We all know we have a lot to be thankful for this year. Kay's recovery has been amazing and she continues to fight everyday!

Yesterday was an awesome day for Kay. The nurses took the tubes to her trach out and covered it up and had Kay practice talking. She was able to say "Hi Devin". She was probably so glad to talk, we know she's been frustrated. We know Devin was glad to hear her voice again!

Last night Kay & Devin turned up the music in their room as they typically do on a Friday evening. Devin was elated because Kay was able to mouth the words to a Sara McLaughlin song for 30-40 seconds. She remembered it all, what a ham!

Thanksgiving may be ending, but let's not all forget how lucky we are! Continue to keep Kay, Devin & her family in her thoughts.

More updates later this weekend...

We Love You Kay!

Yeah! All is Well!

Good news! Kay's surgery went well and there is no infection! The doctors were able to keep the bone in her stomach for preservation!

Kay woke up from the anesthesia and was showing off her dimples! She was a little cranky that she still had the trach in, but that will come out in due time! We know Kay, she's probably dying to start talking! The doctors may start talking about putting a smaller tube in trach sometime soon to make her more comfortable! Small steps, but all in the right direction!

Thanksgiving is usually Kay's holiday to host her family and unfortunately she won't be able to do that this year. No doubt with her amazing progress, she's not going to be able to get out of it next year. Please keep Kay in your Thanksgiving prayers tomorrow and in honor of her contagious spirit share one of your favorite stories about her with your friends or family. Goodness knows, we all have many of them!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We Love You Kay!

Say An Extra Prayer For Kay Today!

Kay is continuing to progress, but she has to have a procedure done today that may set her back for a few days.

Kay's stomach has become inflamed and swollen and the doctors believe this may be caused by the skull bones that are being preserved in her stomach. They will go in and take a look today and if this is the case the bones will have to be removed.

Say an extra prayer for Kay today in hopes that her stomach is not infected.

Kay is continuing to keep her spirits up and was even laughing last night when Melissa had her boyfriend Ryan dancing for her. Thanks Ryan!

We're so thankful, especially this week that Kay has made such wonderful progress. The strength of Devin and her family has been instrumental to Kay's success so far. Let's all hope that today's procedure is just a minor bump in the road.

We Love You Kay!

She's Definitely Kay!

Kay's sassy personality is alive!

This weekend as Kay had many visitors Devin, understandably, wanted to show off his wife's incredible progress. Friday evening as he was trying to get Kay to show some visitors how she could read names she motioned for Devin to come closer to him as if she was going to whisper something to him. To his surprise she playfully gave him a little punch in the cheek, just like the ones she typically gives him in the forehead! It was Friday evening, who wants to read!

Kay is also able to read some posters in her room that Cindy put up for her. She continues to read and be able to respond to others by mouthing responses or smiling. We're even able to see her gorgeous dimples now!

Kay has been able to get out of bed, with the help of her nurses, but not without trying to do it on her own. She was also able to sit in a wheel chair for a while the other evening and get out of bed for a shower yesterday.

Kay's progress continues to be amazing and it wonderful to see more and more of that vibrant personality we all love.

We all have something wonderful to be thankful for! Please continue to support Kay through her rehabilitation. She is working incredibly hard...we didn't expect anything less from someone as strong and determined as Kay!

We Love You Kay!

Exercising The Kay Way!

The girl doesn't stop! Typical for Kay she continues to have amazing feats everyday!

Yesterday Kay was up and out of bed for the first time! Devin's brother Chris was visiting Kay and the physical therapists had her out of bed and on an exercise bike that moves her legs for her! Who wouldn't want to exercise this way? Mt. Sinai better be prepared, once they get Kay moving on her own they're not going to be able to keep up with her!

The doctors also had Kay tasting some foods yesterday. Unfortunately for her they had her tasting lemons! Yuck! Kay was able to recognize them and make a face and her right side was showing more movement! Wait till they see her close one eye and make a sour face.

Sounds like therapy isn't all fun and games though. Kay did have to do some basic math yesterday. It's no surprise that Kay was able to do this. She would give the answers by showing the number of fingers.

Kay's continuing to recognize people and mouth names when she looks at pictures.

We all knew Kay was strong and determined, but she is exceeding everyone's expectations! We're so proud of her hard work...she is truly incredible! Thank goodness she has such a wonderful husband and family to support her and help her with her progress!

Kay is working hard and will continue to need everyone's support, it's so meaningful to her!

More updates later this week!

We Love You Kay!

She Can Read!!

Kay's progression just keeps coming and coming!

This evening Devin & Stephen were working with Kay and wrote down her family's names on a pad. Kay was able to read the pad and mouth everyone's names! Amazing!

She was also able to identify her dad when he was speaking to her on the phone!

Kay's progress just continues to improve. She's working hard in rehabilitation and it shows!

We're so proud of her hard work! Please continue to leave your words of encouragement for her, it will keep her strong when the going gets tough!

More rehab updates to come later in the week!

We love you Kay!

Let's Get Physical!

Kay is officially out of the NICU and on to rehab!

She had another great day and her transport went great. She was a bit tired afterwards...that's a lot of action for her.

Just wait until tomorrow....intensive therapy begins right away! She'll have 3 hours of therapy in the morning and then more therapy in the afternoon. The doctors will work on physical and occupational therapy. She's getting the royal treatment!

Because Kay has busy days ahead of her and she will not have visitors with her all day every day we will probably update the blog weekly or a few times a week.

Please continue to leave Kay your messages of support. At the rate she is progressing she'll be reading this website on her own in no time.

We'll let you know how rehab is going in a few days! Keep praying for Kay!

We Love You Kay!

Movin' On Up!

Just like George & Weezie on The Jeffersons, Kay is movin' on up to the East Side!

She's had such wonderful progress that tomorrow she'll be transferred to Mt. Sinai to begin her rehabilitation! This is an amazing facility, there's no doubt she'll receive treatment as wonderful as the care she has received at NY Presbyterian. It's just like Kay to be sure she has the VIP status!

Kay continued to have an amazing weekend. She was alert and responsive all weekend. In fact, she must have known last night was Saturday night, because she was awake most of the night and a little sleepy today. Nevertheless, she's been recognizing her friends and family, continuing to give Devin kisses and even trying to talk.

Yesterday, they were able to take Kay off the respirator and just give her oxygen through her trach-mainly now acting as a nebulizer.

All of Kay's wonderful work in the past with autistic children (and surely the 5th grade Voyage of the Mimi studies) has helped her out. Kay was able to start using sign language this weekend! She's been signing to people and can understand when others sign to her.

We're so happy and amazed that Kay has come this far! Being able to start rehabilitation 18 days after her fall is nothing short of a miracle. Kay's days will be busy and exhausting for her, but this will be the best thing for her to get her back to good as new. No doubt, she'll continue to amaze us and everyone at Mt. Sinai with her abilities.

Keep praying for Kay and leaving her your support. Rehabilitation will be wonderful, but may also be difficult for her....although not sure anything is difficult for this girl!

We love you Kay!

Blushing Bride

Kay's amazing progress continues! She's still the blushing bride she was 3 months ago. Each time Devin walks in the room she glows and smiles! She has to know what a fighter he has been with her! The amazing attitude is admirable and the phenomenal care he has provided is wonderful! It's obvious they are both happy to be back together!

Devin continues to push for the best care available for Kay. Everyone at NY Presbyterian has been wonderful to Kay and her family...because of them and Kay's phenomenal fight they are already talking about moving her to a rehabilitation facility early next week! It's unbelievable that Kay's fall was only 2 weeks ago. While it has seemed like a lifetime, we only hoped that she could make the kind of progress that Kay has been able to accomplish in 14 days! It is truly unbelievable. With the incredible outpouring of support Kay, Devin and her family have received, some amazing prayers have been answered.

Kay does not go a day without progressing. The nurses have continued taking her off the respirator a bit at a time and giving her just oxygen. She's responding very well. Kay also got the staples out of her head today. She's going to be so relieved that her hair did not have to be cut, especially since she just got it colored the day of the fall! She's the best looking patient in the ICU!

To nobody's surprise Kay is already wanting to talk. When Cindy asked her today if she wanted to look at her collage Kay nodded her head and moved her mouth to say yes.

We all know what a fighter Kay is but everyday she continues to amaze us even more!
We are all so thankful for how far she has come in 2 weeks! She's is the strongest girl we know but she truly could not be doing this without her husband, family, friends and the wonderful support she has been receiving from all over the world.

Please continue to leave Kay your words of encouragement. It's just a matter of time before she will be able to read this herself!

We Love You Kay!

She's Shining Through

Kay's vivacious personality is continuing to shine through! She was a little sleepy today, but that didn't stop her!

Even after her surgery yesterday Kay was ready to party! Devin, Stephen, Magda, Aunt Nuala and Desi were all hanging out and singing with her until 10-10:30 pm! She was loving it! No doubt she was singing to herself with them! Only Kay manages to throw a party in the ICU!

Kay continues to be able to recognize and respond to people, especially her darling husband, Devin. She must know how amazing he has been! She's been touching him and rubbing his head, and able to blow him kisses! Regardless, she still doesn't believe he'll let her have all the offerings in the contract he put together. Every time he tells her she can have a day buzz whenever she wants she continues to gives him the okay symbol..as if to say "yeah right". She may not be talking yet, but she definitely knows how to express herself!

Kay loves the poster Melissa made her with pictures of all her friends. When it's shown to her she points and smiles! Yeah, she remembers us!

Today, Kay's cousin Doug came to visit her for the first time and she waved at him. Guess she was looking for some new visitors!

The nurses are talking about giving her a trial run and just hooking an oxygen machine up to the respirator. This will help Kay get more used to breathing on her own. Just another amazing step she's taking towards recovery!

Everyone is so happy that Kay is back and bringing smiles to all of our faces, as we're used to! Her strength has been amazing and we know she will keep up the fight!

Continue to keep Kay in your prayers and leave her your words of encouragement. Before we know it she'll be back on the dance floor shaking her tailfeathers!

We Love You Kay!

Getting More Comfortable!

Great progress today! Kay was able to have her breathing tubes taken out and get the trach put in! This is a great step for her!

Before Kay went in to have the trach put in she was still doing great, recognizing her darling husband-rubbing his head and giving him smiles. They're definitely still newlyweds!

As Kay was coming out of the anesthesia she was already noticing the difference. She was feeling around her mouth, realizing the tubes and the tapes were gone. It's wonderful that she was able to tell the difference right away.

Kay continued to demonstrate what a fighter she is. She tried to arm wrestle with Cindy and Tina when they tried to put her arm down she looked right at them and resisted. There's the personality we all love!

Kay will probably have the trach in for 3-4 weeks, mainly as a precaution. No doubt she'll continue the fantastic progress that we've seen so far.

Her strength is amazing! Continue to keep Kay in your thoughts and prayers. The incredible support she is receiving from everyone is helping her and Devin and her family through. It's wonderful to see the support system Kay has.

We love you Kay!

Kay's Amazing Day Continued

Everyone is smiling today!

Kay's amazing progress continued yesterday! She seems to be understanding when people talk to her and is annoyed by her breathing tubes as if she wants to try to speak.

Devin was reading Kay his contract of all the things he has promised her when she wakes up...watch out Devin! While he was reading to her she gave him the okay sign as if to say.."Yeah, right you're going to let me do or have all those things!" So Kay!

Kay also continued to recognize some visitors. Magda and Melissa were visiting with her and she was playing with Magda's hair and earring and grabbed her around the waist as if to hug her. Melissa also told Kay she wanted to see the "peace and pound" sign next time she visited and Kay was able to do the pound sign.

It's so wonderful to see that shining personality start to come through again!

Kay's progress is amazing but she will continue to need our love and support!

Kay will probably have a few procedures today....something to keep her blood from clotting and hopefully she will get her breathing tubes out and the trach put in. This should be much more comfortable for her.

Keep praying for her!

We Love You Kay!

Her Best Day Yet!

Kay is having her best day yet! She is much more alert and has been able to keep her eyes open for longer periods of time! She is following voices around the room and was able to look at Cindy when Devin told her that Cindy was in the room. She also pursed her lips when Devin asked her for a kiss! Too cute! When Cindy and Devin were leaving the room and said they would be right back Kay was even able to point to them.

She's even been able to show the nurses her fingers and move them around when they ask her.

What an amazing day! Kay's progress is so much more than we expected at this point. She's already bringing smiles to all of our faces, as she always does!

Keep praying for her!

Let's hope for another double post day!

We Love You Kay!

Another Double Post Day!!!

This just in!!!

Kay opened her eyes again this evening for a bit longer than she previously had them open. She focused on the room a bit and then smiled at Devin! Thank goodness he was in the room!

The nurse also asked Kay to move her fingers and she was able to!

Another great day of progress! She doesn't give up!

We Love You Kay!

She's An Amazing Fighter!

We all know she is a fighter, but Kay is amazing us all! She doesn't give up!

Kay remained stable today. She was opening her eyes more and was able to follow her mom's voice when she spoke to her. Kay moved her head in her mom's direction when she was talking.

Kay is also responding to more subtle probes from the doctors. Today the doctor pulled the sheet over her head and she was able to push it down. Nobody covers up that beautiful face!

We all that Kay might be worn out from such an active weekend, but her fight continues.
Keep praying for her and leaving her your well wishes, she's come such a long way already!
We're so proud of her!

We Love You Kay!

She's Doing So Well, It's a Double Post Day!

Kay is having a wonderful day! It's no surprise to any of us how strong she is!

She continued to keep her temperature down today. Her activity kept up and best of all when one of the nurses asked Kay to show her a couple of fingers, the nurse thinks she did! It was hard to tell, but the nurse believes Kay was able to show her a few!

Kay continues to be such a fighter! We're so proud of her!

There must have been extra prayers said for Kay today. Keep them up! Everyone's well wishes, prayers and support are what are helping Kay, Devin and her family get through. Kay has amazing friends and family!

Kay may be exhausted tomorrow because she had such an active weekend, but let's hope she has another amazing week!

We Love You Kay!

Her Personality is Shining Through

We're starting to see more and more of the Kay we know and love! Last night she opened her eyes 3 times! Devin was even able to see one time, which is wonderful! She's still not opening them on command, but we know Kay, she does things when she wants to.

It's not even noon and she's already moving around tons today! We know she can't be still for long!

Another amazing day for her!

Keep praying for her, it's obviously working!

More updates this evening...

We Love You Kay!

She's Feelin' It

Kay is so strong! She had another good day! She was able to maintain her body temperature at 98.6 degrees all night. She spiked a fever earlier today but was able to bring it back down.

Throughout the day Kay was motioning with her left arm towards her breathing tube. She was feelin' it...she wants the dang tube out! She also opened her eyes for a brief moment for one of her nurses!

Everyday Kay amazes us with her fight and her progress. We're thankful that she is taking the time she needs to heal, but in typical Kay fashion she continues to give us hope and brighten our days with her signs of progress.

Devin & the O'Meara's continue to be strong for Kay. We all should wish for a support system as wonderful as they are!

Please continue to keep Kay in your thoughts and prayers. All of the wonderful support is so important to her progress now and throughout her journey.

We Love You Kay!

No News is Good News

Kay continued to remain stable today. Her temperature had gone up but she was able to bring it back down again. She has a slight fever, but this is just a result of the trauma. She continues to fight and keep her brain and blood pressure low. She is still being treated with antibiotics to fight the pneumonia she may have.

Kay is doing great. She's continuing to fight and take the time her body needs to heal. In just one week she has made wonderful progress.

As much as we all love to hear about the wonderful strides she makes in her recovery, we also want her to take the time she needs to heal.

We all can't wait to have the vivacious Kay we know and love back in our lives. Each day feels long but we all want what is best for Kay at this time.

Kay's family and friends continued to be overwhelmed by the wonderful thoughts that are shared with her everday. In such a difficult time every thought means so much. Kay will be so greatful when she sees the amount of love and support she has throughout the world.

Please continue to share your support for Kay!

We love you Kay!

Keep Praying For Her

Kay has remained stable today. She is still fighting! Her temperature had gone up today, but has since gone down. She's been coughing a bit so the doctors have begun treating her for pneumonia...not sure if she actually has it, but better to take precautionary measures.

Kay's eyes continue to flutter and one of the nurses who has been with her for the past 3 days believes she is in a lighter sleep now. The nurse has been working in the NICU for 40 years so she has to know what she's talking about!

Kay will probably get her breathing tube taken out next week which will be replaced with a trach. This will be better for her than being intubated.

Kay is continuing to fight and taking the time that she needs to heal.

Devin and Kay's family continue to be an amazing support system for her. Without them she would not have been able to come as far as she already has! She is so strong!

Please continue to prayer for Kay and leave your supporting comments for her. The amount of love that has been shown for her is amazing!

We love you Kay!