Happy Birthday Miss Miri

Nov. 1, 2011

Miss Miri turned 14 yesterday! We spent the evening with our dear friends, the Johnson's. Here is a picture of Miri with Callie and Cole :). How we thank the Lord for our girlie!!

Brain Balance Update

October 27, 2011

Something HUGE happened yesterday! Miri's understanding of her emotions and ability to express them in words has been such a challenge for her. To give an example, she has never said someone hurt her feelings or that she is angry. (She is turning 14 next week) Yesterday, she came to me and said that she was feeling jealous and asked me what to do!!! We were told at Brain Balance that we would start seeing her grasp abstract concepts as her therapy continued...but to actually see it happen is truly a miracle! Thank you Lord!

We appreciate your prayers as we have 6 more weeks to go!!

Brain Balance Progress Report

Oct. 5, 2011

This past Monday we were given Miri's first Brain Balance Progress report. After 21 days...

"Mirielle has gone up 2 age levels in Fine Motor, Proprioception, Supine Core, and Lateral Core! She has gone up one age level in Prone Core, Brachiation and Gait/Aerobics. In reading Mirielle has gone from 2nd to 3rd grade in Drawing Conclusions and is working on 2nd grade Getting the Main Idea. In Math she is working on 2nd grade multi step word problems involving addition and subtraction. "

We are now to increase the number of push-ups and sit-ups, and also have Miri do a fine motor skill activity daily (pick up small paperclips in a bowl and transfer to another bowl quickly for 30 sec.). Lastly, we are to have her play "Concentration" several times a week to help with memory.

We are also seeing a rapid increase in Mirielle's vocabulary as well as increased proper use of vocabulary :). She has always been witty but she is truly becoming a little comedian!

We have about 9 more weeks to go!

Left Brain/Right Brain

Sept. 20, 2011

We're working hard to stimulate M's right side of the brain. I wanted to look again at what each hemisphere of the brain controls/produces and found this chart:

Reading this... I think I am more left brained but I am convinced I need to stimulate both sides :).

What is your strong side?

Brain Balance Home Program

Sept. 14, 2011

Today was our 2nd day implementing the home portion of Brain Balance. The home portion for Mirielle, which is to target her right brain and particular struggles, includes:

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing. One exercise I teach my voice students is the "4-7-8". Breathe in thru your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 then blow out (thru your mouth) for 8 seconds. Make sure your ribs are expanding when you take in your breath :). Sooooo good for the body, soul and mind!

2. Eye Exercises. She does wide eye stretches- Near-Far Focusing, Slow Eye Movements and Eye Alignment Exercises. Each exercise is done for 1 minute- at least 3x a day.

3. Core Exercises. Push-ups/9 total 2x a day/increasing amount as she's able

Sit-ups/12 total-2x a day/increasing amount as she's able.

4. Primitive Reflexes. An example of a primitive reflex is when you put your finger in a baby's hand- it always closes. Primitive reflexes should disappear during the first year of life. Miri has 3 still active. These exercises will help them disappear which will enable appropriate development of her brain. She does a grasp exercise and Independent Thumb Movement exercise (Palmar Reflex), a floor exercise called Superman :) (Landau Reflex) and a chair exercise called the Star Fish (Moro Reflex). Each exercise done 2-3x a day.

5. Listening. Miri listens to a CD in her left ear only -for 10-15 min./3x a day that specifically stimulates the right side of the brain.

Her lab work will be done soon to check for food sensitivities which will most likely change her diet. We have also limited her computer/TV time to a total of 1 1/2 hours a day per their instructions.

I will post as I begin to observe any changes in Miri! We so appreciate your prayers!

Here's a little video of artist Zac Brown promoting the Brain Balance at one of his concerts!

Brain Balance has Begun!

Sept. 12, 2011

Earlier this year I attended a seminar led by a Dr. Robert Melillo. It was there that I learned about brain integration therapy. Here's a little interview that gives an overview of what the Brain Balance Centers offer.

Today Miri had her first of 36 therapy sessions that will occur over the next 12 weeks. We will also be responsible to do diaphragmatic, listening, physical and eye exercises daily (at home) for the next 12 weeks. We will be getting lab work done to check for food sensitivities, which in turn could drastically change Miri's diet. She will be limited to 1 1/2 hours (total) of computer or TV watching. Are you all praying for us yet? :) Tomorrow we begin the home portion and I will be required to document any changes in her behavior or function. We're praying this will greatly serve our girlie!