"Lily Kate UP!"

So much has happened since my last post in October. That blog focused on our first time giving her Emergency seizure medication (Diastat) for the first time.  Since then we have given it to her over 30 times.  Needless to say our seizure control has not changed much.  We are still doing the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) for seizure control in addition to 3 different medications that are administered 3 times per day.  We return to the doctor in a few weeks to see what our next steps are.  I'm pretty certain that we will begin the Ketogenic diet to help with control.  The Keto diet is an extreme diet where the majority of calories (80%) come from fat.  Think butter, coconut oil, whipping cream, nuts, mayo, etc...  The idea of the diet is that the body teaches itself to burn fat rather than carbohydrates by omitting carbs almost completely.  By teaching the brain to run on of fat instead of glucose there are less opportunities for the brain to misfire.  The diet raises ketones thus helping with seizure control. (Experts aren't exactly sure how this diet works but it does for some.) However, the diet is only effective for 50% of children that try it.  Let's all hope this is what works for her.  Also, since October Lily Kate got a baby sister!  Maddy Beth was welcomed into the world on December 22, 2013.  She loves to eat, cry and be held.  =)  Lily Kate is slowly becoming ok with not being the only princess in the house.  And every time she says her sister's name (Maaaa-Deee) she also says the word "cry".  

We are so proud of our Lily Kate.  Although she was a little stressed out at first with Maddy Beth's presence she is overcoming all the change.  Lily Kate is walking and standing up unassisted!  She's not quite ready to go out on a playground and play by herself because her balance creates such an obstacle for her.  Regardless she is doing well.  Thank you Lord.  I often wonder what things the Lord is already protecting Lily Kate from.  I'm certain there are much worse seizures He is protecting her from and worse developmental delays he is protecting her from.  Who knows what else!  Even though the road is tough it could always be tougher.  I'm thankful for how far Lily Kate has come!  She reminds me that each day is precious and a special gift.  May we forever stay in the moment and rejoice in it!

Here's a video of her standing up and walking.  Maddy Beth is our background music.  =)
Lily Kate Update 2014