Therapies in Full Swing

It’s been a little while since we’ve shared an update on our girl, so figured one was overdue. We’re happy to say that Dallas’s calendar is now fully booked—and for once, that’s a very good thing. We FINALLY have what feels like all the therapy players in motion: PT, OT, Speech, and Feeding are all active and in place.

In addition, we’ve welcomed a couple of new therapies into the mix. Dallas has started MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) and Cranial Sacral massage therapy. MNRI is a movement and sensory-based therapy approach that helps integrate immature or unresolved primitive reflexes, which can improve motor skills, cognition, sensory processing, and even emotional regulation. The cranial sacral massage therapy, meanwhile, uses light touch on the skull, spine, and pelvis to ease tension and normalize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. It’s gentle but powerful work, aiming to reduce stress and pain while supporting the body’s natural healing processes. We believe these two added therapies could play an important role in Dallas’s continued recovery.

Of course, some nights have been restless ones, with Dallas struggling to get consistent sleep. Those nights often lead to hard days filled with heavy eyelids and fatigue. Thankfully, she’s been on a better run the last several days—we’ll take that trend and keep cheering for it to continue.

Another big change at home has been PopPop’s presence. Heather’s dad is now with Dallas during the weekdays, and it has truly been a gamechanger. Having family around brings a comfort and warmth that no industry caregiver in scrubs can quite replicate. Dallas knows she’s safe and loved, and that makes a difference.

We’re also excited to share that Dallas is now visiting her school one to three days a week, with the goal of building toward at least one full day each week. It has been so good for her spirit to be around her peers—to hear their laughter, watch them play, and just be included in something she can look forward to. We even added a disc-style swing at her school as a playground addition, one she can use, and the other kids have been enjoying it too. Watching her have those moments of connection and a sense of normalcy feels like such an important part of her healing process.

Speech therapy at home is set to officially kick off this week, and we’re eager to see where it leads. In just the last few days, Dallas has been more intentional with her vocal sounds. Earlier this week, in the middle of the night, she seemed absolutely adamant about wanting to “talk.” For us, this has been one of the hardest parts—her not being able to fully express what she feels, needs, or wants. But her determination shines through, and we’re hopeful that words aren’t too far away.

Every day we remind Dallas of her strength, her wins, and of the army of people rooting for her near and far. I’ve even been working on a little book project for her—something age-appropriate that tells her story and helps fill in the gaps. Nothing fancy, just a simple printed 8×8 hardcover from Walgreens most likely. Our hope is that as she grows, having this tangible reminder of all she’s overcome will bolster her understanding, her confidence, and her spirit now and moving forward.

As always, thank you for walking alongside us, for praying, for loving, and for cheering our family on. We feel it, and Dallas does too.

“Like a small boat on the ocean, sending big waves into motion.” – Rachel Platten, “Fight Song”

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