It seems hard to believe that back in January, we almost lost our daughter, Isabella Maria.  Now she's continuing to make strides in her recovery, and we are amazed, pleased at how far she's come.

Isabella nearly drowned.  When our other child, Guiseppe, found her, she was blue, completely lifeless, without breath.  She looked dead.  We thought we'd lost her.  It was one of the most terrifying moments of our lives.

Last time I wrote, Isabella had just gotten her feeding tube removed and was taking her first (tentative) steps (with a walker, but at least she was walking).  Now she is walking without any assistance whatsoever.  She is saying her first words.  It is so good to hear her angelic voice once again; we've missed it so much!

Isabella is eating again, gaining lost weight, growing taller, turning into a beautiful little lady.  Now, she will be going to school for children with special needs; doctors feel this is best until she catches up developmentally with her peers.

She will be in the first grade.  A new adventure for her, and also for Guiseppe, who is glad that his sister is now returning to renewed health.  He didn't think this day would ever come; he was so sure he wouldn't have a sister.  The memory of his sister lying cold, lifeless on the floor still causes him to have nightmares every night, and he's turned quiet, reserved.  The accident affected our son in more ways than what people realize.

Ever since the accident, Guiseppe is scared to leave her side.  He wants to be with her constantly; when he has to leave her, he cries or gets upset. 

School for both Guiseppe and Isabella starts in just a few short weeks.  We will soon be without children in the house, if only for a few short precious hours; Antonio (my husband) and I are both looking forward to it.

Well, I have to get the kids to bed; it's way past their bedtime.  Have to start putting them both to bed earlier, so they can get used to getting up for when school starts up.  I will write in here again soon; until next time, take care and God bless!

~Angela Rivas. :)

~To be continued.~