(This post written by Dan)
It’s valentines day, and while Max and Becky get to celebrate, here’s a gift for all of you!
(Link for phones that don’t like playing videos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CD4AqusFkTmonFbr6 )
This is Olivia using her “Speaking Valve.” It’s a one-way valve that allows her to breathe IN through her trach, but forces her to breathe OUT through her mouth and nose. And it allows air to pass over her vocal chords. She only uses this for 30-45 minutes a day (slowly increasing over time) so there aren’t a lot of opportunities for her to get used to making noises on her own.
But here’s our girl with her very first laugh!! (Well second, but the camera wasn’t running for the first.)
Hope you’re all doing well! -Dan
Just 💘 it. What a wonderful Valentine’s day.