Communicating

Tyler found a new way to communicate! He's typing. His first try at his name was "6tylrrr" but then he did it perfectly in therapy! Pretty soon he'll be telling us exactly what he wants and I can't wait to see what he has to say!

This opens new doors for Tyler because he can tell us all what he wants until he can get the words out. The prayers for him have been helping and we are all thrilled!

Thanks for the continued prayers and thoughts sent his way... Keep it up and he'll be typing stories and telling jokes!

-Mom, Dad, Abbey, Sunnie & Caroline

Constant Improvements

Mom, Dad, Sunnie and I got to see Tyler on Saturday. Thanks to Auntie Barb for taking the kids in Oshkosh so they weren't stuck in the car.

Tyler gave tons of thumbs up signs to us and seemed glad to see us. We didn't get much time with him but we'll be going back soon. Tyler is making constant improvements. Things are looking great for him and his hard work is paying off in amazing ways! He has been giving smiles and thumbs up signs. Today he said "HI"! We all wish we were there to hear him speak again, we miss his voice so much. It'll be great when we can call him and chat! Maybe an iPhone is in his future, apps, email, myspace and phone calls... I think he'd love it!

We are all so happy about his progress and know that he'll be talking to us soon. Hopefully Dad gets to hear him talk when he visits this week!

-Abbey

Day 78

Tyler has made continuous progress since my last post. Unfortunately, I haven't spent much time with him. Hopefully I'll have more updates after this weekend when his Dad visits.

Tyler is making a lot of purposeful movements. He gave his Dad a "thumbs up" as he entered Tyler's room as a "hi". He's mumbling a lot and if he's mumbling, he'll be talking soon!

We are all waiting patiently for him to start talking - I know he has a lot to say! We're still praying for Tyler every night and Steven & Gracey are very excited for Uncle Tyler to be out of the hospital so they can visit... Steven know wants to become a doctor so he can help (he's almost 4, so he has a long time before he's able to go to med school, but he is willing to do anything he can to help his Uncle).

-Abbey

Day 19

Finally Tyler is out of the hospital! He's taking in his new surroundings at Sacred Heart in Milwaukee. This is a huge step for Tyler's recovery because Sacred Heart offers exactly what he needs in terms of rehab. For one it means his infection is under control and he's healthy enough to be transferred. Once he's awake he'll be cracking jokes with his therapists there and keeping everyone on their toes. We are all so happy about his transfer that it feels like nothing can bring us down! :)

The Schlei Family: Bruce, Kelly, Caroline, Abbey & Sunnie

Day 18

Tyler's infection is reacting to the antibiotics so we're all very happy! Dad got updates from the nurse again today and hopefully will get to see Tyler tomorrow. We are still thrilled about Tyler's smile and we're hoping to see many many more soon...

Not much more to update, but we're still praying and hoping to see Tyler soon. :)

Day 16

Tyler got to see his dad today for a few hours. We are all excited to be updated on his status, and it's still good. Tyler looked at his dad while he was talking and Dad believes Tyler was listening to him and even wanted to smile. :) A smile would be amazing!

Tyler is on antibiotics for a fever, but it's under control and he's doing well. We all knew infection would be a risk, but he's in a good hospital with good care and he won't let a little fever slow his recovery if he can help it! He's way too stubborn for that.

We're all still praying and can't wait to see Tyler again, even if he can't yet smile (but hopefully he can soon!).

Love, The Schlei Family

Photos

Ok... I tried to upload a slideshow/video, but I'm just not that good, so here are some photos that we found (Thanks, Kailyn!) Hopefully soon I'll find a better way to post more pictures (lots more to be added) but for right now, I'll keep this up... Anyone that wants photos added, please email me at arihtarshick@gmail.com.

Thanks!

-Abbey


Dad & Tyler


Family Photo


Kailyn, Aunt Janet, Dad and Tyler


Mom (Kelly), Dad, Sunnie & Tyler



Dad & Tyler playing baseball at Grandma & Grandpa's


Tyler & Uncle Cork - Sharing their birthday cake


Tyler & Alysia in the UP