Here she is being congratulated by our principal, and then by her teacher.

Rachel was born August 31, 2004 with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. This blog follows Rachel's progress on the journey of repairs, her continued progress, and development into a young woman that brings many blessings. 
 Posts specific to cleft issues are listed on the right sidebar.

 Rachel has had speech therapy on a weekly basis since May 2010, with the exception of maybe four or five times we went two weeks between therapy, and those times were due to vacations, Rachel's surgery last November, as well as another time or two. But for the most part, it's been every week for the last 18 months!
Rachel has had speech therapy on a weekly basis since May 2010, with the exception of maybe four or five times we went two weeks between therapy, and those times were due to vacations, Rachel's surgery last November, as well as another time or two. But for the most part, it's been every week for the last 18 months!
 Rachel was very proud of her accomplishment, as you can see by the expression in that last picture! It was a fun speech activity to do, even if it was her birthday! :)
Rachel was very proud of her accomplishment, as you can see by the expression in that last picture! It was a fun speech activity to do, even if it was her birthday! :)
 Wednesday was Rachel's actual birthday. She was up and dressed and ready for school in no time, especially when it meant opening presents from Mommy and Daddy and a package that came in the mail from Great Grandma!
Wednesday was Rachel's actual birthday. She was up and dressed and ready for school in no time, especially when it meant opening presents from Mommy and Daddy and a package that came in the mail from Great Grandma! When Hannah was in 1st grade, it became my tradition to bring the girls lunch on their birthday. Of course Rachel picked McDonalds. And that is what she got! Hannah scored as well, because it was minimum day schedule, her lunch was immediately following Rachel's, so she scored a couple double cheeseburgers as well. :)
When Hannah was in 1st grade, it became my tradition to bring the girls lunch on their birthday. Of course Rachel picked McDonalds. And that is what she got! Hannah scored as well, because it was minimum day schedule, her lunch was immediately following Rachel's, so she scored a couple double cheeseburgers as well. :)  Rachel had speech following school, and her and Dr. D'Antonio did a special activity, which I'll blog about separately. But later that evening, we went to Applebees for dinner with Gramma and Papa, which is where Rachel picked to eat!
Rachel had speech following school, and her and Dr. D'Antonio did a special activity, which I'll blog about separately. But later that evening, we went to Applebees for dinner with Gramma and Papa, which is where Rachel picked to eat! Rachel got a guitar from Gramma and Papa. And is already rocking out and creating some tunes!
Rachel got a guitar from Gramma and Papa. And is already rocking out and creating some tunes!