thoughts on the brain

Of everything God created, I think the human brain might be the most amazing of all.

I just finished reading a book on the plasticity of the brain. Meaning, when a part that controls function X is injured, other parts can begin to slowly take over that function.

Being a doubter and a pessimist, and also working with people with severe brain injuries, I find it hard to believe most brains will just heal themselves. But this book has helped me understand cases where it does happen, and that as science improves, researchers are finding ways to help facilitate it happening more often. It's pretty amazing to think about.

A few examples:

A healthy 29 year old girl who was born without a left hemisphere. Yes, that's right, an entire half of her brain missing. You would think she would not even be able to live. But she has lived to 29 and lives with only mild disabilities, because the right hemisphere took over.

A woman who was given a huge overdose of a drug to fight a simple infection ends up with severe vestibular deficits (i.e. she can't even stand up without feeling so dizzy she falls down and is essentially bedridden). Using technology, scientists are able to "re-program" her brain to respond to an artificial receptor. And she was given her life back.

Worry. Something some of us are familiar with (me)! There are three parts of the brain at work when we worry. Essentially (in my way dumbed down understanding): 1. We detect a mistake or a problem, which sends a signal from the brain to the stomach and heart (why we physically feel dread or that "pit" feeling). 2. We fix the problem and 3. We move on. But in excessive worriers, step three can't happen easily, and since the cycle isn't complete, more and more happens of step 1 and 2.  Isn't that crazy and doesn't it just make sense? And, apparently therapists can teach you to re-train your brain so that step 3 does occur and the cycle does in fact complete. Hmmm. Perhaps I should look into that. :)

Stroke victims. People who have no sensation or feeling on, say, the left side of their body, will automatically use and become dependent on their right and have a "learned non-use" of the weak side. But, new research has shown that if they are not allowed to use the strong side at all and  are forced to use the weak, they will get  better results. So they put the good arm in a sling so they can't use it at all, for an intense period of therapy. And supposedly they have gotten great results. And it can work for speech, too.

Anyways. Just some thoughts after reading this book. I am no where near smart enough to even understand 5% of what real smart people know about the brain. But I just think it's so fascinating, the way it all works together, and when it doesn't, that it can fix itself. And that there are such intelligent minds who do understand this stuff and can make these scientific breakthroughs.

Some people say that this is all random, and evolutionized, but I can't help but think there is a mighty, genius, powerful mind behind our minds.

Kind of puts me into a state of awe...

pool and popsicles

Just a dancin' fool...

Happy Mothers Day!

Mothers Day 2010 has been a wonderful day! Here are the highlights:

• Church...good music, good message, good friends...thankful for that place and how it helps me draw closer to Him

• Matt taking my turn working in the nursery this week...thanks, babe. ;)
• A nap (while Saylor napped)...as you can see from the picture above, I needed it!
• A run with my mothers day gift (these were so overdue, my feet are beyond happy!)

• Dinner at Scalini's with my two favorites people. Pesto pizza, salad, a glass of wine, and no cleaning or cooking...my kind of dinner!

Saylor "made" this for me at Mothers Day Out...I know I am so sappy but I really almost cried when I saw it...the first thing she's ever made me and it's so pretty. :)

Thank you Saylor and Matt for giving me such a special day and making me feel loved and celebrated!
Saylor, I can't believe this was you at this time last year:


You have changed so much and somehow every day I love you more.  I love wathcing your little personality emerge and I love being the one who knows you so well. Being your mom is the most fun job I have ever had...I love you!

Also,

Happy Mothers Day to my mom! You are an amazing person and have made a tremendous impact on the person I am today. I love you and am thankful to call you my friend. I think I'm beginning to understand a tiny bit of all that being mom means and all that you have done for me over my lifetime. Just beginning. :) Thank you!

and...

Happy Mothers Day to my mom-in-law! You raised a man that I love more than I can ever express. And you are true example of perseverance and determination! I am so grateful...thank you!

I hope you both had wonderful days!

Love, Erica

Recent pictures

Here are a few pictures from our past few days....we've been enoying the gorgeous weather and spending lots of time outside!

Saylor and Harper chillin out

On a wagon ride with Mae...so much fun!

Saylor and Mae eating dinner together (Saylor tried to steal some of Mae's food...sorry about that Mae). :)

Thought I'd capture what brushing teeth has turned into recently. She doesn't like it unless:

SHE can do it!

Playing at the park

Today we sat in the front yard for awhile, hanging out with neighbors and eating some delicious watermelon. It was a nice, relaxing way to end the weekend! Hope you had a nice weekend too!