Posted: Feb 15, 2011 2:54 PM
HOUSTON - Rep. Gabrielle Giffords got a Valentine's Day gift of tulips and toast from her husband Mark Kelly yesterday, according to a status update from her Facebook page.
The update reads:
"Gabrielle Giffords Beautiful Valentine's Day flowers from Mark to Gabby. Tulips...and toast. Many wishes from the Giffords family and staff for a happy Valentine's Day to everyone."
Last week, a member of Giffords' staff confirmed that the injured congresswoman asked for toast with her breakfast - this was the first reported instance of her speaking.
Since then, she has reportedly been relearning how to speak by mouthing lyrics of songs, including "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," and "Happy Birthday."
The New York Times reported that she talked briefly to her brother-in-law Scott Kelly aboard the International Space Station, saying "Hi, I'm good," according to her Chief of Staff Pia Carusone.
Giffords began intensive rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston last month after being shot in the head on January 8. Doctors say they have been amazed with her progress.
While rehabilitating, Giffords receives regular bedside briefings from her staff.
"We tell her everything that's going on," Carusone said. "Don't get the idea she's speaking in paragraphs, but she definitely understands what we're saying and she's verbalizing."
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