Getting Stronger!

"You haven't forgotten about me, have you?!"

So I thought I'd write a little bit about my big slug, Cayden today! We have almost hit the 6 month mark since his last break...and boy is that something to celebrate! He is getting stronger as each day passes, and it thrills me to watch him grow and find new abilities. He started his weekly physical therapy sessions last week, with Miss. Ann Marie, who he adores. They have so much fun together! I'm pretty sure he really just likes her for all of the fun toys, gadgets and obstacles she has...but we'll let her think it's because of her bubbly personality! I'm convinced he thinks its like Christmas every time we walk through those playroom doors - Stairs, Trampolines, Gym mats, Bicycles, Tricycles, Balls, Dinosaurs, Cars - you name it, she's got it...and all at his fingertips for one hour every Tuesday morning! Ann Marie will be our therapist each week, and she is aware of his history of club foot and his newly diagnosed OI, and can't wait to help him strengthen his muscles, joints, and in-turn his bones. We work on walking on different terrains to help with balance, climbing and descending stairs, jumping, kicking, and riding a bike. It's so fun for him, and he's convinced we're only playing, but I see his little muscles and joints working, and his confidence building with each new activity mastered. We were told that we have to start letting him do more things on his own, within reason, to continue with progress at home. Cyle and I find that we have been restricting his activities to try our best to prevent breaks, but we're beginning to realize that there will be much less progress and strengthening if we don't let him do things on his own. So that's our homework each week...Cayden's is to climb the stairs and ride his tricycle!

We also saw Dr. Ballock last week! We have visits with him every 6 months to monitor his feet and ankles (unless we see him more frequently due to breaks). Cayden absolutely adores Dr. Ballock too. He's learned to say his name, and is always so excited to go to "Dr. Ballock's HOUSE!" On our way to his office last week he spent the whole car ride laughing and smiling and so excited to be going to "Dr. Ballock's house." Then we got there, and he walked into our room and Cayden just froze. Would not talk to him, and would hardly look at him! I was so disappointed because I wanted Dr. Ballock to see how excited he always is to talk about him and to see him... the BONE doctor! Oh well! That's a 2 year old for ya! Anyway, the appointment went very well - he's excited that Cayden is walking so well, we talked about the plan to return to Shriner's in a year, and he looked over his feet and told us that everything is still looking great! No visit again for another 6 months!! (We hope!)

"We're almost to Dr. Ballock's House!"

There he is! And everyone's happy but Mr. Cayden.

"Oh yeah...I'm still doing a great job at being a big brother too! It's a hard job, but someone's gotta do it!"