I'm happy to report that things have been going well with Ben. He just saw GI and Endocrine this week and both were happy with his growth. Ben's really had a growth spurt lately and he's finally GROWN OUT of his 18-24 month pants. He's now moved up to a big old 2T! And wearing a 3T in tops... and we don't have to roll the pant legs or sleeves anymore. What a big guy! He's following his own curve on the growth chart too, so that's good news. Even though he is only the third percentile for height and 10th for weight, as long as he doesn't fall off his curve they don't plan on doing anything. Ben is also going to get one huge dose of Vit D (50,000 IU) every three months to help him maintain his Vit D since he has had trouble in the past with it and it may be causing his low bone density.
Ben recently got fitted for a wheelchair and we are excited to get it. I was shocked to hear that the wheelchair fitting team at Children's Hospital thought he was mentally ready for either a manual wheelchair that he pushes or a power chair. But since the manual wheelchair doesn't have storage for his medical equipment and he's never been in one to see how he does, we weren't ready to go with that option yet. And the power chair requires ramps in the house, van, etc, we weren't ready for that either. We decided to go with something we push for now and in about 3 years get him one of the above. In the meantime we can work on both options with a therapist so he'll be ready for one or the other when the time comes. Not only will his wheelchair make him a star at wheelchair soccer and the envy of all his friends b/c of the highlighter green color and glow in the dark feature, it will also make life much easier for us. We are praying insurance covers 100% of the cost of the chair because if it has to go to Waiver for approval, they are running on a 336 day turnaround... which is crazy to me. It would take about three months if insurance pays for all of it. The chair Ben is getting is called a Zippy (which makes it sound motorized, but isn't). Below is a pic.
Hippo Therapy is starting up again in May and we are looking forward to another good 6-week session.
I have also started selling my handmade greeting cards/stationary/invitations/birth announcements. If you ever need anything, keep me in mind. My website is http://www.mylittlescrapstore.com/
Ben recently got fitted for a wheelchair and we are excited to get it. I was shocked to hear that the wheelchair fitting team at Children's Hospital thought he was mentally ready for either a manual wheelchair that he pushes or a power chair. But since the manual wheelchair doesn't have storage for his medical equipment and he's never been in one to see how he does, we weren't ready to go with that option yet. And the power chair requires ramps in the house, van, etc, we weren't ready for that either. We decided to go with something we push for now and in about 3 years get him one of the above. In the meantime we can work on both options with a therapist so he'll be ready for one or the other when the time comes. Not only will his wheelchair make him a star at wheelchair soccer and the envy of all his friends b/c of the highlighter green color and glow in the dark feature, it will also make life much easier for us. We are praying insurance covers 100% of the cost of the chair because if it has to go to Waiver for approval, they are running on a 336 day turnaround... which is crazy to me. It would take about three months if insurance pays for all of it. The chair Ben is getting is called a Zippy (which makes it sound motorized, but isn't). Below is a pic.
Hippo Therapy is starting up again in May and we are looking forward to another good 6-week session.
I have also started selling my handmade greeting cards/stationary/invitations/birth announcements. If you ever need anything, keep me in mind. My website is http://www.mylittlescrapstore.com/
This has been a great thing for me because I'm able to make a little something while still being home with Ben. And I find creating cards a great way to express creativity and escape from the stresses of life.
5 comments:
AWESOME!! Eva has a Zippy as well but hers she can move on her own. I hope Ben's chair is not to heavy to left I know Eva's last one was really heavy but her zippy is much lighter.
I am also happy to hear all the other happy news all around.
hugs,
Crystal and Eva
Glad to hear Ben is doing so well! Getting so big! The new chair looks very cool, I hope insurance does cover it. And I will take a look at your website too!
Hope you get good news from your insurance about the wheelchair!
I can attest to Amy's talents in making beautiful cards, invitations, etc. She's helping me put together an open house for all of Katie's educational team members from the past 5 years, and her creativity is amazing!
Yeah for growth spurts! Totally understand why are you excited! The new chair is awesome!
God Bless,
Brian, Sarah, and Caleb Hlebiczki
Yay for Ben... growing and a new chair! Hope that it goes through insurance quickly!
Gracie's new chair (her manual chair) does not have any room for her equipment, either. I carry everything. And, to add weight to the back of it means we have to add weight to the front (which is challenging) or she's too back heavy and at risk for wheelies when going over bumps or up inclines. We knew that going in... figuring her independence was more important. It is, but, let me tell you how tired my shoulders and back are now! Needless to say, big outings like the aquarium and Disneyland are going to take some planning... we don't want to be carrying all her stuff around all day!
I guess that is all food for thought when you get three years down the road! :-)
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