Mid-March News

Shortly after our last post, Grandma Sladek came to visit.  She coordinated her visit with mid-winter break for Jadon and Kalina.  The timing was also good because it allowed me to go to some meetings at Children’s (Andy and I are parent advisors there).  Grandma got to go to some appointments with us and I got to go on a field trip with Jadon (she stayed an extra week just for that one  J).   We don’t have the best weather in February but we were able to do some things.  We had fun with her at the aquarium, went out to eat a lot and we tried some new recipes.  Kalina and Grandma did lots of look and find books.  Kalina loves those right now.  We also had a fun game day where we played lots of games while it was not so nice outside.  She was also here for my birthday!  I think the last time we were together on my birthday was when I turned 21 and she and my Dad surprised me and came to U of I and took Andy and I to dinner.  She and Kalina and Jadon helped make me a great cake (designed by Kalina). 

While Grandma was here, Jadon had his 3 month post-op appointment.  He had some x-rays and everything looks good.  Jadon talked to Dr. White about wearing his brace and confirmed that he can wear it as long as he wants.  Dr. White has a great way to talking with Jadon and they discussed maybe not wearing it by this summer because it will be so warm.  The main drawback to wearing it so much is that it delays his recovery some but the main plus is extra strength and protection.  Since Jadon is wearing his brace so much still, we got the Velcro replaced.  Now he looks a lot cleaner.  J  He is most worried about not wearing his brace at school.  He told his teacher he is worried about someone bumping into him and making him fall without it.  For now, he removes his brace for OT/PT at school and that is about it.  At home, he is wearing his brace less.  Last Saturday he did not wear his brace at all and Sunday he only wore it when we left to go to the store.  Yeah for Jadon!

Kalina received new handlebars for her bike and now she is a super great rider!  Her speed increased 30-65%, based on times from her therapist.  When she rides here bike up-hill she says to herself, “pedal, pedal, pedal” until she makes it to the top.  Very cute.  If anyone is in the market for a custom bike, make sure you consider ME and Hoop's Custom Creations (http://www.facebook.com/Meandhoopscustomcreations?ref=ts).  Kalina’s bike has brought her so much joy and fun.  I am trying to get a good video of her riding to post. 

Kalina has also been working on walking by herself.  She gets so excited that she can usually manage a few steps before collapsing in your arms while giggling.  The other day she did walk about 10 steps.  She was so happy.

Just before Grandma came, Kalina got her first haircut.  She was not sure if she should be excited or terrified.  We ended up just getting a little trimmed off the ends but it is so much easier to comb now.  Kalina has told us she is excited about her next haircut. 

Jadon and Kalina have both had a cough lately.  It is hard for them because once they start coughing it is very hard to stop.  It is partially because their airways are still so floppy.  When they cough, their airways flop and get irritated which just causes more coughing.   I think they both finally slept better last night.

We are headed to Illinois for part of Spring Break in April.  We decided to fly to St. Louis this time, near Grandma and Grandpa Sladek.  We are looking forward to meeting Jadon’s and Kalina’s newest cousin, Grant (he was born in October but we have not met him yet).  Kalina is very excited about feeding him a bottle.  She is a little obsessed with babies.  Whenever she hears one crying she wants to go and help.  Luckily, we should be able to see my side of the family plus Andy’s parents and sister and family.  Hopefully we will have some nice weather.