Well, I first want to apologize that I have not been better on keeping up with our Family Blog. Alot has happened in the last 6 months.
So here goes an update.............
As for Braden, he is the best little "big" man on campus at the moment. He has recovered beautifully from his surgery. We were home on July 16th and the first few weeks at home were difficult with Braden's walking abilities being the most pressing issue. Since The 3rd week of July we have been in Physical therapy 1-2 times per week and are on the home stretch. Our physical therapist is AMAZING, her name is Katie and she has the patience of Job. She is so wonderfully motivating with Braden and he has improved steadily over the last 6 months. He is currently able to walk and run comfortably. In our eyes he is back to our lil man who is full of lots of energy and the spunky attitude of a 6 year old.
Braden started 1st grade on August 24th. On August 23rd we went to a doctors appointment with our Nephrologists(kidney doctor) at Akron Children's Hospital. Dr. Prebis was VERY impressed with Braden's results to date and we don't have to come back for 3 months (YEAH!). So, that night we got home and prepared Braden for his 1st day of First Grade. To say the least I was a ball of nerves and had diligently prepared a list of signs and symptoms/do's and don't/information on Braden's surgery for Braden's teachers, principal and school administration. When I dropped all of the paperwork off I basically told them that in the event that the squad(aka 911) would need to be called hand them the paper and it has all the information that would be needed. There eyes got so big and I had to reassure them that Braden is very stable and this would not probably happen but "just in case."
So first grade has been very good to Braden and he has adjusted well. As the school year began Braden had many restrictions due to the Major nature of his surgery. His restrictions were he was not able to run, go outside for recess or participate in gym class. His teacher Mrs.Scheurer was amazing and would let Braden pick out 1 friend each day at recess to stay inside and play with leggos or trucks, puzzles and games. He was such a trooper. In October we went back to the University of Michigan for a follow-up appointment and testing. While there Braden has a Vascular Stress Test where he laid down and had his arm and leg Blood pressures taken then he had to walk on a treadmill for 8 minutes and have his blood pressures retaken. The results were wonderful and our surgeon Dr Stanley was VERY impressed. Braden was very excited to ask Dr. Stanley a very important question. So he asked Dr Stanley in the cutest voice ever if he could play in gym class and go to recess. Dr. Stanley made Braden do a sit up and to our surprise the answer was "YES!" Ian and I just looked at each other in disbelief. And then I got VERY nervous. So on the way home from Michigan Ian and I had a very serious talk about the do's and don't of recess and gym and Braden was very reassuring to us that he knows when it is tooo much. So the next day when I walked Braden into school, he was so excited to tell his friends the good news. This moment reminded me how incredibly lucky I am to have a happy and healthy son, a loving husband who has gotten me through the tough times.
In early 2011, Braden went back to his Nephrologist and was completely taken off of his BP(blood pressure) medication. We are very excited because that is one step closer to becoming "normal" again. He will continue to take a daily baby aspirin and multivitamin. Braden continues to be in Physical therapy every other week for 1 day and his balance and strength have steadily become normal again.
Braden is getting very excited about the upcoming Soccer season and will be playing for St. Peters and he cannot wait. He had to sit out 1 season due to the surgery and he is looking forward to being the BEST soccer player EVER!!! And Ian and I are excited once again to be the proud parents in the stand rooting him on.
Ian and I feel so blest to have a healthy and happy lil man who has overcome each obstacle that has been placed in his path. He is our tiny lil miracle who continues to bless our lives richly each and everyday.
I am hoping to keep up with this blog weekly if not more in the coming months, so stay tuned for more info on the Ball Family.
