Stretching Exercises

We have stretches that we do with Ian every day and guess who can't be left out? He gets as close as possible while I'm working with Ian. Of course, Ian thinks it's hilarious and it helps distract him, although he doesn't seem to mind the stretching and even enjoys it.

Braces and Beniks

The latest additions to Ian's wardrobe consist of his new AFO's (braces) for his feet and ankles and Benik neoprene splints for his hands. The purpose of the braces is to keep his feet at a 90 degree angle to his legs. Apparently, it is common for children with CP to point their toes downward (which he hasn't done yet) so hopefully, we will keep it that way. He just got them today and couldn't take his eyes off of them, so we tooled around Riley with his pant legs pulled up. I don't know if you can tell, but there are cars and trucks on the straps! He got the splints while we were at the Riley CP clinic 2 weeks ago and doesn't really care for them, but thankfully, he only has to wear them for about 2 hours every day. He wears them while doing his stretches and while watching Bob, the Builder (the new movie fav!)

New Friends

Since Ian has moved to Indiana and become part of our family, that makes him part of the awesome KSBC family, too. The kids are getting used to the wheelchair and love to make him smile. His Sunday School teacher reports that everyone wants to sit by him, so they have to take turns. We are so thankful for these precious children who are becoming his friends. One special friend, named Trey, used his own money to buy gifts for Ian. One was a batmobile that Ian loves and the other was a drill. It has a red, flashing light and is the perfect size for his hand. He can even pull the "trigger" by himself. I cannot even tell you how much he loves this drill. He went through one set of batteries the first day and hasn't stopped drilling since. He has drilled every chair in our house, the table, the doors, the computer desk, the fireplace hearth, his wheelchair, the car seats, Dad's ear and Mom's nose. Thank you, Trey, being Ian's friend and sacrificing your own money to make him feel welcome!


Trey and Ian

Drilling the outlets

Showing off the drill

Sittin' on the Corner.....

Ian is fascinated and obsessed by big trucks, especially semi trucks and trailers, but also combines and tractors. When we are in the car, he points out every truck he sees and he can spot them a mile away. So, when the weather is nice, we will frequently take a walk to the end of our road and sit by Hwy 52 and watch the trucks go by. This is just a snapshot of how excited he gets when a big truck is coming.

Cool Dude!

We have ordered a new car seat for Ian, but since it will take awhile, the Riley Foundation provided us with one to get by with and Ian loves it! In fact, he doesn't want to get out of it and shakes his head "no" when we get home and tell him it's time to go inside. I usually let him stay in it while I carry everything in and take the dog out, etc. Since he's had this seat, he strikes this great pose as he rides along and it just cracks us up.

Gloomy Day Activity

Ian and I had plans to be outside yesterday afternoon, but it was so gloomy and a little rainy, so we stayed in and made a beautiful boat scene on his new Lite Brite (birthday gift from Drew and Elizabeth). He can't quite do it himself, but he had fun getting the little pegs out (they ended up on the floor more than once :-) and I held them in his fingers so he could put them in the holes. He concentrated so much and was so proud of the finished product. Of course, we turned the lights off to view it properly and took a picture:

Thanks for the Lite Brite, Drew and Elizabeth! We love you!

Belated Birthday Party!

Although Ian's birthday was Oct. 26, this past weekend was the earliest that everyone could get together, so we celebrated on Saturday. All the kids were here (Lindsay and Troy from Indy and Drew and Elizabeth from Louisville) as were both sets of grandparents (one from KY and the other from Danville). Ian's great grandmother was even able to help us celebrate! Also, an aunt and uncle and 6 cousins! Such fun! It took Ian about 30 seconds to learn how to open the gifts and he loved them all - from the trucks, tractor and phone to the clothes to the Lite Brite and Magna Doodle. The only bad part was that he would barely get them out and start using them when we made him open another one. So, today he enjoying playing with them at his pace.
Tom and I have been so thankful, humbled and overwhelmed by the way our family has welcomed and embraced Ian into the "clan". He is loved more than he can even comprehend right now.
Hanging out with big brother, Drew.

Monster truck from Troy and Lindsay (it rolls over anything and makes lots of noise, including some loud music that Ian loves to "dance" with.)

Opening some clothes, which he loves (he is very particular about what he wears!)

Showing off the birthday cake.

Saying good by to Mom-mom and Dad-dad (Tom's parents).