Quinn update

We visited a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor at Gillette Children's Clinic this afternoon with Quinn. Our physical therapy team referred us to him to give us some insight on Quinn's possible pain level and the bracing options that may be available to help Quinn regain more use of his right leg. The visit was extremely positive, Dr. Taniguchi was impressed with Quinn's overall function and said he was "cautiously optimistic" about Quinn's recovery at this time. Quinn demonstrated spontanous movement in ALL major muscle groups and showed off some of his new crawling skills. We are going to hold off on any bracing or casting at this time since Quinn is motiviated to crawl and the doctor does not want to do anything to discourage that at this time. We have another appointment in 4 weeks to monitor his progress and re-visit some of the issues with Quinn's right leg. There are a few unknowns for Quinn's future, especially in regards to his bowl and bladder control. Only time will tell if he will have issues in the future. Chris and I are beyond happy at this time, we are thrilled with the progress that Quinn has made so far and relieved that he is still the happy little guy that he has always been. I am planning on returning to work after this week but will continue to take Quinn to his PT & OT appointments. Quinn visited daycare for a few hours this week and I think Ben was happy to have him there again. Ben started another semester of Kindermusik this week. He has some of the same kids in his class from last semester and a few new faces as well. I love being able to spend some time alone with Ben and being able to watch him play and interact with others.
Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and thoughtful words over the past few weeks. We really cannot tell how much this has meant to us.

Ben's new skates!

New skates on!

Quinn trying on Ben's helmet.

New skates off!

Ben likes playing hockey so far...

Matthew teaching Ben the ropes.

Ben received hockey skates from his godparents, Beth & Wade, for Christmas. He also got a helmet and stick! We took the skates to Hat Trick in Anoka to get them sharpened for the first time. Ben got a few lessons from his cousins in stick-handling but he wasn't too keen on trying on his helmet!

Grandma & Quinn

Ben doing PT with Grandma - practicing his kneeling!

Out for a walk in January

Ben throwing the ball to Bella.

Ben commandeering the wagon.

We actually got to take Ben outside for a walk one Sunday afternoon in January. Ben took over the wagon about 1/2 way through the walk and he really enjoyed playing with Bella. Unfortunately, winter came storming back very soon and we are back to playing inside!

Papa Teaching Ben to catch - 1st lesson

Ben loves to "play" baseball. He usually is the batter but thanks to a Christmas gift of a glove from Great-Aunt Peg and Great-Uncle Larry, he now wants to catch also. Papa has taken over the task of teaching him to catch and here is a glimpse of one of those "lessons".

RSV Strikes the Kollasch Household

Ben getting his first treatment at home with Mom.

Dad and Grandma trying to bribe Ben with Teddy Grahams and Quinn seeing what all the commotion is about.

Early morning treatment with Mom and yes I did just wake up!

Ben came down with RSV, a very common respiratory virus among children, this week. After a visit to the doctor, we are now the proud owners of a nebulizer and Ben has won a week at home with mom so we don't infect the rest of his daycare! Quinn made his own trip to the doctor today, because we know how much brothers like to share everything, and he will begin his own nebulizer sessions today. We are going to try and make the boys as comfortable as possible and hopefully this will pass soon!

The Sleeping Habits of a 2 Year Old

Ben was such an amazing sleeper for the first 24 months of his life - we were truly lucky. He would go to bed without a fuss and sleep a good 12 hours in his own bed. He wouldn't even get out of bed on his own, he would wait for someone to come into his room. That all changed on December 30, 2009 - the night Ben figured out how to climb out of bed on his own and open his door. I woke up to find him standing beside our bed with no intention of sleeping alone anymore. Now he fights going to bed and ends up falling asleep in the hallway by the gate. We put him in his own bed and he starts showing up in our bed around 1 am. Everyone says this is just a phase - I sure hope its a short one!