Friday, March 24, 2006

Health Update

Time for a general health update on everybody as we’re all working with our doctors on our health (something you should be doing too).

Ben is still strong and gets around without too many falls despite the near paralysis of his right side. He’s had a few headaches that we’ve been able to control with Motrin. We have a store of stronger pain meds from the hospice nurses that we haven’t had to reach for yet. He gets frustrated with the constant offerings of help from us and the problems he has using his right hand.

Melinda had her first ultrasound of the baby yesterday. They’re both doing great and the baby is the exact size it should be for eleven weeks. Ben and Madie loved hearing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, but were a little let down that there’s only one baby as they were sure it would be twins. Better luck next time, kids.

Madie has her fifth annual checkup next week, but we haven’t told her about the booster shots yet. Melinda has enrolled her in a second day of gymnastics every week to keep her activities going.

I’ve had several doctor appointments this week dealing with my blood pressure. I’ll spare you the details on wonderful tests I’ve had (and still have to come). The good news is that I’m aware of the problem and that my doctor is working with me to keep my pressure out of the stratosphere.

In summary, Ben is stable; Melinda and baby are growing; Madie is head over heals with gymnastics; and I’m taking care of myself. 

Posted by Dean Steadman at 04:17:20 | Permalink | Comments (3)

A Very Merry Unbirthday

We decided to have a Very Merry Un-Birthday Party for Ben and his classmates last Friday at a local Chuck E. Cheese. What a blast! Approx. 20 kids showed up (incluing some of Madie’s friends) to party down with pizza, pop, and games galore. I must say that Chuck E. Cheese knows how to throw a party, and were a great help with managing everything. All the kids brought presents that they all got to exchange (since it was technically everyone’s unbirthday). A big thank you goes out to all of the parents for coming on such short notice. You helped make it a night we will never forget (along with the fact that channel 4 news filmed almost everything).

We would like to ask any of the parents who were able to take pictures, to please e-mail or send us copies, as we have very few and would like as many as we can get.

Anyone looking for an excuse to have a party, I highly recommend having an Un-Birthday Party!!

Posted by Melinda at 02:40:40 | Permalink | Comments (2)