Good Evening,

Benjamin seems to be a bit up and down.  The nurse woke me up around 2:15 because he seemed to be uncomfortable.  He eventually settled, but then didn't want to eat this morning, which totally removed any thoughts of going home today from everyone's radar.  He resumed eating early afternoon, right before I had to leave to get David and Jamie to the college bookstore to get their textbooks for next week.  Molly came and sat with Benjamin, so that helped me just to know that someone who loves him was with him while we were away.  She continued to encourage him to eat and this afternoon seemed to be overall better than the start of the day.

 I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but I asked the orthopedic specialist on Monday if he would order a wheelchair for Benjamin for transportation to/from school.  I/we have carried him on and off the bus for years.  The steps are way too high for him, and quite honestly he doesn't necessarily WANT to go on the bus and so if we walk him out, he may either sit down (ground may be wet or dry, as is the case with his pants after he does this) or do his best to detour to sit in the car (one of his favorite things for some reason...we don't even have to start the car, just sit there).  If your child isn't in a wheelchair, the drivers aren't allowed to help you get them on/off.  Anyway, one of the blessings of being in the hospital is that they just got right on this request and sent physical therapists to the room as well as arranging for someone from the company to come and visit today.  He talked about what we needed and told me what he thought the best choice would be. It ends up that there is one that looks alot like an umbrella stroller, but is classified as a w/c.   Since Benjamin is able to walk, we really need something basic, but that is made to be secured into the bus.  That way, they use the w/c lift and he doesn't ever have to get out of the chair until his teacher takes him out in the classroom.  They are going to love this too.  The bad news was that while the chairs are available, because it has to go thru insurance checks/cross checks, it usually takes 3 or more months to get it approved (even with a necrotic hip joint).  The great news is that the guy said he has the identical chair that he will loan us free until ours arrives....he's bringing it to us in the morning. So, once Benjamin is able to go to school, we are READY!

A week or two ago, a contractor came and installed a bolt in the family room ceiling for a therapy swing that both Krissy and Benjamin will enjoy (and perhaps the other kids too)  It's very secure, bolted to a support beam and then he re-did the sheetrock and texturing, so it's really nice.  This is something else the program that Krissy and Benj are in provides, so I think one swing is on the way already.  They will also be sending a platform swing. Benjamin's services just began on Monday, so we have double insurance now which will sure help with this hospitalization. 

Hope you have a great weekend...I'll keep you posted!