Finally A New Chair

 After a 2 year fight for a new wheelchair, Noah got discharged from the hospital at 2pm on Friday and we headed to Millers because we weren't leaving Cleveland without his new chair!!!

They sat Noah in his new chair and figured out what needed to be changed and tweaked to fit him better. 

 Noah was able to take a quick break while he waited for them to make changes.

 Then back in his chair to make the final adjustments.

The physical therapist that worked with us noticed how much better he sat up from the last time she saw him. I told her again that we do ABR. Thanks ABR,  Noah wouldn't be where he is without you. 

 We are happy to say, it's the best chair he has ever had.

ABR January 2019

ABR training went  really well.  Noah is so much better now when we are attending  our training. He used to cry a lot, now he just so patient and takes it all in.

We learned some exercises to work on his shoulder blades and core.

 

Noah hates staying at hotels. He stays up all night and wants to sleep during the day. He sure looks peaceful though. 

One of the many changes we have seen this time is Noah  finally has a jawline and neck. 

Noah Physical

Noah had a great check up with his primary doctor. He was very impressed with Noah. He asked me if we do physical therapy with Noah. I told him no we have been doing ABR therapy for over 10 years. He told me to keep doing what I'm doing and keep up the great work.

By the way Liam was the best helper at Uncle Noah's appointment today.

When we got home I called Noah's nutritionist to discuss Noah's food intake. We both agreed that it was time to just have Noah maintain his weight since his BMI is now on the good range. It's hard to believe we have finally made it to the other side with Noah's weight.

ABR Training July 2018

Our ABR training went really well. It was good to learn some new techniques and connect with some other families.

It was Boris' first ABR trip. He did a great job learning what he needed to do to help Noah.

Noah was more relaxed during training with Boris being there.

Noah is getting his legs wrapped. This will help with his tense muscles in his quads.

Boris is Doing Great

Boris is doing a great job settling into what he needs to do for Noah.

He has even enjoyed a movie at the movie theater.

He has been finding his place on therapy table during ABR.

He even enjoys going to church with Noah.

He has been a great help through Noah's day throughout his life.

ABR Training January 2018

Our ABR training went really well. 2017 was a great year for transition and transformation. I'm hoping to have a comparison file to post on Noah's progress. Our focus the next 6 months is on his shoulder blades. I'm hoping the work I'm planning on doing will help his shoulder blades to finally have some stability and not slide so much. We are also going to working on his little skinny legs and tiny feet. Now back to rolling and squeezing.

 

Our trips aren't complete without a few laps in the pool.

ABR Traing in Chicago

We leave on Sunday to go to Chicago for our ABR training. This little monkey has been getting all over the floor with ease and getting stronger. Looking forward to our evaluation with Gavin on Monday.

A Kid Again Christmas

On Saturday we went to the A Kid Again Christmas Party. It's a party for terminal ill children that have been granted a wish through Make A Wish.

We made Christmas cards and yes that is Scott doing a great job crafting away. Hehe

There was a bunch of games Noah could play.

We got up close and personal with some animals form the Columbus Zoo.

Noah always has a great time. He received this little cute dachshund at one of the games.

After the party we were able to meet up with a family that is going to start ABR in January.  We were able to answer a lot of questions they had. How nice it would have been to have had someone to ask the same questions to 10 years ago when we started ABR. We were nervous to start our ABR journey but we are so glad we did.

 

Speaking of ABR check out Noah's head control going through Walmart when we stopped on the way home.

Changes We Have Noticed

When Noah is sitting in his chair he used to flip his out beyond his footrest poles. Now he may kick them out but his resting spot in on his footrest.

When Noah was sitting here I could see and feel him pushing through his feet to stay upright. The ABR wraps we have really helped his brain realize that he has hands and feet.

Noah has always loved holding tight to your finger but has always struggled with grasping objects. With the new ABR wraps his grip is getting better. He was even squeezing Jabba the Hutt in this picture.

Another Piece to the Puzzle

Finding things to help Noah have a better quality of life is like a puzzle. We started ABR 10 years ago this month. Because of ABR Noah is healthier and stronger. I can't imagine what Noah would be like if we hadn't started ABR all those years ago.

Eagle Eye is the latest piece of the puzzle we found. Noah is getting much better with his accuracy. I can't wait to see what this will lead to. Some day we may not be able to keep him quiet. I can't wait!!

Below is a video of Noah doing a fantastic job. Enjoy!!

Bindi's Progress

From day one Bindi has been all about Noah. She has been very good for Noah when it comes to  doctors appointments and his surgery.  

She is still  doing so well with Noah's therapy. In fact she knows when it's time and jumps up and lays right down. 

I've been working with her at home on getting under his chair and staying. This will help when we are out and about when I need to feed Noah or when we are at a doctors appointments when she needs to be off his lap.

Before she would be standing up or being in the way. I would tell her to lay down and she would for maybe 2 seconds.

I'm happy to say that our work at home is paying off. She is doing so much better. I've taken her to the food pantry and to a restaurant and she did so well.   I believe there is hope for her yet. :)