4 Months Post Op....................

Sunday 8^th May

Well on today’s agenda ~ NOTHING!  The weather was ok so the boys were in & out all day and we just did the usual cleaning & tidying.  We did need to made a few decision about Ben’s bedroom & bathroom, lights, switches, sockets as the electrician & plumber were coming to sort them this week.  Ben is getting really excited about his room, Jacob however is not, he loves sharing his room with Ben and will really miss not having there anymore.

Monday 9^th May

Another week is upon us, it’s also SAT’s week, and both boys had to do them, Ben were optional so only for his teachers to gage how well he’s doing.  Were as Jacob’s were his end of Key Stage 1 ones.  I made a conscious effort not to make too big a deal of them and just told them to try their best, that’s all I could ask for.  They both came home saying all had gone well and that was that well till tomorrow anyway.  Ben did seem tired today so we only managed 30 mins of exercises; I have decided not to push him too much when he’s like this as it’s never productive for either of us.

Tuesday 10^th May

At lunch time I arrived home to a houseful of men! Builders, plumber & electricians.  After a quick chat I quickly left, dirt & dust everywhere & Damian was away in Birmingham & not home till late so I knew it would be me left to clean up & sort the boys.  Luckily Grandma Linda lives around the corner so physio was at her house today as a house full of men would be a HUGE distraction for Ben.  Ben worked hard during physio and even used the ‘peanut’ ball we have been meaning to bring round to our house. 

Wednesday 11^th May

Today we did not have Anna as we have now had our 8 weeks of 2 sessions from the NHS so we are down to 1 a week now.  That means it’s over to me but at least he is getting 30/40 mins of exercises everyday at school.  By the time Ben got home he was shattered after a hard day at school with his SAT’s which he was finding hard work, as you can imagine so we kept physio to the basics and a few other stretches just to keep on top of it all.  We did not go to basketball this week as Ben was shattered and it took us a long time to sort out the mess from the builders & plumbers.  We had to deliveries today Ben’s bathroom suite & our wardrobe for our bedroom.

Thursday 12^th May ~ Our 11^th Wedding Anniversary!!

Today was an exciting day for Ben, after a discussion with Laura we needed to find somewhere for Ben to use more equipment ideally a gym.  In Ilkley we only really have one at the Tennis Club & I was pleasantly surprised when they agree that Ben could use it on a Thursday with Laura.  To say he was excited was an understatement, but he soon when quite.  Terry the gym instructor was great and I left Ben in their hands.  When I can back after an hour Ben was grinning from ear to ear but looks shattered.  Laura filled me in and noticed that he struggled with the treadmill – I did tell her that because it’s in the garage we have not used it as much but I understand we need to use it more.  Ben & I have made a deal that this week we will increase his time on it, as it is so important. I know I have let him down by not getting him to use it more but he walks so much all day at school I thought that would be enough....  

Friday 13^th May ~ Spooky!!!

Well finally the end of a long week all of us are ready for a couple of days off.  The boys go to a group after school today so they did not need to be picked up until 4:15pm, which gave me just a bit more time to clean this house.  Ben was on good form when he came home full of stories and jokes ~ he really is getting quite witty of recent – well he makes me laugh!.  He had physio at school today to he was straight on the laptop.  The boys were staying at Grandma Linda’s as we were going to Leeds for a meal – the boys always wake up really early when they stay at Grandma’s I hope they don’t this time!

Saturday 14^th May

There is no physio today as Laura is away to decided to go for a walk in town, this has been the first time in a while we have been into town.  Ben walked really well all round the shops.  We of course stopped for a quick hot chocolate & croissant to re-fuel.  I have noticed also that over the past couple of months Ben appetite has grown I can never fill him!  Then it was time to go to aqua therapy – it is the first time in a while I have taken him so I was interested to see how he is improving.  Wow, he was diving down to the bottom of the pool to collect weights and kicking his legs really well to get back up to the surface of the water – I was amazed! We also bought him his very own mask & snorkel - one happy boy!

Not the best quality photos but you get the idea!

Nearly another week over – I will try and post more videos next week promise!

Charlotte xx

You’ll Never Walk Alone!!!!!

Sunday 1^st May ~ Anfield here we come!!!!

We have met so many many amazing people throughout out appeal for Ben.  Ben was offered a corporate ticket to see he’s beloved Liverpool by the wonderful Jenkinson Family & our friends at Abzorb, to say Ben was a little giddy was an understatement (as was Damian).  Ben loved every minute of the trip and was so well behaved.  To top it off Liverpool won 3-0. Ben even bought a scarf & football and joined in with the famous song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ quite apt really!  After he got home he was on a high for a while but soon he was very tired and grumpy – he has had a rather busy couple of days.

 

Monday 2^nd May ~ Bank Holiday

Busy day today as usual, Katie a friend we meet when we did our first interview with Calendar back in June last year was coming over to do a bit of filming and interview me for her final piece of Uni.  Then we were heading off up to our friends the Murray’s for a play & BBQ.  The boys were so good during the filming just got a bit fed up while I was being interview & Ben had a small accident which was totally my fault so he was a little grumpy, but we managed it, I hope anyway.  Then it was a quick turn around and off up to Addingham.  It’s so lovely to be able to spend time with friends & the children all play so nicely.  God job really as we are all going on holiday together this summer!.  Anyway the afternoon passed so quickly then it was time for home as it is back to school tomorrow......

Tuesday 3^rd May ~ Back to School – only for 4 weeks though!!!!

Well the Easter holidays were over and it was back to the normal routine of school & work.  To be honest we have had such a great time over the two weeks we were all ready to got back – well as ready as you can be.  The boys were ok but needed a lot of prompting to get sort this morning also we had made a deal with Ben that his wheelchair would not be going to school with him, just his walker & sticks!  He was fine with this I just hope he is not too tried when he gets home.  It was physio with Jane today Ben was on fine form and worked really hard.  We have not really done as much physio as I would have liked over the past couple of day but he has walked a lot so I’m hoping that helps a little. No Monkey's today :0( We missed them lots.

Wednesday 4^th May

2 very tired boys arose from their beds this morning; the reality of being back at school had hit them.   So it was the usual Wednesday for us all.  So it was School, home, physio & basketball.  This was his last NHS slot on a Wednesday then it’s over to Mummy! Again physio went well he did seem a little tried afterwards but promised he was ok to go to basketball.  It was my turn to take him to basketball this week, I usually just chat with other parents & watch but this week Loretta & Ben had other ideas – yes I joined in.  I have to say it’s a lot harder than it looks, but my bingo wings are slightly smaller!!! Ben is playing so well now he has been asked to train with the Yorkshire U15’s this year so a few trips to Sheffield is on the cards for us.

Thursday 5^th May

It is always hard to get Ben out of bed on Thursdays after the last night before.

Yesterday I managed to speak to a local gym and hopefully starting next week Ben will be using the gym on his Thursday sessions with Laura, so lots of muscles build – fingers crossed.  Today was yet again another busy one, Ben’s extension is externally completed just the internal bits and bob to get sorted and window to be put in. Ben is eagerly awaiting being able to choose his decor, I however not to impressed with his current choice red walls – me thinks not.  He again worked hard in his pysio session doing more and more each time, but towards the end he was fading a little.  He still managed to watch TV & play on the Wii, go figure!!!

Friday 6^th May ~ 4 Months Post Op.

Today it is a year to the day we got the email from Dr Park & his team saying that Ben had been accepted for SDR, what a year it’s been.  Ben has been asking a few times lately when will I actually walk!!!

 I have struggled to answer, yes his mobility has improved HUGELY but no-one really knows.  He has completely changed his whole standing balance and now it just building up muscle strength & stamina which of course takes time.  It is only 4 months and what he has done so far we are so very very proud of as he is the one who is trying so hard & putting all the work.  So another (short) week is over the boys are very tried as we all are which is mad to say we have only been back 4 days!  Anyway forward planning in place with Jacob’s birthday just around the corner and Ben’s not far behind it’s as busy as every in the Smithsons household.

 Look at my striaght back!

Saturday 7^th May

Physio & aqua therapy are on the cards today so just the usual.  So they day passed by really quickly as all weekends do.  I think it worked out better today having physio first then aqua as Ben did seem a little tried during physio but as always works really really hard towards the end. Today Laura tried a new exercise standing on one leg (with a bit of support) and the other leg resting on a football.  This was amazing to watch he even managed to balance for a few seconds.  This again is a huge step forward Ben, Laura told him it would not belong before he will be doing it all by himself which of course made him smile.  Then it was off to Aqua Therapy, Garry decided to take the small floats off Ben and get him to dive to the bottom of the shallow end of the pool to collect various items.  Ben came out very happy but shattered.  As Ben is now not wearing through shoes in 2 weeks, he has been itching to get some football trainer so I gave in and a shopping trip it was, after a small food shop much to the boy’s disgust!  So he chose a pair of BRIGHT ORANGE ones – he knows how to stand out!!!  Anyway that’s another bust week in our house!

Charlotte xx

Full On Week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday 24^th April ~ The Easter Bunny Has Been!

Today was a busy one for us, first stop was to Evan’s birthday party, and Evan had SDR 2 weeks after Ben and lives 6 miles away.  The boys were excited to be going as we were not only to see the Whitton Clan again but also meet the Foxes.  Holly & Lucy also had SDR (1 week after Evan) and we were excited to exchange SDR stories and progress.  As we are arrived we notice 2 familiar faces the Silly Brothers, a local disco party act.  It was so lovely to see everyone and have chance to have a good catch up.  It was just a shame the Wardleworth could not be with us.  We are hoping to organise another meet up soon.  After that it was a quick visit to Grandad Richard & Grandma Steph to wish them a Happy Easter then back home to Ilkley for a Sunday Roast with Grandma Linda & Grandad Rob.  It was a lovely day so nice to catch up with so many people.

Monday 25^th April ~ DIY!!!!

Today was a day to relax and chill not to do much well that was until Damian decided to remove our build in wardrobes!!!  Oh yes we didn’t even have new ones on order! Anyway it was done so all our clothes are either hung on rails or in boxes and there they will stay for the next couple of weeks!!!  The boys played out all day, Ben has hardly used his wheelchair since being off which is great so hopefully when he is back at school next week we will leave it at home. 

Other then that the day was just a normal day, Ben is growing in not only confidence but in strength everyday – he is working so hard to reach he goal.

Tuesday 26^th April

Early physio this morning Jane arrived at 9:30am, so we had to be up and organised for a change.  Next it was weekly visit from the Monkeys was here again.  Em & the boys arrived and the house was busy with boys playing and chattering.  It’s so lovely to see them all playing together.  Before we knew it it was time for them to go – we also got chance to get rid of a few bit and bob, duvet sets, t-shirts & toys you name it.

Wednesday 27^th April

Today’s plan was to try a get ready for the busy weekend we had coming up, so lots of washing and sorting to be done.   Anna was not coming today so I was in charge a few stretches and so foot exercises we done.  I have noticed over the last couple of day that Ben is now walking everywhere in the house, not crawling at all even for short distances.  This is huge for him to now realise it is quick for him to walk, and the fact that he is much more stable when he walks.  Another proud Mummy moment.

Thursday 28^th April ~ Bang Bang Bang

Well the builder & roofers arrive at 8am this morning, not luck having a lay in!  The roofers had a dog Flow – The boys loved her and played with her all day.  This has had a knock on effect they now want a dog, may be in a while once the building work is all done.  Physio with Laura was at 11am today, this broke up the morning a little.  She again was impressed with his progress.  I do have to say I have backed off a little with his physio this week but he is walking/playing out lots which will all help.  But the constant bang did drive me a little mad and Jacob was convinced they would come through the roof and land on his head!

We have a roof!!!!!

Friday 29^th April ~ The Royal Wedding

We to really get into the wedding sprit we headed off to..... Alton Towers. 

Yes we decided to go for a family day out, so we were up early and off to Stoke-on-Trent.  The boys had a print out of the map and were deciding which ride to go on.  We arrived at 9:30am, Ben was eager to go on all the rides Jacob however was not as keen.  The first ride was the Run Away Train; Ben never ceases to amaze me with his confidence and dare devil side.  The weather was glorious if a little windy & there was a giant screen up in the park area so we could catch a quick look at the Royal Wedding going on.  The day was fantastic for all of us Jacob even conquered his nerves and went on a few rides, I was so proud of him.  Ben was a little gutted as he was 8cm to short to go on the BIG rides, Damian & I were very grateful as neither really like them.  But next year we have promised to take someone with us who does!  By 4:30pm we were all shattered so decided to head off to the hotel.  It was only a short drive and we were there.  It was a lovely place & the bar/restaurant was lovely they still had the big screen up so the boys sat and watched Shrek, while we sit back and watched the world go by.  The best bit was watching BBC National news coming Live from Ilkley, what a mad world we live in!  Then it was off to bed as another busy day was to be had.

Look Ben is sitting cross leg in the car, his choice!!!

Saturday 30^th April

Today was round 2 at Alton Towers but the Water Park this time.  Wow what an amazing place, full of slides, water climbing frame rapids you name it.  The boys loved it, although Jacob was a little reluctant to go on the water slides so Damo & I took it turns going on with Ben.  The day was great all having lots of fun together – Ben walked miles in the park up & down stairs and lots of swimming so that should be good for him.  After 4 hours it was time to go, so a shower & quick change then we were off to see my Auntie & Uncle aka GAM & GUT.  It was lovely to see them as it has been a while, and for them to see Ben after his operation they could see great change in not only him mobility but in him as a whole.  After a couple of hours (far too short) we had to get back in the car and head home.

We have had an amazing time over the past couple of weeks, and have managed to do lots together as a family.  The boys have loved all the trips we have been on and Ben has another amazing trip on Sunday ~ more info in next week’s blog.  Well back to school next week but only a short 4 week term – so we should manage it.

Charlotte xx