Extended Stay - again

We had a surprise visitor drop in on us from LSU, Melinda, who brought Braden some adorable new ‘crib critters’ for Braden, so he is getting to know his new froggies. He has really taken to little lamby, and he looks so cute holding him!! (We will post more of his pics with little lamby in the coming days…) One of God’s little lambs, holding another:-) Melinda also found a little alligator finger puppet with a popsicle, that looks like one of Braden’s mouth brushes, as you can see he his holding in the photo.

Braden’s seizures are getting fewer still, but we are seeing some increase in the infantile spasms again, but are hoping the new dosage of Kepra will make them go away. It looks like they will be keeping us here until they go away. We thought we may be headed home today after our EEG, but since the infantile spasms are back, once again, our plans have changed, and we may not make it back until after Labor Day. Mommy and daddy are trying to come up with a plan so that neither of them misses too much work, and ensures that Braden gets the best possible care he needs.

The renal specialist is sending us for a kidney scan today. They inject an isotope into Braden’s blood stream, to get a very clear picture of his kidneys to see if there is any scarring. This is our first trip to nuclear medicine here. Those results will help determine plan of care, for now, he is off the diaretic which was to help his swelling and help counteract those medicines he is no longer on that caused the calcium deposits in the first place.

A hospital volunteer let us pick out a blanket that some local women make for the young kids, we thought the dalmations were cute and would help his eyesight continue to improve with the white, black, and red contrasting.

The fundraiser in Wichita for September 17th, the fund-matching event, I believe will be a dinner and bingo. Some of you have e-mailed asking where and to whom you can send a check. It has to arrive by Monday, September 18th to be matched. Here is the information – please make out the check to “St. Andrews Lutheran Church”, and in the memo line, write “Braden Wilson Fundraiser”. You can mail the check to St. Andrews Lutheran Church at 2555 Hyacinth, Wichita, KS 67204.

We got another visitor last night, our friend Greg Blanchard from Baton Rouge came in for business with DOW Chemical. While I am sure that his pregnant wife Susie was hoping she could be with us, I know she is busy back home taking care of things for usJ It was a nice treat to get out of the hospital air we have been breathing for some time now, and shake off a little cabin fever with a dinner treat from our generous friends, the Blanchards.

Thanks to everyone who continues to show us your love and support, and most importantly your words of kindness and encouragement. Our hearts are full to know that so many people out there care about us, even those we only know by name or acquaintance. God’s blessings are abundant!

Kodi, Brad, Braden