Brayden turns 11!

As is often the case, we celebrated Brayden's birthday over a few days.  On the Sunday before his birthday, we got together with the Thomas' to celebrate both Cinco de Mayo and Brayden and Lauries birthdays.

 Brayden chose for his birthday "activity" to go to Defy Gravity with his buddy Carson.  He also got to have a sleepover with him which is a pretty big deal in our no-sleepover household.

Then on his birthday, we had a special breakfast, a special Taco Bell lunch, cupcakes with his class and then Orange Leaf for dessert.

For presents, he got the infamous "Nike Elite" socks that are all the rage these days and some camping gear.  

Brayden is an incredible blessing in our lives.  I often wonder what I did to deserve such an wonderful boy.  He is beloved by his teachers, he is smart, he is caring and compassionate, and he is athletic and talented in so many ways.  He is the best big brother his siblings could ever ask for.  Often people comment to me on how good he is with his little brother Emmitt.  He's so patient and fun and responsible and I am just so lucky to have him. 

And as a health update, we think we have diagnosed his chest pains.  We are currently operating off the diagnosis of costochondritis which is pain of the ligament that connects the breastbone to the ribs.  I think this is the correct diagnosis as his terrible coughing over the years is bound to be rough on his body.  Our pediatrician still thinks its esophagus related (esophageal spasms to be exact) but right now we are treating it with anti inflammatories and waiting it out to see who's right.  His biopsies showed mild reflux which we are treating also but we dont think that is significant enough to cause his pain.

Happy Birthday Brayden!