It has been a really long time.  We have been so busy with life this has been neglected...sorry! A few recently asked if I'd update the blog so they can hear about Ryder's progress and his life these days. So here we go...

As usual we are so blessed by Heavenly Father  to have this AMAZING kid. Words can not explain how special he is to us and many others. We have decided to look into finding a home that is more "ryder-friendly"---(wheelchair accessible, and maybe a pool for therapies) anyways we had mentioned this to a few at church and one was clearly upset saying that to see Ryder each Sunday was what made his day. You go anywhere with this kid, many will just come up and high-five him, fist-bump him, or just to say hi. To see the smile on his face is priceless...the kid is SO loved.

I am told often by complete strangers that he has this special spirit about him.. you just get a good feeling being around hm. I was talking to a mother of his friend from school and she told me that one day as her son was playing at home he looked up at his mom and randomly told her that "Ryder is really special, and Jesus really loves Ryder." A 4 year old little boy even picked up on what adults do...so special!
Heavenly Father has blessed us with such a special little spirit. Wow we better not fail this test!!! eeeek! We too have had special experiences with our sweet little guy that I hold dear to my heart...and share with just a few. My goodness though! what a little hero he is to me. He rarely cries, rarely complains, he is just full of "I LOVE YOU's", and gives the BEST hugs ever! How blessed we are to have him!!!

One amazing thing we noticed with having a child like him...is God WILL provide EVERYTHING as long as you stay strong and be faithful. Prayers are amazing. No matter what comes are way with anything in life these days....a way is always provided. ALWAYS! Down to a home, vehicles, work, money, new friends...everything! Since I've been working PT again in a salon I meet random people that its like WaiT!? did you just walk into my life for a reason!? (greg also gets the same thing!) Just Saturday I met a lady that her mother started with American Soccer Association--a special needs soccer team---We have been searching for a soccer team for him because his dream is to be a soccer player (or in his words "soccer kicker") We never tell him he can not, or is not able to do things...It is all up to him : )

He saw a DR last Friday that told us he has Cerebral Palsy but also through brain damage from getting sick in NICU (right after birth) and having oxygen supply cut off to brain for long period of time at just 3 lbs... he has from brain damage permanent spinal damage through the nerves in brain...he called it spinal injury/ causing partial paralysis (sp?)  on lower half of body. Interesting thing about that is is sounds awful but not so much...the partial paralysis is stopping his major symptoms of Cerebral Palsy to affect his legs. Like major issues with his high tone in legs...and other random stuff only a DR could explain! It was so much info I was overwhelmed and did not "get" some of it...just that he brought in other medical staff to see this "UNIQUE" case...and told us it is such a rare situation and that Ryder would actually make a very interesting case study for a Neurologist or some DR out there to follow. He said that he feels Ryder can walk sooner then adulthood...even around 8 if we work really hard on it. We also banked Ruby's cord blood for him hoping someday technology will allow us to use it for Ryder's brain injury....or who knows what!!! so maybe for a spinal injury???? I need to get in touch with Duke university again and ask the woman in charge of medical if that is do-able???  so one more thing to put on the list of "to do for Ryder..." That list seems to build up quickly---but hey I'm ok with that....We were given this Amazing kiddo for a reason...so this is all part of the package : )

So other stuff....hmmmm.....We were going to take MR RYDER (and baby sister Ruby) to Disneyland... (HIS DREAM!!!!) but backed out once we learned "Carsland" opens June 15th....so hopefully we'll make it this Fall : ) Esp since that is all he talks about : ) We figure as much as he goes through he needs a vacation to reward him for his awesomeness!

He has such an imagination that I love sneaking up on him and just listening to him play with toys...and imagine...it makes me smile...I especially love when he asks me to play with him....He loved watching the "Barrett-Jackson" car show on speed channel (his favorite channel i must add...next to disney channel) anyways after watching to car auction on TV he decided he needed to do the same with his cars...so we lined the massive amount of  cars and we had a car auction---or really car show. It was hilarious and so much fun.

Ryder loves his toys...they all have names...he forgets some names (he has so many toys it'd be impossible to remember!!!)  but the stuffed animals...my goodness he remembers them all....it's adorable...he loves those stuffed animals...   he wants a real monkey someday...and real dog, a real elephant, a real turtle (which he got recently by accident)... He just has love in his heart for pretty much anything on earth... what a sweet guy.

I can not think of all the updating!!! sorry....school ended yesterday...he was very upset school was out....I tried explaining summer break to him but oh man he was sad that he has to wait 3 months for school again! haha....is this my child??? jk.

We are well. Greg is in school full-time getting his degree in business?? maybe accounting now?? he's possibly changing that soon. He also is still working as a finance counselor at University of Phoenix. Also doing guitar work and motorcycle work on the side. AND working with scouts at church. oh and he has been working out a lot lately to 1- be healthy, 2 -to prepare to lift our lil' man Ryder as he grows! ALSO plays in a few bands....that is definitely his vent! I think the music helps him get through our crazy life : ) I love that he is so musical and that our children are able to learn from him : ) I love seeing the kids on his lap or on the floor playing the drums, guitar, and even the piano. It's a priceless moment. He is an amazing husband, father, and friend. I constantly meet people that know him from work, growing up, or where ever! that say he is so awesome you are lucky to be married to a guy like him...I say yes yes I am. :) I love him ----all in all Greg is BUSY!!!!

Myself- Kiralee----busy with kiddos---but I love it! I work PT doing hair just 3 days a week...and I LOVE to work (my vent/out) but just today while working I thought "dang I just want to go home and hold my babies!!" I love both places but nothing beats holding my kids and being one happy family! I also am working in the Young Womens presidency at church...that keeps me busy too! but I love doing it. When I was in Highschool I had a lot of deaths I faced during that time and going to church- young womens really helped me. The leaders were there for me...the girls were there for me...and I have never forgotten that. So to serve with the youth I am happy to give back makes me feel good inside : )

Now lil' sassy Miss Ruby...she's adorable---just like her brother...but add a lot of sass. She is all girl. I tried to put some tom-bot into her but Dang didnt work! She loves shoes, getting nails done, wearing mamas highheels, she loves doing her hair, loves jewelry, LOVES dancing and singing, and loves to be Ryders 2nd mom...she tries to help change him, brush his teeth (gags the poor kid! I have to run and grab the toothbrush!) she tries to feed him, give him drinks, she tries to put him into a chair or pull him out of one!! gets him toys when he asks her for them....or when she just thinks he wants one...she loves kissing his cheek, hugging him...and just laughing with him...he laughs so hard every time with all of this...and gives a look and often says while laughing "Ruby what the heck are ya doing!??" than they giggle together. She is such a sweet little thing...and we all love her so much! Oh and she talks a ton...each day I'm like wait when did you start saying that 5 or 6 word phrase!!???

after surgery...

Before...(above and 2 pics below)

and after surgery...with a sweet smile.

What a beautiful miracle. Ryder's surgery went so well. The surgeon came in our pre-op room and said, "you know, I was thinking about Ryder last night...and this surgery, I just don't feel right doing the whole surgery." He went on about how he feels that Ryder is to young for the major surgery (screws and metal plates in hips to redirect the growth direction of hip) He said again I just kept thinking about it last night, and I feel we should just do the adductors (cut part of his tendons in hip area).
He decided that they would put Ryder under, do some x-rays, and make the final decision of what surgery to do. Dr Segal decided after the X-ray that he would try the simple cutting of the adductors. He made a small incision on inner leg, and cut a pretty good amount of the adductors. Immediately Ryder's hips went right into place....meaning they could avoid the big nasty painful surgery for now! woo-hoo!!!
We have to do special stretches in order to keep his hips this way...but throughout the next few years they will grow out of place again because of his stiffness from cerebral palsy....but at that time his body will be stronger and able to handle such a HUGE surgery.
What a beautiful blessing that the Dr went with those feelings he had and switched up the surgery plan....We know this all happened because of all the fasting, prayers and much faith.
So instead of a 4 hour surgery, it was a 30 minute surgery...and instead of staying in the hospital a week....Ryder is home and healing!!! He will be in a ton pain for a few days. He has to wear a huge triangular brace on his bottom half of body for 2 weeks (he cant move).....but much better then all summer long wearing that thing!!!!!!
About 7:30 tonight he was fussy with pain so we had to drug him up. We will be giving him heavy pain meds for at least a few days....because as you can imagine getting your tendons cut in the hip area is VERY painful. Greg and I quickly learned tonight that it take 2 just to change his diaper and try to keep minimal pain from moving his legs....so sad : (
Ryder goes into the Dr for post-op appt in a few weeks to get the stitches cut out, and to make sure he is healing right.
We are just so grateful for Heavenly Father blessing us with such a beautiful miracle. The power of prayer definitely works : ) Truly a miracle.

Thank you for all your prayers!!!

Ryder's little buddy, Dallin, got a special service award with Mesa Public School District. (you can see Dallin get this award, with Ryder by his side starting at the 17:54 on the link below) Dallin is Ryder's favorite friend. Dallin is such a sweet little boy. We are so grateful the Hansen's have raised such a wonderful child. This is a clip that shows a little bit of the bond these two little guys have...so sweet.

Watch how Ryder watches the lady doing sign language and he copies her! haha...then he spots mom and dad and points at us...hilarious.

http://www.edtv99.org/video/8548
or....www.edtv99.org (look at on demand, live events, exceptional student service awards 2011)

Ryder got bumped up on the surgery. May 23 he is having double hip surgery. He is excited that Dr Segal is fixing the pain in his legs. We are happy that he is getting the surgery to fix some issues...but also so nervous!!! This is the first real big surgery for him...and we always hate when he has to be put under. We're trying to focus on the positive though! :) we will try to keep the blog updated as much as possible!
Also no visitors for Ryder while in the hospital. In order for him to get out quicker and heal quicker it is best for no visitors. Ryder does love surprises, balloons, cards, pictures...etc. So if you feel the need, send them our way and he'll get them! He'd love them!!! You should see his face when he gets mail with his name on it!!!
Thanks for everything! Please continue to keep our sweet little guy in your prayers : )

So got word today that Ryder's surgery is all the way in August!!! (Ruby's first birthday, 8/8/11) Why so far away you are probably thinking??? Because the DR's summer is BOOKED! He only does surgery once a week. Ryder's surgery takes approx 4 hours, so it is difficult to squeeze him into that already booked schedule. I am in the process of contacting DR to let him know that Ryder is in so much pain from his hips. Ryder daily will cry or complain that his "legs" hurt....his legs "scissor" or cross over almost constantly now..he hates standing...the weight on hips hurt him. It's getting worse daily, so I HATE to see him wait all the way until August for the surgery. We will see what happens! I am bugging them though : )
We will keep you all posted..if the date changes (HOPEFULLY!) I will post!

First...I guess Ryder's surgery can happen anytime with about only a weeks notice...so we'll see when that is! I'm so nervous waiting for the letter w surgery date.
Next, I was so blessed to meet this wonderful family in the waiting room before Ryder's appointment with his Ortho surgeon. The kid was about 7 he also had a sister about 3 years younger (like Ruby and Ryder). This boy was SO much like Ryder...smart as can be! he was so sweet! He looked at my mom and then Ryder and said, "does he talk?" my mom said "Yes he does." then told Ryder to say hi...it took a lot to get ryder to say hi to this kid (ryder is so shy!) finally he said hi....
anyways it was so cute...but the best was the mom and I exchanged info...and it ends up her son just had this surgery this winter that Ryder is having. She sent me a message and I'm going to share it...
I am so grateful God blesses me with such great people at perfect times. When we found out Ryder had CP, a woman I talked to that was a parent of special needs kids told me this...and I will ALWAYS remember. "Heavenly Father will always provide a way to get through our trials in life. Heavenly Father will always provide a way to get through what we face with raising these special Spirit children." Can I just say she wasn't kidding. We always are blessed with such wonderful people in our life, and the blessings we see are beautiful. Anyways here is some of her email....(oh and she talks about HAB, thats the service through the state that someone comes in and helps the child meet goals, and helps teach self help skills..its for kids that are severe....but sadly Ryder was DENIED completely because of s state workers stupid mistakes..and now we are fighting to get it for Ryder....esp after this email I got from this great new friend.)

"I am pretty sure Ryder is having the same procedure that our son had, our son also had his adductor tendon's released, because they were so tight and the botox wasn't helping as much, so Dr. Segal decided to cut the adductors. It is a very intense surgery and recovery, but it was well worth it for our son. I would also talk to your DDD caseworker to asked to have more hours put in for HAB and possible attendant care because after the surgery most of what I had to do with our son took two people. The recovery was much more extensive that I expected and I was so thankful to have a provider there to help me during the day!! Especially having to care for my daughter as well...

I was also very nervous about the procedure, but it really helped our son and all of what he had to endure was very tough for him and for the family, but I do think it was worth it!

Please feel free to ask me any questions.

The Procedure is intense and it will be alot on you as a parent, but you were given Ryder because you are an incredible mother! Always remember not eveyone has the ability to do what you do everyday!! You are a very special MOM and you need to remember that!!"