Update of your scoliosis situation:  last fall, we went in for a check-up with Dr. Roth, the pediatric orthopedic doctor.  They did an x-ray and found that the curve in your spine was getting worse, despite the physical therapy, so Dr. Roth said the next step would be to get a brace.  That wasn't the news we were hoping for, so it was disappointing.  We went several weeks later, to Tom Padilla, who is the expert in making braces, where you were measured for yours and he explained what it would be like to wear it.  He was really helpful and gave us lots of info to help us get used to the idea of the brace.  In January, we took you in to see Tom again after he had finished making it and you tried it on for the first time.  You were understandably not excited about the appointment, knowing you would have to start wearing the brace.  It was a gradual process to get to wearing it full-time.  The first day you just had to wear it for an hour, then 2 hours the next day, 4 hours the following day, etc., until you got up to 20-22 hours a day.  Sometimes you get red and/or itchy spots, but the baby powder helps, and I was surprised by how easy it was for you to sleep with it on all night.  You have taken it off a time or two in the middle of the night because it is uncomfortable, but for the most part, it has been a smooth transition.  A few weeks after wearing it full time, we returned for another x-ray at Dr. Roth's office and we got great news that it is working really well and your spine has moved back and the curve has lessened significantly!  I could tell that you were encouraged by the news and that you really understood that wearing the brace is really worth it! Dr. Roth was initially very strict saying you'd need to wear it for 22 hours a day, but after the x-ray showing that the brace was working, he seemed much more lenient, saying that anything more than 16 hours a day was great.  You take it off for church and many times after school when you play outside, so I think we've found a happy rhythm.  It is expected that you will need to wear it for a few years until you stop growing, maybe until you're 13 or 14.

You also got your ears pierced a few weeks ago and you look so grown up!  You chose some cute little daisy studs and I know you're excited to make your own earrings eventually.  

YMCA basketball has ended for the season.  Unfortunately, you and Charlie didn't get on the same team despite our requests, but you still had a good experience and Lottie, another friend from school, was on your team.  The last game of the season was against Charlie's team and you guys had to guard each other which was entertaining to see.  Another time, you played against your old friend, Elliot, and you stole the ball from her a few times!  You were one of the most experienced players on your team and you got quite a few baskets through the season!