Wiped Out

Aaron is bouncing around here today like he didn't just spend 12 hours in the Shriner's van and 7 hours at the hospital yesterday. 

Me - I am totally wiped out. 

On days like today I feel like I am just way too old to be doing all of this!!

Our day at Shriner's was good.

THE BEST PART - MEETING TWO OF THE DEVOWE'S....

Meet Carolyn and Madeline...Another Reece's Rainbow family!!!

Madeline and Aaron are from the same country - adopted only a few months apart.

Their family prayed Aaron home.  Our family prayed Madeline home. (They then went back several months later to get Ethan).

As soon as Caroline and I saw each other - we hugged  like long-lost sisters.

I had a hard time keeping my tears back.  Precious moments with my sister-in-Christ.

Madeline is a total sweetheart.  Oh My Goodness.

She's also tiny.

And when we put her next to Aaron to take their picture..... She did what any sweet girl would do when placed next to the most handsome boy on the block....

She threw her little arm around him to hug him.

And he promptly growled at her!!

Never fear though... once she removed her arm.... He recovered....

How could he not with the prettiest girl on the block sitting next to him???

Oh Sweet Madeline.  You stole my heart yesterday!!

Aaron and I went from doctors to therapists to doctors to orthotics to therapists throughout the day!!

Tiring.

What we learned....

Aaron's feet .... are doing well.  He was fitted for some short braces that he will be able to wear during the day!  Woo Hoo!!  The long braces will be for nighttime use only!

Aaron's right arm ....looks great in terms of position... but the surgery did not accomplish what we hoped... He can't reach his mouth with his hand without one of us doing it for him.  Since that was the point of the surgery.... well...

So..... starting in January, we will make the 12 hour trek once a week for several months of serial casting on his arm. 

It will have to be done S.L.O.W.L.Y and G.EN.T.L.Y.

It will take at least 2 months, maybe more.

Of course it will happen during the worst part of winter when snow and ice will threaten every week.

BUT - last year, during the same time, we survived 4 solid months of weekly trips up to Shriner's for his feet and we WILL survive these trips too...

Because God will provide and this little guy.... despite all his orneriness is worth it....