What a POWERFUL message. Thank you Amiee Mullins for paving the way. For allowing us to SEE each other in a different light, in a new perspective. For being head-strong. For opening our eyes...
Thank You - Kenneth Cole for this Inspiring message:
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Not so RaNdOm...
James and I were going for an evening walk with Jack around the neighborhood a few nights ago. Since weeks had gone by since either of us had spoken to each other about our decision for Jack's leg...we began talking. (I have always wondered if Jack could really understand what we are saying, because he seems to understand more than we think....so i feel guilty talking about him, the decision and my fears when he's around.) None the less, we were in deep conversation when, out of nowhere a man wearing a prosthetic leg came flying past us riding his bike. "Did you just see that?" I said to James, as we both slowed up our walking pace. I have walked the 2.5 mile loop millions of times in our subdivision, at all hours of the day and NEVER I have I seen this man. Part of me wanted to run and chase him down...but, as fast has he came, he was gone.
God has some timing. He also has a great sense of humor. It was as if he was saying to us "Stop all this nonsense talking - Jack will be fine, trust ME."
Thanks Nike for sharing this inspirational moment:
God has some timing. He also has a great sense of humor. It was as if he was saying to us "Stop all this nonsense talking - Jack will be fine, trust ME."
Thanks Nike for sharing this inspirational moment:
Monday, May 9, 2011
Mothers Day!
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| Jack's Learning how to drink from a cup with a straw, it has been challenging but he is making good progress! |
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| As I came home from work on Mothers day, Jack greeted me with a big smile! I was so happy to see him! I really miss spending time with Jack and James on weekends - but its what we have to do now... |
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| Jack showing me his "painting" he made with daddy..."Sailboat on the water" I was SO touched that James would have worked with Jack to create a special mothers day gift!! James said Jack was pretty messy with paint, but he had a blast! |
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| Jack's paintings (with daddy's help) "Sailboat on the water" |
Friday, April 29, 2011
13 Months!
Well, it seems like once a month I am updating the blog - perhaps I will get better at doing it a little more frequently!
Some Jack Happenings:
We are still working on lots of physical therapy. Jack has mastered the 'army crawl' and is getting around much more. Its amazing how he will move so fast without getting up on all 4's. He essentially pulls himself with his arms and bending one leg. I am just thrilled that he is moving. Our next task is getting him to stand and start pulling up to stand. He has initiated this only a few times on his own. The other problem is he will need to wear a shoe lift or brace on his Right leg, otherwise he ends up putting all his weight on his left leg. We are having a difficult time finding something that fits him, and/or how to manage his small foot. Both his feet are small and different sizes, making buying shoes pretty difficult. His Left foot is a size 2 and Right foot is a size 0. We are working with the local orthotics/brace company in Charleston to help Jack. Jack has never had a 'real' pair of shoes - yet! He is still wearing his shoes/bar at night to correct his Left club-foot and will continue to do so untill 2 or 3 years old. I will say, that Jack does very well at night letting us put his shoes on before bed. I will be SO happy, though, when he does not have to wear them - bedtime routine will be SO much easier!
I find myself thinking of Jack and his life daily. It tends to consume my thoughts some days - making me so overwhelmed. Part of me deep down wishes that he didn't have to endure learning to do things 'different' -(even though they won't be different to him) or watching other kids ask about his hand. I know we have many hurdles to overcome - just like so many people. What I am learning from Jack is your perspective and attitude about life gives you stamina and hope.
Tuesday, I went to Stono market to pick up my weekly share of fruits/veggies. I usually go in the morning, but was not feeling well and decided to go after Jack woke up from his nap. It's a small store, and usually not many people are there when we go. Jack was particularly fussy this time, so instead of being in the stroller I had to hold him while I picked out my veggies and put them in the bag (not an easy task - even with 2 hands...gee I wonder how Jack will do such things...?) Anyway, as I was busy a lady in her 60's came up next to me and began to make conversation about the produce. It took me a few min before I realized that she only had one arm, the other arm stopped at her elbow. I stopped what I was doing, and asked her about her arm. She said she was born with it. I pulled jack's arm from behind my shoulder and she then saw his arm too. We talked, and I gained so much insight. She is retired, has children and grandchildren and moved to Charleston to be with them. She was also a nurse in an adult ICU for 35 years! Can you believe that! She told me how she learned to start IV's with one hand, move patients in bed (which she does not recommend, now because of problems with her good arm), play sports etc. Not only did she give me a "slap-in-the-face-stop-feeling-sorry-for-Jack" she also make me stop feeling sorry for myself. O how the Lord knew I needed that just then! What perfect timing he has!!
Here are some updated pictures from this month!
Some Jack Happenings:
We are still working on lots of physical therapy. Jack has mastered the 'army crawl' and is getting around much more. Its amazing how he will move so fast without getting up on all 4's. He essentially pulls himself with his arms and bending one leg. I am just thrilled that he is moving. Our next task is getting him to stand and start pulling up to stand. He has initiated this only a few times on his own. The other problem is he will need to wear a shoe lift or brace on his Right leg, otherwise he ends up putting all his weight on his left leg. We are having a difficult time finding something that fits him, and/or how to manage his small foot. Both his feet are small and different sizes, making buying shoes pretty difficult. His Left foot is a size 2 and Right foot is a size 0. We are working with the local orthotics/brace company in Charleston to help Jack. Jack has never had a 'real' pair of shoes - yet! He is still wearing his shoes/bar at night to correct his Left club-foot and will continue to do so untill 2 or 3 years old. I will say, that Jack does very well at night letting us put his shoes on before bed. I will be SO happy, though, when he does not have to wear them - bedtime routine will be SO much easier!
I find myself thinking of Jack and his life daily. It tends to consume my thoughts some days - making me so overwhelmed. Part of me deep down wishes that he didn't have to endure learning to do things 'different' -(even though they won't be different to him) or watching other kids ask about his hand. I know we have many hurdles to overcome - just like so many people. What I am learning from Jack is your perspective and attitude about life gives you stamina and hope.
Tuesday, I went to Stono market to pick up my weekly share of fruits/veggies. I usually go in the morning, but was not feeling well and decided to go after Jack woke up from his nap. It's a small store, and usually not many people are there when we go. Jack was particularly fussy this time, so instead of being in the stroller I had to hold him while I picked out my veggies and put them in the bag (not an easy task - even with 2 hands...gee I wonder how Jack will do such things...?) Anyway, as I was busy a lady in her 60's came up next to me and began to make conversation about the produce. It took me a few min before I realized that she only had one arm, the other arm stopped at her elbow. I stopped what I was doing, and asked her about her arm. She said she was born with it. I pulled jack's arm from behind my shoulder and she then saw his arm too. We talked, and I gained so much insight. She is retired, has children and grandchildren and moved to Charleston to be with them. She was also a nurse in an adult ICU for 35 years! Can you believe that! She told me how she learned to start IV's with one hand, move patients in bed (which she does not recommend, now because of problems with her good arm), play sports etc. Not only did she give me a "slap-in-the-face-stop-feeling-sorry-for-Jack" she also make me stop feeling sorry for myself. O how the Lord knew I needed that just then! What perfect timing he has!!
Here are some updated pictures from this month!
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| Peek-a-boo! |
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| LOVE riding in my wagon! |
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| Trying to feed myself! |
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| Daddy took me to the air-show here in Charleston - BOY was it cool and LOUD!!! |
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| Playing with Daddy! |
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| Trying to eat corn on the cob! |
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| Crawling under the table to get my choo-choo! |
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| I LOVE my turtle! |
Monday, March 21, 2011
Jack's 1st Birthday
"Without the WAY there is no going, without TRUTH there is no knowing, without LIFE there is no living!"
I am eager to see what the Lord has in store for us. I know that the road ahead is not promised to always be easy. For i am truly learning that without these trials, we are not pushed to persevere and grow.
Here are some Pics capturing his big day!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A few new pics!
Jack happenings...
I have been so focused on our doctors visit, opinions and deep thoughts ...i feel like i have neglected to say how wonderful it has been watching Jack grow before my eyes!
He's a few days shy for 11 months old and what a cutie he's becoming! (I am slightly biased...but dont you think?) Every day it seems he shows me a new quirk about his personality. The other day, he had his first official "temper tantrum" (more of those to come i can only assume...). He does this thing, where if he does not want to do what he wants when he wants (ie take a nap, change his diaper, play with a certain toy, assist him in anyway...) he THROWS himself back on the floor and swings his legs and head back and forth. Gee... i can only imagine where he gets that from (mom and dad i am sure you have much experience in this field...)
Jack is so much more interested in the food we eat. However, it seems that when I cut up small versions of what I am eating, he is no longer interested in that "stuff", but would rather have the large portion of food I am eating....It makes meal time a little frustrating. Glad dad has more patience that I do at times...
Here are a few resent pictures...
I have been so focused on our doctors visit, opinions and deep thoughts ...i feel like i have neglected to say how wonderful it has been watching Jack grow before my eyes!
He's a few days shy for 11 months old and what a cutie he's becoming! (I am slightly biased...but dont you think?) Every day it seems he shows me a new quirk about his personality. The other day, he had his first official "temper tantrum" (more of those to come i can only assume...). He does this thing, where if he does not want to do what he wants when he wants (ie take a nap, change his diaper, play with a certain toy, assist him in anyway...) he THROWS himself back on the floor and swings his legs and head back and forth. Gee... i can only imagine where he gets that from (mom and dad i am sure you have much experience in this field...)
Jack is so much more interested in the food we eat. However, it seems that when I cut up small versions of what I am eating, he is no longer interested in that "stuff", but would rather have the large portion of food I am eating....It makes meal time a little frustrating. Glad dad has more patience that I do at times...
Here are a few resent pictures...
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| Trying to stand on my own with my new leg brace. |
Thursday, February 3, 2011
4th opinion
4th Opinion
Sorry this post is overdue. I have been mentally unclear about what direction to take or even how to digest all the information given. It seems as more time goes by, we have more to chew on.
A week ago, Jack saw our local surgeon at MUSC for a 4th opinion regarding his leg. We are seeing a new surgeon, Dr. Mooney, because the original surgeon we saw has left the practice. He is following Jack's course of treatment for the Left Clubfoot as well as weighing in on his thoughts regarding his right leg. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that we were forced to see another surgeon here, because we might not have sought any other opinions in our area otherwise.
Dr. Mooney told us that Jack would be a potential candidate for limb-lengthening, considering his Right leg will be significantly shorter than his Left at the end of his growth cycle. His reasoning was clear - textbook explanations of why he would qualify. (Perhaps a textbook on the rest of life would be nice...ha, I suppose that is why we have faith and the God's word....anyway). Jack has 4 toes. Dr. Mooney states that 4 or 5 toes = stable foot. 3 or less = unstable. Jack has complete absence of his fibula. No fibula = less stable knee and ankle joint. Jack has a very unstable knee and is ACL deficient (meaning he is missing a major ligament to stabilize his knee).This can be treated by wearing a brace or device on his knee to stabilize it. (Many athletes tear their ACL and have to have re-constructive surgery or wear a brace...) He believes Jack would be able to function just fine going the route of lengthening, although He did say Jack will most likely not be a track-star... He reviewed with us the procedure (seems rather overwhelming to think about all the many surgeries jack would have to endure over the course of his childhood...), complications and potential outcome.
I wish I could just wave my magic wand, or look into the near future to see how each of our decisions will turn out for jack. So, since i've decided that will never happen... I will just resort to praying and collecting more information so we can make the best human decision we can...with all we have in front of us.
So lets recap: There's a tie
2 - Surgeons agree with amputation of Right foot between 1-2 years old
2- Surgeons agree with lengthening the Right tibia (2-5 surgeries, wearing external fixator for at least 3-6 months, slowing growth on the good leg to get the most out of lengthening on the Right)
Now, It would seem we need a few more tie breaker opinions....Ugh!
Jack
Well, what does he think of all of this? Does not even phase him - figures. I suppose that perhaps that is how the rest of his life will be... We are working daily on things that seem to be difficult for him - tummy time esp. He does not cawl... yet. Yes, I know he is almost 11 months old and has not started crawling, but I do have high hopes that he will...eventually... on jack time. We had a brace made for his Right leg with a 'lift' to make it the same height as his other - so that when he pulls to stand he will be the same height. He's a good eater, and very social, although I think he's showing signs of 'separation anxiety'. All good things - developmentally appropriate. A few funny things he's been doing: He learned to sit up from a laying down position a few weeks ago. Frequently i will find him sitting up in his crib in the middle of the night or during nap time crying because he can't figure out how to lay back down! So silly but so cute!
Continue to pray for wisdom and clarity for James and I to endure on this journey...
Sorry this post is overdue. I have been mentally unclear about what direction to take or even how to digest all the information given. It seems as more time goes by, we have more to chew on.
A week ago, Jack saw our local surgeon at MUSC for a 4th opinion regarding his leg. We are seeing a new surgeon, Dr. Mooney, because the original surgeon we saw has left the practice. He is following Jack's course of treatment for the Left Clubfoot as well as weighing in on his thoughts regarding his right leg. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that we were forced to see another surgeon here, because we might not have sought any other opinions in our area otherwise.
Dr. Mooney told us that Jack would be a potential candidate for limb-lengthening, considering his Right leg will be significantly shorter than his Left at the end of his growth cycle. His reasoning was clear - textbook explanations of why he would qualify. (Perhaps a textbook on the rest of life would be nice...ha, I suppose that is why we have faith and the God's word....anyway). Jack has 4 toes. Dr. Mooney states that 4 or 5 toes = stable foot. 3 or less = unstable. Jack has complete absence of his fibula. No fibula = less stable knee and ankle joint. Jack has a very unstable knee and is ACL deficient (meaning he is missing a major ligament to stabilize his knee).This can be treated by wearing a brace or device on his knee to stabilize it. (Many athletes tear their ACL and have to have re-constructive surgery or wear a brace...) He believes Jack would be able to function just fine going the route of lengthening, although He did say Jack will most likely not be a track-star... He reviewed with us the procedure (seems rather overwhelming to think about all the many surgeries jack would have to endure over the course of his childhood...), complications and potential outcome.
I wish I could just wave my magic wand, or look into the near future to see how each of our decisions will turn out for jack. So, since i've decided that will never happen... I will just resort to praying and collecting more information so we can make the best human decision we can...with all we have in front of us.
So lets recap: There's a tie
2 - Surgeons agree with amputation of Right foot between 1-2 years old
2- Surgeons agree with lengthening the Right tibia (2-5 surgeries, wearing external fixator for at least 3-6 months, slowing growth on the good leg to get the most out of lengthening on the Right)
Now, It would seem we need a few more tie breaker opinions....Ugh!
Jack
Well, what does he think of all of this? Does not even phase him - figures. I suppose that perhaps that is how the rest of his life will be... We are working daily on things that seem to be difficult for him - tummy time esp. He does not cawl... yet. Yes, I know he is almost 11 months old and has not started crawling, but I do have high hopes that he will...eventually... on jack time. We had a brace made for his Right leg with a 'lift' to make it the same height as his other - so that when he pulls to stand he will be the same height. He's a good eater, and very social, although I think he's showing signs of 'separation anxiety'. All good things - developmentally appropriate. A few funny things he's been doing: He learned to sit up from a laying down position a few weeks ago. Frequently i will find him sitting up in his crib in the middle of the night or during nap time crying because he can't figure out how to lay back down! So silly but so cute!
Continue to pray for wisdom and clarity for James and I to endure on this journey...
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