New Casts Etc...

We had our regular visit at HOPE Orthopedics this morning for new casts for Jack. He did the best he's EVER done for one of these visits. No screaming or fits...he wasn't even really afraid of the saw when they cut the old casts off. Course....I guess he's probably getting used to it. This was the first time we went directly to the Cast Shop. Mike was AWESOME!!!! He said he used to do a ton of club foot repairs when he was in the Navy....well, his experience was evident. His demeanor with Jack was relaxed and attentive and Jack responded in kind. The new casts are the same plaster, below the knee casts we are now used to. But....these are beautiful. Mike must consider his casts something like an artist considers a canvas....the finished products on Jack's legs are smooth, symmetrical and almost attractive. :)

Jack is now thoroughly accustomed to the casts and they don't slow him down a bit. He pulls himself up on all our furniture, but he is not yet attempting to really walk on his own. The picture here shows that, even with the casts, you can still see the little toes pointing in towards one another. With the casts off, the feet look absolutely beautiful and definitely straighter....but you can tell we're not home yet!! Please continue to pray.One quick story: one of the people in the Cast Shop with Mike this morning was a great lady who connected immediately with Emerson and kept her entertained while Mike worked with Jack. We went to the Silverton basketball game tonight....and there she was!!! She's the new athletic trainer for SHS......small world, huh? Turns out she's also a dear friend from college to another friend of mine.....wow. The Lord just continues to remind us that He is working in every single, small circumstance....from start to finish.

What's Happening These Days?

Its been a while since I've posted. We've been busy, I guess. Jack's baby dedication last Sunday at church was so special. We had some dear friends join us and that made it all the more special. The day after the dedication, Dr. Bob and Sally, along with Pastor Stan, Mindy and Blue all headed to Africa for the next month. Pray for traveling mercies and a clear ministry for them during their time abroad.

One of the local papers, Our Town, did a really nice article this week on Jack and our family. They did a nice job including our faith in the story...but we wanted to emphasize that we're just "regular people" and they did that pretty well, too. I shared Jack's story with the Sparks (grades K-2) at Awana on Wednesday night and it was a super reminder to me about how the Lord has walked right next to us this entire journey. I focused my talk to the kids on the power of prayer and the specific things that we prayed for that the Lord provided for us....but also the things that the LORD chose to give to us that we never even considered asking for!!!

I will share with the ladies at the church on Saturday, Jan 30th. The focus there will be similar but with a twist to include God's sovereignty and mercy. Perfect fit for a little boy whose life started with tragedy....and the Lord turned it to good.

First post-placement home visit tomorrow with our social worker. Looking forward to visiting with her again. Another round of casts on Friday this week.....I'll try to post an update then.

Casts? Round Three!!

Post-operative appointment at HOPE Orthopedics this morning. The technician cut off Jack's casts (he was VERY concerned about the saw) and I was SHOCKED at how straight and normal his feet looked. I think I physically gasped out loud!! Instead of twisted and contorted, they just hung there....beautiful and straight!!

The tenotomy was a massive success. ('course I'm no expert). But Dr. Bob agreed that everything is going just as planned. He was very pleased with what he saw. The heel is down and the feet are flexing just like yours and mine. The toes still turn inward.....so the third round of casts are now back on!! Before the plaster went back on, I inspected the wound from the surgery....you can barely even see it! I'm not even sure how Dr. Bob got in to access the achilles tendon with holes this small....

Two weeks in these casts.....then a new set for another two weeks. Bob and his wife, Pastor Stan and Mindy leave for Africa (for a month) on Monday the 11th. (I know they would appreciate your prayers). Bob is leaving us in the capable hands of his associates at HOPE. But....before he goes, we have asked Dr. Bob to pray for Jackson at his baby dedication service on Sunday morning. What a special blessing for us to share that monumental event with him! He has been (and will continue to be) such an important part of Jack's life.

Week Two at Home

We've been home two-plus weeks and now the big kids are back at school. I've enjoyed my time as a stay-at-home mom even though, I admit, I've been at school and the district office every day at least once. No worries...Jack has been there with me and people are becoming accustomed to me getting things accomplished at work with an extra 20 pounds on my left hip. :)

Jack continues to act as if the surgery on his achilles tendon was no big deal. We never did medicate more than just regular Tylenol post-surgery. He's doing just amazingly well. He's met all my teachers at school and all the other principals at our admin meeting and was introduced to Cole's classroom during Cole's 45 minute presentation about China (yikes!) Elise has asked to bring Jack to school for show-n-tell on Thursday.

Thursday is also our post-op appointment and we'll get further direction regarding continued casts and treatment then.

Sunday is a great day as we will be dedicating Jack at church. What a tremendous opportunity to offer this baby back to the God who has protected and provided for him each and every day of his young life. May the Lord continue to richly bless Jackson as he grows and our prayer would be that Jack would establish a relationship with his Lord early in life.