Post Spica

We are moving along with life "post spica". Joy is doing really well and thoroughly enjoying the freedom of being out of that cast! Her skin is looking so much better, and most of the dry peeling skin is gone. However, the skin is still pretty sensitive, and the scar on her knee will need some time to heal. She is loving being able to be in the water, and she and Lindy are especially loving our little backyard pool! Big sis, Mia, is such fun as she is always up for a dip with the little girls!

Yesterday morning, which was only the third day out of her cast, Joy was attempting to cruise around the ottoman. She was just so excited to be up on her feet! She also enjoyed a blueberry picnic with Lindy . . . Joy was so happy to be sitting on the floor with her new sister!

Joy then received her brace yesterday afternoon after only 3 days! This was an amazing blessing because it can usually take up to 2 weeks. She definitely felt more secure with it on and was even able to bear weight on both legs using her walker. She was so proud of herself! And the brace is so cute . . . it has little flowers and ladybugs on it!

This morning right when Joy woke up she wanted to stand up on her walker. She is so determined! Before we even knew what was happening, the girl took her first steps! Amazing! We are in awe!

By later this afternoon and evening Joy was taking multiple steps and even learning to turn the walker in the direction she wanted to go. We are so proud of her and her accomplishments today. To see our little precious girl up on her feet and walking is unbelievable! There is a lot of drive in that little body! Way to go, little one . . . we will be here every step of the way to cheer you on! We love you so much!

Cast Free!!!

Joy's cast has been removed . . . glory, hallelujah, praise the Lord!!! We are officially cast free! Oh, what a pleasure it is to hug and squeeze that cute little body! Joy handled the procedure like a pro . . . this little resilient one never ceases to amaze us! It was so fascinating to watch . . . Mia documented each step!

Ready to begin . . .

Earphones are in place . . . let the sawing begin!

"The bar will be my souvenir!"

Sawing down the sides.

The cast beginning to crack.

It's all good! Joy announces, "I am going to say 'Hi legs!'"

Prying it open!

The first portion is removed!

We can see her little leg for the first time in 4 1/2 months!

Joy gives the thumbs up . . . all is well!

To protect Joy's privacy, I won't post the final product in the doctor's office. But here are some after pictures back at home. We celebrated with In N Out . . . Joy's one request . . . "banilla" shake!

We are so thankful to the Lord for His love, faithfulness, and goodness to us! The doctor says that everything looks great, just as it should. Joy pretty much has the go ahead to do as much as she is able to physically. Immediately after the cast removal, Joy had a mold made of her right leg in order for a custom brace to be made. She will wear this brace until her leg is strong enough to attempt walking without it. We will begin physical therapy asap, and the doctor recommended pool time to help with the strengthening process. After a glorious bath, Daddy already had her up on her new legs . . .

. . . and he will be her strength until she regains it on her own! Precious!

"Shout with JOY to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, 'How awesome are your deeds!'" Psalm 66:1-3

Celebrating Lindy!

3 More Days!

That's it . . . just 3 more days for Joy's casting! It is actually happening . . . we are about to be cast free! It has been 4 and a half months including 3 surgeries and 4 different casts. What an amazing little trooper Joy has been! We all agree that none of us would have been able to handle it as well as she has. We are so thankful to God Almighty for giving us the strength to endure during this season. Joy has been counting down the days and pondering this upcoming moment!

There are still many unknowns as we enter into life without a cast. It's so strange to say that Joy being in a cast is normal and familiar to us. Change is again coming, and we don't know exactly what to expect. However, we can hardly wait for Tuesday! And we know that our Lord will help us and that He will go before us to guide our every step. (Those are literal steps for Joy!)

The very first thing Joy wants to do is take a bath with Lindy . . . so cute! We have in our possession the most miniature sized walker you have ever seen! Joy will also be fitted for braces the day after the cast comes off. She will probably wear them until her legs are strong enough to bear her weight. We pray that Joy's determined, resilient spirit will serve her well during the process of learning to walk . . . and then run . . . and dance . . . and jump! We know it will take time to accomplish these goals, but we are so hopeful. We pray that Joy will remain full of "joy", cling to her Savior, and learn to rely on Him! We love you Joy Joy, and we know that you can do it!

"Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:7-8

Family

These are just some fun pics from our first days home with Lindy . . .



She loves her babies!

Ba Ba and his China dolls!

Jie Jie Mia with her Mei Meis!

Sliding with baby!

Silly girl!

Lindy in her Chinese dress!

Such a beautiful girl!

Lindy loves Roxy!

Lunch time!

Swinging in the hammock!

So fun!

What a face!

She loves the park!

Lindy and Ge Ge Dean!

Lindy and Ge Ge Jake!

Big bros!



Ma Ma loves this girl's kissable cheeks!

 

The cousins!

 

Time for ice cream!



Joy Joy loves icey cream!

That's one way to eat it!

Precious Lindy!