Joy's Braces

We are trying a new system to improve the flexion in Joy's knees. It has now been over a year since her hip surgeries, almost a year since her knee surgery, and 10 months since she came out of her spica cast. We have been doing physical therapy since then to work on her strength, balance, and flexibility. She has come a long way, though the progress is slow. The goal was to get her knees to bend to at least 90 degrees. Currently, her left knee bends to 80 degrees, and her right knee (the one she had surgery on) bends to 70 degrees. So, we are now trying special braces called Dynasplints.

These braces provide tension which can be increased to allow for a slow, passive stretch. It is not painful to wear them, and we are all eager to see how they will work. Joy is excited about her "bracelets" and seems to understand the benefit. When she was being fitted, she was allowed to decorate with stickers! Joy is always such a little trooper, and we are so thankful for her joyful spirit!

We have started her wearing them for short intervals during the day, and we will be working up to having Joy wear them all night for 10-12 hours while she sleeps. Depending on the progress, she may wear them for up to 6 months. Something about this is strangely familiar . . . sitting still, immobile, with lots of arts and crafts. At least now she has a little companion, not to mention that the braces can be removed. You can't do that with a spica!

So, here's to Dynasplints! It is a blessing to have medical options that can help, but whatever the results we know that God is in control. We pray for healing for Joy's little legs, but we also know and trust that God often does His best work through our trials. We pray for strength not only in her legs but more importantly in her heart . . . when we are weak, He is strong!

"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love." Psalm 147:10-11

S'mores!

There's nothing like a s'mores fest on Memorial Day weekend! So yummy!!!

"In China . . . "

Lately these are words that Joy has been using often. She will randomly just begin a sentence with "In China I liked salt, but not pepper." "In China I liked ice cream." "In China I played with my friends." "In China I ate rice for breakfast." "In China I had short hair." "In China I had princess bandaids." Some of her statements are probably true, some are probably not. But the fact that she is freely talking about China opens up the dialogue for her to express her thoughts and feelings concerning the place of her birth. I am able to use the opportunities to ask her questions and gather more insight into her memories. She also recently told me . . . "In China they shoot my eye." Now just to get it straight, she is probably remembering when she had eye surgery. She also told me . . . "In China they laugh at me." At first I thought well, she is a funny little thing and keeps us entertained all the time. As I probed her further, she said they laughed when she fell. Stab to my heart. As she opens up about her past pain, it breaks my heart. I wish I could just zap all of her pain away, yet I know that God turns pain into beauty. I am truly thankful that He chose me to be her mommy, to comfort her, love her, and encourage her. She has gone from not wanting to talk about China at all (perhaps it was too painful) to wanting to share her memories. Although she was only 3 years old, her memories (whether accurate or not) are hers.

It is actually amazing to me to be able to have the kind of conversations with Joy that I have. She has a depth to her that is incredible for her age. We were recently talking about when we first met in China. She told me that she was kind of scared of me at first because she didn't know me yet. For her to be able to express her feelings like that was so real, so vulnerable.

I know that the difficult questions are coming, and I honestly have no idea how I will share with her the things that are bound to bring her pain. Yet, God is the One who has written her story. His perfect plan for her life is unfolding. I know that He is sovereign, good, kind, and loving all the time. I pray that Joy will understand this truth and know it deep in her heart. I love this precious girl so much! And I know that her heavenly Father loves her even more!

Mother's Day

Surrounded by all 5 of my babies! Along with their wonderful daddy, they made me feel so special and loved today! I love them each so much, and I am so thankful to the One who gave them to me!

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord." Psalm 127:3

"Poor Joy Joy!"

We all chanted this phrase last night as Joy took a trip to the ER accompanied by Daddy. She fell outside and hit her little head against the fence in the backyard. "Poor Joy Joy!" Unfortunately, she does fall often . . . but she usually just bounces right back up and keeps going. However, this time when she fell she hit the back of her head in just the right spot which split it open. She wasn't too phased by what could have been a traumatic experience and actually was quite jolly about the whole thing. The poor girl has spent way too much time in hospitals and doctors' offices. I guess this does come as a benefit when an emergency visit is in order. David said she was quite the celebrity, politely saying "hi" to everyone she met, shedding not a single tear, and enjoying the hospital playroom . . . for 3 1/2 hours! Why does it always take sooo long?

She came home with a teddy bear, stickers, lots of smiles, and 1 staple in her head. David said that as they pulled into the driveway, Joy told him, "Thank you, Daddy, for taking me." Could she seriously be any cuter?

The New Swing Set!

These little girls are in heaven! We purchased a new swing set for them, and they love it! Joy has told us multiple times how excited she is and then follows it up with "finally"! I guess the promise of a swing set was a long time coming! And Lindy has learned to pump all by herself . . . she is so happy and proud! Here they are enjoying their new favorite activity!