Thursday, May 8, 2014

Happy Mother's Day! plus Jordy update.



To all my friends who are mothers and grandmothers (and yes, I mean ALL of you!) I love you and I wish you a very happy Mother's Day.  I pray that your families recognize how important you are this weekend and throughout the year.

I've been truly blessed to have many mothers and grandmothers in my life each playing a vital role.

For My Mothers:

Marty, thank you so much for growing me and continuing to love me in the way only you could.

Beth aka mom, thank you so much for picking up the pieces of my early childhood, filling in the gaps, loving me when it wasn't easy, and always being available to listen.  God knew what he was doing when he matched me with you.

Lesa, thank you for always being there at the right time with an open ear, thank you for understanding, and thank you for the encouragement that I needed during some of the hard times.  I honestly couldn't have asked for a better mother-in-law.

Amy, thank you so much for being my mother that didn't give birth to me.  Thank you for being inspiring and loving me uniquely because you just know how.

Deb, thank you for your creative and fun spirit, and outdoor savvy.  Thank you for your willingness to help me anytime I need you.


To My Grandmothers:

Alice, there aren't enough words to express the insane joy you bring to my life.  You are a constant inspiration to me through your faith and wisdom and love.

Norma, while you aren't with me here on Earth, you are always in my heart and mind.  I used to say that I wanted to grow up to be just like you and I am more passionate about that now than ever.  Of course, you used to say to me, "You don't want to grow up and be fat like grandma!"  We would both laugh and it will always be my fondest memory even though you know that wasn't what I meant!

Sue, you truly are a pillar in the family and you have always spoiled me and our family.  I'm so blessed to have you as a grandmother-in-law.

Elsie, while we don't get to spend as much time together as we'd like, you've always been so welcoming and loving to our family and we are truly blessed to have you.


UPDATE:

We had our follow up appointment at Shriners on the 24th of April.  It was an excellent visit.  Everything that can go right so far, is going right.  There are no bone infections or bone fractures.  There are no issues with knee joint due to the added pressure.  The difference in Jordy's leg is staggering.  Within two weeks of having the external fixator on, Jordy was weight bearing on his right leg and walking almost completely flat footed.  That is a HUGE difference.  Because his leg wasn't straight, Jordy wouldn't use his right leg because he could really only reach the ground with his toes.

Fast forward another two weeks and Jordy has been practicing standing without his walker.  He's been able to walk without his walker by holding on to someone's hand for the last three weeks which is tear worthy and he's getting really good at it.  He's even taking some risks by trying to cruise and take steps between furniture at home.  Not always the best idea and he's fallen a few times but it's hard to convince him that he is supposed to slow down.

We had a phone consult with the doctor today after we sent him pictures of Jordy's progress and he is still very pleased.  We will continue to adjust the fixator for at least another week and we will follow up with the doctor again by phone next week.

This picture smile is unlike most other picture smiles I've ever received from Jordy.  It's amazing what a difference almost 9 months makes.  He used to give me half smiles, goofy smiles, and the like but this smile is the "I'm really proud of myself" smile.