We Finally Made It

I know many others go through the challenges of their child being in a body cast much longer than we had to endure, and my heart goes out to them because it is very difficult to a.) see your child in pain, b.) manage their care, and c.) not grow anxious with staying indoors for so long. But, we FINALLY made it to the day the cast came off this past Tues. Addison was so excited as was everyone else who cares for her! Unfortunately, it will take a while to relearn to walk. Right now she is crawling and pulling up to objects. She still has trouble straightening her leg in the places it was bent in the cast. Each day she seems to gain more strength and mobility. The doctor told us to expect it to take weeks for her to learn to walk. I think she will be up and running in a couple of weeks. It helps to have a sister to chase after! 

As soon as we think everyone around here is healthy, Addison, followed by Emma, came down with hand, mouth and foot disease this week. These two have had stomach bugs, broken leg, and now this since May! I’m telling you, at times I feel beaten down by all this. I pray for strength each day. 

There is no way we could have gotten through these past few months on our own. We are blessed to have a great family and wonderful friends (including Brian’s co-workers) to lend a helping hand. Charlotte, Brian’s step-mother, came for a week to help when Addison broke her leg. My sister-in-laws, Katie and Mary Grace, came for  a week with my niece and nephew, Anna Cross and Grady. Then, my mom came with my niece, Layla for a week. There were very few days of being on my own with the girls. Brian’s co-worker/friend, Liz, organized dinners for us for an entire week! Many others offered support and prayers for us and our girls. We appreciate this so much and will never take for granted the blessings you all have provided us! 

Below are the few photos I have taken over the past few weeks. I didn’t even take my camera out when my mom was here. As things return to normal (whatever normal is) around here I hope I can be more diligent about posting updates on the girls. 

Addison and her "melon" She goes crazy when she sees them in the store. I didn't think I was going to be able to cut this one because she wouldn't let go.

One way to have fun while you can't walk is to get a laundry basket ride around the house.

Emma, Grady, Anna Cross, and Addison in the ball pit at Children's Museum

Anna Cross is all done!

They decided to try a smaller one. Grady would pretty much submerge himself and you would see parts of his little face poking out. Hilarious!

Aunt Katie helping Addiosn walk around.

Our attempt at getting 4 toddlers to be still for a photo. Emma in purple, Anna Cross with pink bow, Addison and Grady opposite of them

Even Chief was trying to figure out what we were doing.

Attempt #2

Anna Cross giving us a little "CHEESE"  behind Emma.

Almost all of them looking at the camera!

Attempt number 3, All toddlers get in Emma's crib

Father's day: Took the girls to Krispy Cream

Can you tell Addison likes the sprinkles!