Today we took Lizzie for a check up with her clubfoot doc - the wonderful Dr. H.!! We usually go for regular check ups at her office but today we went back to the hospital where Lizzie was casted - 18 times!! We wanted to see the staff that had been so wonderful to us during our 21 week clubfoot journey. When we told Lizzie where she was going and that she was going to see Mrs. K.(the very sweet nurse who operated the very evil casting saw), her first fearful reaction was "no cast Momma!!!" I assured her that she would not get a cast today and that was followed by a smiling, "no cast Momma!!!" and a "Hooray!!" I sometimes have to stop and remind myself about all that Lizzie has been through in her 3 years on this earth. She is one of the strongest, most resilient souls that I have ever known. No matter what is thrown at her, she always seems to be able to find love and courage and happiness and laughter within herself and that is such a gift. I am still desperately waiting for her "peace" to come. I know it is coming and I see it developing a little bit more everyday but it is still not completely within her yet. She loves big and crys big and we are working on that peaceful middle ground that I can see but can't quite get to yet. So we continue to love her, love her, love her! One days like today, I get reminded of her journey and her incredible progress and her amazing capacity for love and for loving life. She did get a great report card today and a 6 month reprieve. It was so good to see everyone and have them confirm for me what I sometimes forget! I thought I would post a couple of older videos of Lizzie as we began this journey a little over a year ago! I cannot wait to revisit this post a year from now!!
This is video of Lizzie still in her orphanage. It is hard to tell, but her foot is turned almost completely backwards and is upside down.
This is when Lizzie figured out how to walk in her first cast!
She even figured out how to walk in her brace! We called it the brace shuffle!
And the first time she walked with a straight foot!
To the present!
Lizzie May, you take my breath away!! I look forward to watching you run as fast as those little legs will go on the soccer field, dance your way across a stage, walk up to get your high school diploma and walk down the isle to a very lucky young man!!!
Oh Annie, what a wonderful post! I just cried watching the videos. She's a remarkable little girl for sure. This post should certainly be on No Hands But Ours. It would be so encourage for others!
ReplyDelete~Lynn
Great news! To God be the glory!
ReplyDeleteWow, Annie. I can't believe how much Lizzie has been through, even though I've been watching her journey and progress all along. She is a determined and precious girl and has a great family and the most remarkable mom. I'm sure you still have hard days, but it sure is worth it. Her peace will come. Love, Monica
ReplyDeleteWhat a journey and the Lord held her hand the whole time!
ReplyDeleteDid you do the Ponsetti Method?
great news! I am going to be strong! Thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! Wew did do the Ponseti method. I credit Stefanie over at Ni Hao Y'all for telling me about the method! We did take a chance and used a Non-Certified Ponseti doctor. She had trained in Iowa, however, and did a great job! We love Dr. H.!!! I did do a lot of research and really tried to educate myself and I kept in touch with Dr. Morcuende throughout the entire process. He was wonderful! I sent him emails with pictures and lots of questions and he always replied that same day and was always glad to help! Lizzie still wears her brace for nights and naps but it is so NOT a big deal!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Loved this post!!!! She is such a beauty!!!
ReplyDelete:-)
-Nicole