Ding, Dong, the casts are gone!!

Update from Erik and Dawn:

"Yeah...We have a cast-free child and she is so much happier!!!  

Ding dong, the casts are gone, the casts are gone, the casts are gone, 

 Ding dong, the wicked casts are gone!! 

Analise ended up with a few sores on her back and legs 

from the casts, but overall she was fine.  

Her knees looked great, and straighter.  

Finally rid of those ugly casts!!

Rash from the casts...poor baby...
but she didn't even complain!!

Dr. van Bosse had some KAFO's (Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis) and AFO's (Ankle Foot Orthosis) made for Analise.  They will basically keep her knees nice and straight and keep her feet and Achilles stretched.  It's a struggle to get her in them right now, especially since we have to make them so tight, but she better get used to them because she will be wearing these until she's walking... and beyond!!

Analise has been such a trooper.  We complain more than she does!!

Here are my new KAFO's and AFO's...and they have butterflies on them...
Thank you Dr. van Bosse and Shriners!!!

We will be back for follow-ups with Dr. van Bosse in about 4-6 months.  Our goal is to have Analise WALK into his office at that time.  Lofty...we know... but as teachers we have to set high goals.

Thank you Ronald!!!

We also made it into the Ronald McDonald house at Front and Erie in Philadelphia.  Such a great place.  Dinner is prepared each night for everyone staying there.  They also have refrigerators completely stocked for everyone's use.  The room is spacious and even has wi-fi.  We have also met several great families while staying here.

Hey...do those kids have arthrogryposis like me?!?!

It is pretty surreal, seeing so many children with arthrogryposis in one place and all of them seeing the same doctors Analise is seeing.  It almost seems like her condition is common!!

Seeing legs in casts, feet turned completely sideways, KAFO 's and AFO's, wheelchairs, splints, children coming in and out of surgeries... it is our "new normal" now!!


We didn't expect to have a child with arthrogryposis, and we definitely weren't prepared for all of the challenges we have faced and will continue to face, but it amazing what parents will do for their children!!!

WE LOVE YOU BABY AND 

WE WILL DO ANYTHING FOR YOU !!!"

Sorry my legs are blurry in this picture but...
I can kick my legs again...YEAHHHHH!!!

Back to Philly tomorrow!!

Tomorrow Erik, Dawn, and Analise return to Philly to replace Analise's casts with her new custom, butterfly decorated leg braces, courtesy of Philadelphia Shriners.  Their appointment at Shriner's will be on Monday, then on Tuesday, they head back to California. 

Always with a smile on her face!!!

Analise has been amazing throughout this latest challenge, seemingly unaware that she even had the casts on...except for the fact that she couldn't kick her legs the way she likes to do...but she found a way to move her arms more!!  Praise God!!

Erik and Dawn continue to amaze and inspire us with their ability to juggle so many things so well: Over 50 kids in their two classrooms, four active kids of their own, doctors' appointments in Corona and Philadelphia, lacrosse, soccer, family... and always with great love and affection!! Erik will be celebrating his birthday on Sunday. His best gifts will be a great visit with Dr. van Bosse and being one step closer to Analise taking her first steps!!! That is why they are spending Erik's birthday in Philly...HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIK!!

They are on the waiting list at the Ronald McDonald Houses, let's hope they have room this time. 

Let's keep them in prayer that the surgery continues to be a success, that the legs healed properly in the casts and for safe flights... and keep the geese/birds away from their planes!!