We're off to Philly for surgery for Analise!!

On our way!!!

Our happy, Sweet Analise!!

From Erik and Dawn:
"Well, we are off!  Our second trip to Philadelphia to meet with the "experts" in AMC (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita) at Shriners Hospital.

We are actually flying into New York, then driving to Jersey, where we will be staying because it was significantly less expensive than round trip tickets to Philly, and every $$ counts!! 

As of right now, there are no rooms in either of the local Ronald McDonald houses, so we are staying in a hotel in New Jersey (about 15-20 minutes from the Philly Shriners) that gives discounts to Ronald McDonald/Shriners families when the houses are full.  We are still hoping to stay in one of the houses so we are able to  meet some of the AMC families that are staying there right now.  Hopefully something will open up!!  

We have an appointment Monday morning to finalize everything for the hamstring surgery with Dr. van Bosse, the lower extremity orthopedic specialist.  Analise will also be evaluated by the upper extremity orthopedic specialist, Dr. Zlotolow, to assess the the development of her hands/arms and make recommendations on treatment.

Analise is scheduled for surgery on her hamstrings on Wednesday, April 4.  She will have to stay overnight in the hospital after surgery, and since only one of us is allowed to stay with her,  that privilege goes to her Mommy!!❤

We will return to California on Saturday night, and if everything happens according to plans, Analise will be wearing full leg casts again.

Packing for a week trip with a baby is not easy, we are bringing everything!!  Then we have to do it all again in about a month to take off the casts from the surgery.

We will try to keep everyone updated this week, so stay tuned."

From Grandpa and Abuelita:
"We are so blessed Erik and Dawn have found Dr. van Bosse, Dr. Zlotolow, and Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia!!!  We continue to pray that Analise does not need this surgery and that her legs are developing normally, but should she need surgery, we know she is in good hands and God's hands!!  We will keep you all informed of the actual time of the surgery so that you can all focus your prayers for our Sweet Analise and to give Erik and Dawn the wisdom and strength to support Analise in the best possible way, and of course, we will also keep you updated during her recovery.  Analise has been such a brave and happy little trooper during all of her challenges in her young life and is loved so much❤❤!!

PS: just got a message from Erik and Dawn that they just arrived in New York safely and are headed to Jersey... about 2 hour drive!!"

 

Analise loves jumping on her bouncer to the The Theme from the Lone Ranger

(Grandpa Richard actually remembers the Lone Ranger TV show...anyone else?!?!)

 

Analise has started sitting herself up straight on the high chair, 

sometimes making it challenging to feed her. ;-)

She also HATES to have her arms on the tray/table and always manages to pull both arms off as soon as she can using her back/shoulders/chest muscles.  

We give thanks and rejoice in every small milestone!!

 

Here's my favorite Dolly, whose name is... Dolly ;-)

Yumm...prunes?!?!

Can't wait to see that smile again!!