Update from St. Louis

We spent the weekend visiting with family and taking Addie to another orthopedic specialist for her hip and feet on Friday. It was a long day but a good trip. The orthopedic specialist took some pictures and x-rays and then came in to physically exam Addie. He confirmed a lot of what Dr. Akeson, the orthopedic doctor she sees at home, had said. He agrees she will need a serious invasive surgery when she is closer to 20 pounds and able to handle being under for the 3 hours it will take for the surgery. This surgery will be to move her right hip into the joint. He also mentioned that her left hip joint is a little shallow so we will just have to watch that as we watch the right hip as she grows. He thought her feet were looking good, but did mention we have may to do the lengthening surgery on her right foot again. He told me a few new ways to stretch her feet to encourage mobility and length on them so we will try that and hopefully be able to avoid any extra surgeries. Overall it was a good appointment. It is always nice when both opinions are in agreement. Our big decision now is to pray about which doctor we should use for the surgery. The doctor is St. Louis has been able to specialize in pediatrics orthopedics where Dr. Akeson has specialized in orthopedics and does a lot of pediatrics but not as much as the other. Obviously there are positives about having it done here, but there is also a lot to be said about having someone who has worked more specifically with young babies. Either way we are still looking at surgery between 12-15 months most likely as Addie is now 13 pounds. But we are not fearing or stressing this fact we know that God is in control. As we left the appointment Friday there was a large rainbow just reminding us of God's promises in the past and the promises for the future. Psalms 52:8 "For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good." Our hope is in Him as we wait for this surgery and as we head into her appointment with the neurosurgeon tomorrow to discuss her left arm. God has been with us every step so far so we praise and we know that He will continue to be so we hope in Him! We may not know exactly what is next or how it will all go but we know who is holding tomorrow. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.  We may not see it all now but we know that what He says is true and He has plans for us and for Addie. He will work all things out for His good and His glory. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.  He has been faithful thus far and we are continue to hope in Him and the truth of His word because we know the Bible is all true and it is always true!