Big Day!

Ok well it has been a crazy week! Last Monday we had the occupational therapist come out to do a re-evaluation and decide if we should start regular therapy at this point.  She stated with Addie's diagnosis of Erb's Palsy on her left arm there is the chance she may never gain full use of that arm, and even if she does it may always be weaker. I did not know this! I had been under the impression that Addie's lack of movement was from lack of strength since she had not been able to move it in the womb. After hearing that news from the occupational therapist I started to do some research about it . We found out that 3-6 months of age is a huge time frame for improvement with babies with Erb's Palsy. We also decided that it would be a good idea to see a specialist about it. I had an appointment for her 4 month check-up with her pediatrician Monday the 27th already set so when we got there I asked for a referral to a specialist. He said he could refer me to a neurologist, but he was not sure how quickly they would get me in even with a rush on the order. I started to pray  that if she needed to see a specialist she would be able to get in quickly because she is already 4 1/2 months. The next day, Tuesday, I had an appointment with a physical therapist from Easter Seals for her re-evaluation to decide if we should start ongoing therapy. The therapist mentioned a specialized center in St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Texas just for Erb's Palsy. She shared that the occupational therapists she works with send babies as young as 2 months there to get checked out and that it would probably be a good idea for Addie. Once I got home from that meeting I began looking up these centers. I called the one in St. Louis and was able to get an appointment for today!! What a blessing! So I loaded up the 3 kids and drove down to my aunt's who is about an hour away from St. Louis. My cousin is going to watch the boys today while I take Addie up to the center. Wednesday is their special day for Erb's Palsy and Addie will be seeing a neurologist, neurosurgeon, and an orthopedic doctor! My simple prayer to see a specialist has been answered threefold by three specialists who all work together! It reminds me of this promise in Scripture "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear" Isaiah 65:24. God knew what we needed and He knew when we would need it even though I didn't. His hand has not left Addie! I am grateful we are able to get in so quickly and am praying to get some clarity on her diagnosis and wisdom on her treatment plan. At this point after meeting with the occupational, developmental, and physical therapists all again we are going to start having physical therapy 2 times a month and occupational therapy 2 times a month also. The goal out of these sessions will be to monitor Addie and to give me different exercises to do daily with Addie in order to help strengthen her arms and legs. Yesterday, I was overwhelmed by how quickly everything was going but today I am at peace, excited, and even joyful at how present God's hand has been. I know that I am not going alone today, but that God will walk with me each step of the way so I will praise Him!
                   Psalms 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.