The medical side

Its been an eventful couple months, medically speaking. We've taken 5 trips in 3 months, 8 hours away, for 3-5 days at a time, for 6 serial casts, 1 surgery, 1 spica cast (6 weeks long from armpit to toes) and 1 cast removal with brace fitting. 

We've had days filled with crying, muscles stretching beyond any previous position, serious pain meds, learning curve of diapering in the spica cast and drying the leaks, all kinds of new normals. Taking out 1/2" of femur on each side to put his hips back in socket just isn't a comfortable thing to deal with.

(Pre-op just before heading to the OR)

There were days I wanted to crawl in bed and stay there all day. Times when a sister's shoulder to cry on (I'm blessed with several) and a coffee got me through one more day. There were also a lot of good days, lots of happy days where Tavin blew away our expectations of how he would handle all that mess. He really has been such a trooper. His determination and sweet spirit has been inspiring and I'm just so proud of him! 

Casts are now off, and he's wearing AFO's (leg braces to the knee) 23/7 and a rhino hip brace at night and naps (it was 24/7 for the first two weeks out of the spica but now just night and naps). His hips are super duper sore but gradually more tolerant to movement. 

2 more weeks and he will have his KAFO's (full leg brace) and start working on standing! Eeeek we are super super excited!!! 

He also had his last day of preschool today. I know it wouldn't have been the right decision for every adopted kiddo within the first year home but for him it's been just fantastic. He has thrived in the small class, and his teacher couldn't have been more perfect for the job if I had hand picked her. I truly believe God orchestrated that. We've seen gains in his play level as well as verbalizations and interactions with Tucker and Maddox and I'm sure they are due in part to the classroom. 

If you've considered adoption, you know I'm a fan! If you've said "I could never throw special needs in the mix" join the crowd. We said that too. Guess what? We could do it. Because we are parents and that's what parents do-whatever their kids need. Has it been hard? The medical stuff? Sometimes, sure. But you guys it IS doable, and just because you haven't done it before doesn't mean you can't. And I mean come on. I get to kiss this face every day.