Striving to Walk

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Cast off, Cast on

If you read our other blog, you may already know about our day on Monday.  Other than being long and hectic, it was quite disappointing for Taylor.  She went to Children's with the belief that she would be getting her cast off.  Well, she did get her cast off, but she also got a new one put on.  She will not be able to get out of the new cast until a special brace is made for her foot.  Her transferred tendon needs to be protected for at least three months, but thankfully the doctor knows what torture it is for a kid to be in a cast for that long.  However, if her brace doesn't get done quickly, she could be in the cast for the entire time anyway.  We'll see.  I've been on the phone every day this week trying to convince everyone to hurry, but so far I haven't gotten very far.  Anyway, I promised to post photos of Taylor's foot, with and without the button.  If you're not a big fan of surgical sights, you may not want to look.  Also, I apologize for the pics.  They were taken on my phone, as I forgot my camera.  And, my phone was literally about to die.

Here is the last photo with her red cast.  You can see the lines where they already cut it.

Here is the button that was sewn to the bottom of her foot.  It was attached to the tendon that was transferred, holding it in place.  The other white stuff is just the padding from the cast.

One view of the incisions.  You can see how atrophied her leg is.  I should have put her left leg next to it so you could see the difference.

The bottom of her foot without the button.  You can see the indent, but you can't see how deep it was.  The bump on the outside of her foot is actually smaller than it was before.  We're hoping the surgery will help to correct that eventually.

The new pink cast.  She really didn't want to smile, but I somehow made her laugh.  She's such a trooper!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

We hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!  We spent some time on Sunday filling out cards for the girls to give to their classmates.  They are extremely excited about this day that is dedicated to expressing our love for others.  While we do our very best to express our love every day, there is nothing wrong with a little reminder once in awhile!  However, one thing we have learned while on this journey with our children is that we are not guaranteed a tomorrow; live each day to its fullest, and always give as much love as you possibly can.  Don't hold back or hesitate when you want to express your feelings, because you may never have another opportunity.

And now I will share with you the gift my amazing husband sent.  It's beautiful and delicious!  Thank you, Sweetheart!  Happy Valentine's Day!

We want to wish all of you a very Happy Valentine's Day!  We hope you know how much we appreciate all of your love and support over the years!  Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!!

Kevin's Promotion Ceremony

On February 1st, we had the honor and absolute privilege of attending and participating in Kevin's promotion ceremony.  This was his last promotion, as he has reached the highest enlisted rank possible in the Marine Corps.  He is now a Master Gunnery Sergeant, and only the sixth person in his position to make it to that rank in his unit (ever).  Initially, he didn't want to make a big deal about it, but as everyone else got excited, it helped him to see that it was a REALLY big deal!  His former Colonel flew in from out of state in order to promote him, and many invitations were sent out.  I cannot even begin to describe how very proud I am of him!!  He truly deserved the promotion and the recognition for all of his dedication and hard work he has put in to his unit and the Marine Corps.  He leaves the house by 4-4:30 a.m. every morning, and he doesn't get home until 9 p.m. most nights.  He is there for his Marines at all times, day or night, and he's definitely a father-figure to many of them.  They are extremely lucky to have him for a leader, confidant, and friend.  I got choked up as I listened to people talk about him, and he really brought tears to my eyes as he spoke to all of us.  K.J. and I were even able to go up to the front to pin on his new rank, which meant everything to us.  After the ceremony, when all of the guests and most of his unit came up to congratulate him, I could see how much he is loved and respected, but I can guarantee by no one so much as me.  I am thankful each and every day to be able to love, and be loved, by this man.  He is my heart and soul, and I am blessed beyond measure to have him in my life.  Kevin, congratulations on your promotion.  Remember that I will stand by you and support you in all that you do!  I love you more than you could ever imagine!  :0)

Here are a few photos from our day...

Taylor's Surgery

Taylor had her surgery on Friday, January 28th.  Here are a few photos from the day.

Pre-surgery in Grandma Terry's office

Immediately after being wheeled to the recovery room.  Jade was very worried about her sister.

The red cast

Very cool and soothing fiber optics, bubbling water and music machine.

Hanging out in Recovery

Jade on the "comfy" couch.  She was SO EXCITED to have a slumber party at the hospital.

Taylor was not as thrilled to stay, but she gave me a smile anyway.

Out like a light

So "lucky" to be awake in time to see the sun rise. Gotta love hospital life!

Learning to use the crutches.  What a champ!

Blog design

O.k., apparently I've lost my ability to correctly put a photo up on the top of our blog page.  Honestly, I'm doing it the same way I always do, but it's just not working today.  I'll keep trying, but I don't have time to spend on this little project right now.  This is a busy week for us.  I'll try to update our other blog to tell you what we have going on. 

We hope you all have a great week!

Merry Christmas!!

We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!  We hope your day is filled with love and blessings.  We want to say a special thank you to Charlotte Parrish Photography for these wonderful photos of the girls with the REAL Santa!!  And notice that Solomon is smiling too!

Much love from our family to yours!

Jade pulled out her first tooth

First Day of School

Well, I even though I still haven't edited and posted any of our photos from this summer, I decided I had better show you the pics from the first day of school.  I mean, before they have been in school a month.

Since Erin has pneumonia right now, and we're between breathing treatments, I thought I would squeeze in time to post just a few pics.

How did they grow up so fast???

Intense Physical Therapy at KKI

We spent the past two weeks in Baltimore working hard, having fun, meeting new people and doing exciting things (o.k., mostly working hard).  Erin and Taylor both had intense physical therapy with our therapist, Robin.  She just has a way of getting our girls to work as hard as they possibly can while having fun.  Thank you Robin!  We also want to thank Scott, Heather, Sarah, and everyone else who worked with us at some point while we were there.  I will try to post a longer update soon on our other site giving more details about our adventure.  I would like to share a plethora of pictures with you that were taken over those two weeks.  I'll probably have to do at least 2 different posts to get them all in.  Anyway, enjoy!  Also, if you have any questions and/or comments about anything, please feel free to let me know.

Erin walking with her new KAFO's.  She's becoming a pro, and she actually likes walking in them!  Oh, she's wearing an adorable pair of BabyLegs underneath her braces.  They work perfectly!  So glad we found them.

Outside on the playground at the Ronald McDonald House.  They love this place!

Our beautiful girls

Taylor playing soccer as part of her therapy.  See what I mean about fun?!

Our new favorite game is badminton.  Jade played it everyday for 4 hours during therapy.

New friends, new game, tons of fun!

Girl time.  What could be better than hanging out and doing your nails?

Princess Erin

Erin just wanted to prove that she could kick a soccer ball too!

The two princesses.  For those of you who know Robin, you know what I'm saying. :0)

She could be a professional log roller!

More badminton (sort of)

The twins came up with their own high five using their rackets.  It was too cute!

Outside KKI in the therapy garden

Erin pulled out her first loose tooth all by herself.  She was so proud!

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'...

Jade often gets to enjoy her sisters' therapy.  So much fun!

We love to build things

She's our hula hoop girl

Just a girl and her dog, sharing a moment during therapy

Visiting with our friends from Under Armour.  Such fantastic people!

Eating cotton candy at the Orioles/Twins game.  Go Twins!

Taylor thought ice cream was a much better choice.

This girl LOVES cotton candy!

Even SOLOMON got to enjoy the game!

Such a handsome boy!

I think Taylor and Jade are having much more fun than Erin.