Turning 4 and what's to come...

Mary Graham had a wonderful birthday last week, she kept saying, "am I really turning 4?" It was so cute and we had a few little girls from church over for her Cinderella birthday party and it was magical. The look on her face in the picture above with Cinderella perfectly describes her feelings of "awe" over Cinderella. We are so thankful for who MG is and how far she has come-God's grace is so evident in her life. She teaches me so much about being content and joyful in any circumstances life may bring.

She has pretty much healed from her surgery at the beginning of February, although still complains at times about her back hurting. We have met with another orthopedist here in Birmingham at Children's and with lots of prayer we have decided to have her hip surgery here in town. I asked God to make it very clear about where and who was to do the surgery. As much as we love CHOP, we are glad that God has lead us to stay here. I never had a peace about having to go back up so soon. Even Lucy cried to me one night begging us not to go back to Philadelphia right now. These things can really effect our entire family.

The doctor at Children's also does VEPTR rods (not as many as Dr. Campbell) but I have been wanting to meet with him about possibly following MG with her rods and maybe one day doing expansion in here at Children's of AL. There have been many times that God has brought him to my mind and we felt lead to pursue him and see about him possibly doing her hip surgery. Also, with another hip surgery and a body cast for 6 weeks I definitely wanted it done before school was out, mainly because that would be miserable for everyone during the summer. And she will have to have another expansion in August :(

So, this ortho doctor "happened" to have a cancellation April 9th and we went ahead and scheduled it. Then my sister, in Atlanta, "happened" to have dinner with some friends one night and they were asking about MG and she told them about this doctor that would be most likely doing the hip surgery, and the friend just "happened" to go to medical school with him and his wife and loves them both. Then, a one of our nurses/babysitters from the pediatrician just "happens" to work at Children's now in recovery and has planned to be MG's recovery nurse when she comes out of surgery. And, our pulmonogist, who I love and respect said he just "happened" to run into this Ortho and they were talking about MG and he was very encouraging about us staying here and having him do the surgery. I love that her doctors are just talking about her and showing how much they care and love her even when she's not right in front of them. So, we thought all of those things gave us clarity enough to make the decision to do the surgery here.

It will not be fun. They will reshape the left hip ball and socket, and add bone to the actual socket. The ortho says it can be a very painful surgery and recovery-although he doesn't know how tough MG really is. I do worry about her being in a cast from about her ribcage down to her ankles for so long, not being able to walk and losing some of the strength and her abilities over the 6 weeks. I imagine it will weaken her and she will have to work hard to regain her strength when the cast is off and it will hurt her back to be stuck in the cast and unable to move. But, I will try not to focus so much on the "what ifs" and trust that God is in all of this, even if we weren't expecting all these surgeries. God is walking with us and none of this is unexpected to him.

Here she is at 9 months old when she had her first hip surgery-now picture this in a 4 year old.

Before all of this craziness begins-we have a few good weeks left and Spring Break is coming and we surprised the kids with a trip to Disney World-and we are flying, this will be a first for Loftin and Lucy-I think they are most excited about that :) So, the timing is great, MG will get to swim and play and enjoy the trip!

We ask for your prayers in this upcoming surgery-for the actual surgery, recovery, pain and life in a body cast. She has become so independent these days-she can almost get dressed, go potty, get out of her little bed, and lots of other things all on her own. It is truly the hand of God that she has made so much progress. So, I know it will be frustrating for her and her little spirit when she can't move on her own anymore and I think that may be the hardest thing to come. We appreciate and covet your prayers so much!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4