Rainy Summer

We have had several rainy days and nights since school let out for summer break. This has made going outdoors with full leg casts off limits. This past Monday we went to Meg's softball game. Rachel likes cheering Meg on. I snuck away for a short time with Rachel to the play equipment.

Rachel scooted herself up and into the tunnel.

She loved being on the play equipment even with casts on.

Rachel and I on the swings. Too bad the special needs swing was broken at this park but it was clear to see why. There were a group of children playing that appeared to be in the 9-10 yr old range that were running and then jumping into the swing and climbing it to sit on top of the park swing set. With visions of broken arms from falling in the near future Rachel and I departed back to the softball diamond.

Meg and her team played a great game and won against the other team.

We went to Bartz's party supply and Rachel found a cowboy hat. Yes I had hidden that Cars sweatshirt but she somehow managed to find it. Rachel has a current obsession with wearing Cars themed clothing. 

Alicia tried on masquerade masks for an upcoming masquerade themed party that her and Breanne will be attending. 

The girls spent an afternoon on one of my friends' farm. Her goats are so cute!!!

The girls wanted to bring MooMoo home and keep her in the backyard. I had a hard time with MooMoo's need for a Kleenex. I do not think the neighbors would enjoy MooMoo's cowpies.

First Post Op Cast Change at Shriners

Rachel was sedated yesterday for her first post op cast change. Her cast change occurred in the OR partly due to her age (wiggling, squirming, and toddler stubbornness could occur - which would make it difficult for the doctors to get her feet positioned well) and partly for the possibility of needing a surgical revision done. 

Getting a cuddle from her older sister Breanne before her procedure started.

Double checking her ID band was correct. When the preop nurse came close to Rachel for an assessment Rachel keep her mouth covered with her hand in case the nurse was bringing her some versed. Rachel throws up from the taste of versed (as evidenced by me being thrown up on the last two times she received it.) Instead of receiving oral versed we opted for an IM injection of it into Rachel's upper right thigh. She definetly has sensation there as she gave out a pretty good cry when she received it. 

A few moments later and the relaxation started to kick in. 

Ta da a new pair of purple casts. Rachel was blessed that Dr. Altiok and Dr. Andrew did a wonderful job on her surgery and she did not need any revisions and her incisions looked well. Our family was as delighted by this as I am sure her rockstar doctors were. While Rachel appears like a vision of peacefulness in the above picture I can attest to the fact that a few moments prior she was not.

When Rachel was woken up in the recovery room she immediately ripped out her IV, began pulling off all of the vital sign equipment, put her Tinkerbell dress back on (it was in the crib with her), tryed climbing out of the crib and demanding to walk out. Wow!!!! She was so angry I had to go back into the recovery area early with her. She refused to get back into the crib and would only lay in her wagon. She kept her temper tantrum up for a good 45 minutes before falling into a nice slumber. Rachel was all smiles and sweetness again when she woke up. Thank God for that or it would have been a very long ride home. On a very cool note Rachel's post procedure nurse on the inpatient unit also has spina bifida and was wonderful to talk with. 

Ronald McDonald House Fun

We stayed at the Ronald McDonald House during Rachel's surgery stay at Shriners and last night in preparation for today's cast change. The one we stayed at is located on the VA grounds in Hines. Wonderful staff and wonderful atosmphere for families needing to stay there. 

Play room fun! 

More play room fun! The play room is enclosed and located right off the dining room and kitchen. 

Guess which button was Rachel's favorite elevator button to push. Reminds me a lot of her older sister  Breanne.

Secret teddy bear room on the 4th floor. There is a spiral staircase that leads to the secret room- the staircase is hidden by closet doors. 

I am not sure who loved this room more-Rachel or me?

So sweet!

We found a giant Stitch.

Stitch was hungry.

Rachel tried to help but I think she was helping Stitch get my toes.

Looking out the window.

Love this picture of Rachel! When you are that cute you can get away with cheating when playing pool.

More Shriners Pictures

Rachel was begging to go down the slide after surgery. We resisted her cuteness and said "No".

The tree house play area is one of Rachel's favorite spots in Shriners. 

Nothing like making mischief with her sisters to cheer a patient up

We had wonderful care from all staff we encountered during Rachel's stay. They are first class all the way. I love how oriented to the child everything is. Looking forward to Rachel's follow up care from Dr.Altiok and his team. May God continue to bless all of your minds, hands and hearts! Prior to discharge Dr. Altiok and Dr. Andrew added a protective layer of casting to prevent Rachel from pulling the pins out of her feet. 

I think this lovely lady needs a pair of earrings and a blonde streak added to her already sassy look. Definetly going to eat more chicken after meeting her!

 

We love the indoor trees!

Shriners Chicago Pictures and Update

After spending two nights at Shriners Children's Hospital Rachel was discharged home. Here are some of the pictures Rachel and I took during her hospital stay: 

Spina Bifida Daisies at Shriners- love them!

I have a few more to edit then I will add them. 

Rachel's surgery was pretty extensive - lasted about 6 hrs. Dr. Altiok and his team worked very hard to get both of Rachel's feet into a neutral, bracable position that would allow Rachel to place her feet flat on the floor. They had to work through a lot of scar tissue,scarred tendons and old surgical incisions. She has a pin in each foot that will need to remain in place along with long leg casts for 6 weeks. She is to be non-weight bearing the entire 6 weeks which means no standing, crawling or walking until healed.