Podiatrist visit

Benjamin saw Dr. Goad, the podiatrist, on Friday for the first time! This appointment was so enlightening for me because it's nice to know now what we possibly will have to deal with in the future. He took x-rays of his feet and both of Benjamin's feet have all 5 toe bones, which was a surprise to the doctor. Most cases he sees only have four of the five. As you can see from the picture, Benny was deep in thought about this. I was told that Benjamin will most likely have to have surgery. It won't be cosmetic, as he doesn't do surgery for strictly cosmetic purposes. His will be more for functionality of his feet. Right now, when Benjamin puts pressure on his feet, his big toe sort of turns out and curls, almost resembling a claw. He does this to provide the balance he needs because he doesn't have that extra support from the middle toes. It's not a big problem now, but eventually, if not corrected, it could be. Not only that, but with time, his toes will spread apart even further. The surgery will be to close the cleft a bit so that he can wear normal shoes. Hopefully doing this will help his big toe to straighten out as well.

At this point Dr. Goad will just continue to follow him and give him some time to grow. We are going to see him again in 3 months. Only time will tell what exactly we will have to do. It could take more than one surgery to help him, or it could take some time in casts, or even something else. We don't know for sure yet. We just know that he will need something, and surgery is most likely in the cards.

It's nice to know. While I feel so bad for Benny to have to endure yet another surgery, I know that it will be to help him. Though this kind of surgery is not as serious as heart surgery, no surgery is without risk. I know he is a strong little boy, and that any obstacles he comes to will only make him stronger, but as a mother I can't help but ache for him...sometimes it just feels as though it's going to be one thing after another for the rest of his life. I know God will handle it all; He has thus far and will continue to do so. So I just have to pray for the strength and courage (and energy!) to be the mom that he needs, and that the girls need too! I was promised that I will never have more than I can handle...and that reassures me that I can handle this!

Thursday update 9/10

Benny had a good old-fashioned doctor appointment today so I just wanted to give you all a little update on his stats! He has finally passed the 15lb. mark!! He weighed in at 15lb, 3 oz! Woohoo! He is 26 1/4" long. He is obviously still way below the average but he is progressing well for him. He is growing and he is proportionate to his own stats. He's doing very well. He is, as we mentioned before, a couple months behind developmentally but he's working very hard!! He is pulling himself up on things now and crawling like a champ. We're still working on
his solid foods. He can handle the baby food, but he still has a bit of trouble with normal solid food. He'll get it though! These are just a few pictures of him today...he was all dressed up for his appointment, and looking oh so cute if I say so myself!







Emily was supposed to be just a spectator at the appointment, but I decided to have her get her flu shot since we were already there! She was a champ, and while a few tears flowed, she did great! We celebrated with a happy meal from McDonald's! Abi's is scheduled for tomorrow, after school of course!

It's a good thing we did grab some lunch before going home because when we arrived home, we discoverd while attempting to open our garage door, that our power had gone out...thanks to a fabulous thunderstorm!! Our front and backyard was flooded!! There was a river running through our front yard, and that's not an exageration! It was nice to get some rain though, we desperately needed it! And, both Benny and Emi took great naps!!

I also learned today that Teresa, my sister, was admitted to the hospital and is being induced. So hopefully I will have a new niece within the next 24 hours!! We're all awaiting and anticipating her arrival! I will keep you posted if I hear anything, or receive any pictures!!

Tonight I have a parent orientation meeting at Abi's school, immediately followed by a PTA meeting. Yes, I have become part of the PTA! I figure I should be a responsible parent and participate :)

Overall, today was a good day!

Friday Night Campout!!

Friday night Darin and the girls camped out in the backyard! They were so excited! The idea of sleeping in tents thrills them! Unfortunately, I had to stay inside the house and sleep in my bed because we couldn't leave Benny in his crib alone now could we?! But, nonetheless, the kids had a great time! We roasted weenies for dinner (which as you can see, got burnt to a crisp!) but they were yummy anyways! Besides, it wouldn't be camping if we didn't burn some of the food. For dessert, we had to have smores...a camping favorite! I'm proud to say that the girls definitely showed self control and both of them only had one, and said they were full. Of course, they did ask for an extra marshmallow and a piece of chocolate!

We wrapped up the smores around 9pm and it was off to the tent with all of them! They took a couple games and some cards, along with a lamp so they could see! They managed to stay awake for quite a while, but eventually, during bedtime stories (they all took turns telling one), they passed out...

The next morning, they woke with happy faces...all except for Darin, who was stiff and sore (he's getting old!). They must have woke a bit early because Darin was inside when Benjamin woke up and he took care of Benny and the girls while I got to sleep in! Win for me! So, anyways, just wanted to share some of our fun times with you all, as well as some pictures. Last night we did movie night. We watched Escape to Witch Mountain which Emily seemed to like, and I think Abi did, at least up until she fell asleep! I think the whole "waking up early in the morning for school" is starting to catch up with her! But, she still gets excited about going everyday and can't wait for the weekend to be over! We told her that when she's older that mindset might change :)

On a side note, I have a facebook account that I upload many of our photos to, so if you have an account, send me a friend request! Then you can see more photos!

Have a great Labor Day weekend and be safe!!