Boston Trip #3

I've been so busy with pre-Christmas activities that I haven't taken the time to update. The Boston trip went very well (December 4-6)! It was wonderful to take a direct flight from Charlotte to Boston without the layover in Newark! Rivers has really enjoyed flying. We had to be at the hospital at 6:15 on the 5th for her cast change. She was a little bit tentative about what was going to happen, but she was easily comforted. The cast change went smoothly, and then we ran down to x-ray for a CT scan. Dr. Kim is pleased with the results thus far. We'll go back to Boston the first week of January for an office visit and x-ray to see if Dr. Kim wants to remove the cast and put her in a brace or keep her in the cast until February. We also hope to meet with Dr. Kasser to discuss her knee surgery which we hope to schedule in March. We did find out that following the knee surgery, she will be in a full leg cast rather than a spica cast! PRAISE GOD! Things really are going remarkably well. Rivers has a great attitude about wearing the cast. I am so thankful to be doing this while she is young!

Mimi reading to Rivers on the plane trip to Boston.
Rivers just after having her green cast put on. They split the cast down the middle and sides so that they can remove it in the office rather than the OR at her appointment in January.


Rivers in front of Harvard Medical School as we were walking back to the T station to catch the train.

Rivers posing with "Benjamin Franklin" in the Faneuil Hall area. She was feeling so well following her cast change that we did a little bit of shopping before heading back to the hotel.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement! It really means a lot! Even though Rivers is doing so well, it takes a lot out of Daniel and me to take care of her. We know that your prayers are helping to sustain us!

Bye-Bye Pink Cast

I cannot believe how quickly five weeks has passed! Rivers, Mom, and I leave in the morning for Boston. Rivers is getting her cast changed Friday morning at 7:30. Hopefully, this cast will be lower down on her chest so that she is able to move her upper body a little bit more. I will have the chance to talk with Dr. Kim just before they take her back, so hopefully we will get some questions answered about the timing of her knee surgery. Please pray for safe travels for us! We will return Saturday evening.

Thanksgiving and Beyond

I have just not felt like blogging lately! I have sort of been in a "funk" ever since Jackson's surgery got postponed (now it's January 12th). Regardless, we've been making the most of this time together. Jackson is changing so quickly, and even Rivers can appreciate how special it is to watch him learn how to stand on his own and take his first independent steps. She gets so excited! We've tried not to make a big deal about since she can't walk right now, but she just laughs and encourages him and doesn't think a thing about herself. It is so precious! Jackson and I got to spend the day together on the 13th, and it was nice to have some time for just the two of us. We played in his room, and I took these pictures of him:

When we finished playing, Jackson crawled down the hall to Rivers' room and played peek-a-boo with me by opening and closing the door. He is fascinated with doors and drawers right now and has had his fair share of smashed fingers!

Rivers and Jackson have really enjoyed playing together lately. The kitchen set continues to be a huge hit (last year's big Santa gift). Sometimes, Rivers gets a little frustrated that Jackson is able to get to whatever he wants when she can't reach things. Most of the time, we balance her on one knee to play kitchen.

On November 23rd, my big brother (by 15 months) Eric, celebrated the big "three-one!" Happy birthday Eric! We went out to eat at Yamato's and ate German chocolate cake. We always have a good time hanging out and catching up on his tennis and hunting stories.

On Eric's birthday, Christian (my youngest brother...too young to date) played kitchen with Rivers. How sweet! Our Thanksgiving Day picture! Hey, it's as good as it gets! Rivers wanted to have her arm around Jackson, and Jackson wanted to get down.


Rivers and I watched Santa come to town on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

We went to Daniel's parents' house for lunch and had a fabulous meal: turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings, and Rivers' favorite: lima beans! We drove to my grandparents' house in Estill while the children napped. Somehow, I managed to not take a single picture except for Daniel playing the guitar with Jackson! I'll be sure to get some pictures at Christmas! It was a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and we are so grateful for how the Lord has blessed us this year!