Our newest challenge!

Do I call it a challenge, a bump in the road or a hurdle? I am not sure yet. Two months ago we found out that there was a possibility that our baby boy has clubfeet. We decided at the time not to share this information just because we didn't know for sure and wanted to gather more information. Today it was confirmed at the specialist office that he does indeed have clubfeet. I have known this was a possibility for two months. I have prayed that it would not be true. How do I feel now? I am actually not sure. I am still sorting through these thoughts and feelings. Prayers Please! A lot of this email includes medical stuff that I just need to get down so if skip all that if you are not interested in the details.

I am thankful for the past two months because it has given me time to read and find out about this whole new world we are about to encounter. A new club that we didn't choose to join but after meeting some of the other mom's of children with clubfeet we are once again blessed.

We go back to the specialist in 6 weeks for another ultrasound. She wants to check the fluid in his brain and his growth. If everything else if fine we are praying for a natural delivery and to get to come home after he is born.

We will be doing the Ponseti method for his clubfeet. We have been blessed to have already made contact with Dr. Ponseti. An amazing doctor and very caring man. He practices at the University of Iowa Hospital. Leave it to us to have another road trip in our future. He has given us the name of a doctor in Atlanta and one at Shriners, both who are trained in the Ponseti Method. Dr. Ponseti will also follow-up.

Dr. Ponseti has recommended us bringing the baby home for a couple of weeks so that we can bond and be sure that he is nursing well. Around when the baby is 10 days old he will have his first casting. Cast will be put on both of his feet up to his hips. The cast will be changed every 4-7 days for about 6 months. This will of course depend on how his feet our doing and the degree of his clubfeet. Then he will have surgery. After that braces will be worn until he is about 4 years old. Again the length depends on how he is developing.

Right now my focus needs to be on getting through the rest of the pregnancy with as little stress as possible. Then delivery of a wonderful baby boy. Right now I desperately need prayers to get past the whys and what did I do to cause this.

Once again in this life of mine I am so thankful that God knew who my partner in this life needed to be. I am so thankful to be taking this new journey beside the most wonderful husband I could have ever dreamed of.

If you have made it this far in the email thank you for sticking with us. Thanks in advance for your love, support and especially your prayers.