Emerson's Scoliosis Journey

We left at 3am to arrive at 6am. No traffic issues (everyone is still sleeping). Emerson hanging out with Daddy while we wait to be checked in.  We head up to the operating room after signing all the papers.  As we walk into the OR Em starts screaming.  We wait in our assigned room until 8, when the casting will begin.  They check her vitals, we sign consent forms,  meet the nurse,  anesthesiologist,  the girl that will mold her brace,  and the intern doctor.  Daddy tickles Emmi and we cherish some real hugs while we wait (it will be 4 weeks before we can do either of those again).  Emmi wearing her under cast shirt and content after some "happy medicine."  This medicine helps her forget everything about the experience for the next 4 hours.  They all tell us they will "take good care of our daughter" and she leaves for an hour.   We wait in a small room for the phone call saying she is in recovery.  The doctor comes out and tells us how it went and ans

Emerson had her second cast cut off Tuesday night.  Considering Craig's work has decided he can't use his two weeks vacation by splitting it up and my math students took Common Assessments this week we are so incredibly thankful for a special person that offered to cut her cast off in town on Tuesday night. Those 15 minutes it took for him to cut it off saved us from taking off work and driving 3 hours both ways for a 15 minute appointment. Since we didn't go to St. Louis there hasn't been an x-ray yet.  I did take a picture to compare her back after the first cast and after the second. Cast off week is exciting because we don't have to worry so much, but it is also hard seeing her little back and being reminded of the severity of her curve.  She was so excited to show her daycare friends her belly which made me sad thinking about her getting the next cast.    Her next cast will be Tuesday.  Please pray for good results,  safe travels,  and Emerson's hea

We have "pimped" our cast!  Thanks to a special friend who gave Addison a gift card to pick out some duck tape for her sister.  Addison picked out 5 different types and Emerson liked this one .   We have had this cast on for about two and half weeks.  The procedure went well.  Emerson isn't scared of the hospital yet, but this may be because they give her toys, books, and stuffed animals every time we go.  When she woke up, she repeatedly said, "I done! I done!"  She didn't care about the cast, but wanted all the cords off of her and wanted to leave.  She adapted really well this time and just started going.  The anesthesia is the worse part because is makes her very tired and clingy.    We were so blessed to have some really sweet friends bring us meals the two days after, which was extremely helpful.  My mom was also helpful (as always) and was able to stay with Emerson the day after, so I could go back to work.  Emmi was ready to go back to day