Ladybug still isn't walking

Ladybug had her Well-Child checkup today. She is 16 months old and my main concern is the fact that she is not walking. Her language skills are well ahead of her age, and as we all know she's a healthy and a happy girl. At first the doctor didn't seem concerned and reminded me that 16 months is not that unusual, and is most likely related to personality. But when he examined her he noticed several things that made him concerned. He ordered an ultrasound to confirm whether she has developmental dysplasia of the hip, which is a birth defect caused by abnormal development of the hip joint.

First, he noticed that her hip pops when he moves her leg up and down (I had never noticed this). Then he turned her over and saw that she has an extra fold under her rear on one side and her lower body is slightly uneven. It is so slight that I really can't even see it myself. When I walk her around a room she stands on her tippy toes, has a slight limp, and doesn't bear weight on her legs for an extended period of time. These are all signs of this DDH.

If the ultrasound shows that she does have DDH we will be referred to a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. There is a possibility she could need surgery, and she will most likely be put in a spica cast until the upper thighbone moves into the hip socket keeping it in place while the joint grows. This would be followed by physical therapy.

I am getting a little ahead of myself and will take a deep breath and wait for the ultrasound to tell us what exactly is going on, and to what degree. I know she will be okay... ♥ but prayers are more than welcome and greatly appreciated!

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youth grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strenght

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31

For Me To Remember

Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him and He delivers them.

Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD. He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God.

Psalm 41:10-13 Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against you shall be ashamed and confounded. They shall be as nothing. They that strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and shall not find them that contend with you. They that war against you shall be as nothing.

Psalm 91 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Whom I trust." Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the (1) terror of the night, nor the (2) arrow that flies by day, nor the (3) pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the (4) plague that destroys at midday. (Spiritual insight = Prior 4 categories cover all of God's covenant protection promises.)

A 1,000 may fall at your side, 10,000 at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, Who is my refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent (house/place). For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all you ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. "Because He loves me," says the Lord, "I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation."

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 54:5 For your Maker is your husband.

Mark 6:13 "Don't be afraid; just believe."

John 14:26-27 "The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Romans 8:15 For you have not received the (evil) spirit of bondage again to fear; bur you have received the (Holy) Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.

Updated Pics

It's been ages since I posted a single photo so here are some updated photos of the fam. :)

Ladybug is 15 months old now.

Here we're going for a walk, and feeding geese.

(not that you can see them, hehe)

At the Grizzlies Game a few weeks ago with my boys!

We got to hang out with Grammy, Grampy, and Auntie and the whole fam... SO FUN!

My little burst of sunshine!

Mother's Day 2010

I feel blessed.

My parents are a huge blessing.

Happy Mother's day Mom!

♥

What I've been up to.

It's been ages since I posted anything. I know, I'm awful...We've been so busy though and time flies when you're having fun! Right?

First of all... homeschooling. It's going quite well!

I have come to the conclusion that my teaching method is Charlotte Mason... you can read a bit about her method by clicking here. The Charlotte Mason method uses a lot of hands-on activities, live books, and nature walks... basically learning is FUN. I have been using My Father's World kindergarten and both boys are totally loving it. This curriculum combines Charlotte Mason and classical education with a biblical worldview and international focus. It covers reading, math, science, bible, creative thinking, character development and art with tons of hands-on activities that are simple enough that they somehow don't overwhelm me. And the best part is it doesn't take much time at all, (most days about an hour) so our schedule can include tons of other activities... seriously we are not home much at all (okay we are always home during afternoon naptime) but not a whole lot for a bunch of homeschoolers. I'm sure we'll need to spend more time on studies as they get older but for now each day is an adventure!

The boys start gymnastics tomorrow. They are SUPER excited (and so am I)! We went to a Grizzlies game last weekend and we're looking forward to more in the future.

God is doing crazy things to me... I'm changing on the inside. If you knew me more than 10 years ago, you would not believe I'd be a mother of 3 or the thoughts that go through my head. I am being transformed each day into someone who longs to glorify my amazing God... He is truly amazing!!!

More exciting things to come in the future but for now that is all I have to say.