Brian and Joelle

Its been two weeks since Emmelia was introduced to her little pink body brace, and for the most part, she is getting used to it….when its on.  She wears it for about 23.5 hours a day but we take it off for diaper changes and for baths.  You should see how happy she gets when we are taking it off her…she kicks her legs and stretches and smiles big because she has her freedom back.  But that quickly turns into hysterics and screaming as soon as we lay her on her back to strap her in again.  Surprisingly she is sleeping quite good with it on and we are very appreciative of the prayers everybody has prayed for her.  I need to take a picture with her in it so you can see what what I’m talking about. 

This three day weekend was great.  I worked in the yard and laid sod down with the help of my brother Harry (thanks dude!) and boy does it make a difference….big difference.  I feel like w’ere really getting close to finishing the front yard.  It is nice to have the neighbors walk by and compliment the yard too…although they may just simply feel sorry for me since I’m out there EVERY single weekend.  They must think I’m whacked.  But the best part of the weekend though (hands down!) was sleeping in with my wife every day and being there to watch Emmelia wake up and be the first thing she sees.  I bring her in to our bed so Joelle can feed her and then we play.  We take the brace off her and sing and talk to her and she makes the funniest faces.  She is so happy in the morning.  She’s just in her diaper and I LOVE holding her skin so close to mine….it is like silk.  She can’t make up her mind between watching the ceiling fan or the windows…back and forth….back and forth…..turning her head.  I tell Joelle that I think she sees dead people.

Anyhow….we have 20 days left with the brace and then we go back to the specialist to see if she has been healed of the displysia (hip problem).  Pleas pray that this works and that she doesn’t have to wear this any longer.  It’s funny how you never hear of some things until you go through them or until they happen to you.  We’ve never heard of hip displaysia but since Emmelia has it….loads of people have told us about their experience with it.  Some people have had to wear the brace for two years!  And back in the day, the brace was metal and rigid plastic…at least it is a velcro contraption now (although pink camouflauge would be cool so it will match her swaddle blanket).  Nonetheless….six weeks is enough.  She’ll probably cringe at the sound of velcro when shes older

We have noticed that her vocal chords are getting stronger.  The screams that she used to bless us with have now reached new decibles.  It is incredible.  Actually, if we are in public or even outside it is very embarrassing.  People look at us like we’re beating her.  Sometimes we wonder if she is ok or in pain but she just gets going and she can’t stop.  Take a look at the photos above….all within 3 seconds.  Our little blessing….our little monster….our little drama queen.