Day 10 - 6/1

Today was a big day. The first thing we knew about E.R. was her medical need - that she would need treatment on her foot. Now, 7 months later, she would meet the specialist in person.

M.C. got to have the day off from kindergarten since I would be in Portland with E.R. He and J.T. spent the afternoon with their grandma, which M.C. was really excited about.

E.R. and I drove over to a hospital in Portland. She met people in the office there that had looked at her referral picture and given their advice based on limited information. She was a good sport the first 10 minutes in the waiting room. We looked at fish in the tank, we talked about her diaper bag, etc. and then she began to point to the door!

We met with a nurse, then a medical assistant. Then E.R. and I waited to get into the X-ray room. We talked about all the pictures on the walls, and about "baby J___" - currently her favorite subject. When we walked into the room, she looked around and then started to cry, which led to a scream. I soon realized that somehow in talking about little J.T., I must have unknowingly given her the impression that he was in the room. Ahhh! What I would have given to be able to understand her Amharic! The X-rays were hard. Four, I think. But we got through it. After that, she REALLY wanted to go home.

We went to yet another exam room, and then waited a long time. By now, she was really mad at me. She had several screaming tantrums, and even kicked me a few times. The doctor finally came in and we looked at one of her X-rays. He confirmed everyone's suspicion of amniotic banding. We talked about his recommendation for treatment, which is to amputate just her foot - that she is not able to use. He believes her leg bones are in good shape, so a prosthetic foot would be the best recommendation for full mobility. He is referring her to Shriner's Hospital for consultation and treatment. This was good news. We already knew that an amputation was the only way for E.R. to be able to walk, run, play, and do all the things that are hard for her now. As she grows, the size difference in her legs will increase, making walking more and more difficult than it is now. Sometimes it is such a relief to talk to a specialist. What seems like such a major deal, and really scary, is a daily event to them. He believes that she will be able to do anything she wants. This is what we want for our smart, brave, little girl.

The family all gathered at Chris' parents' house, and we had a good evening. She loves her cousins, and is enjoying playing in a little pool with them. And I started to picture her, hopefully a year from now, truly able to keep up with everyone!