The Youngins: October 2008

Friday, October 31, 2008

Just Doing

A few shots from our first day back at home. Several people have asked Riley if she is getting sick of having to be off her leg. "No," she said the other day, "I'm just doing." We're so thankful that God has given us a litle girl that is so content to be in the moment- never asking what is next, and thankful for whatever is before her. There's lots of times where I've had to ignore her for quite awhile to help out Liz or Porter, be on the phone, etc. But she is (and has always been) the type of kid to just wait and enjoy whatever is in front of her. Thank you to everyone for the many gifts- as you can see from the pictures above both girls have enjoyed them. Riley has a new coloring book rotated every hour and enough books and stuffed animals that we may have to buy a larger house. I think Lizzie prefers our house cluttered because there's always something to get into. Thanks for the prayers.

Home Again!

We got home last night from an appointment in Jackson at a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist. Dr. Palmer feels that we are more than likely fighting a low-grade baterial infection that is treatable with oral antibiotics. After we get the results of Riley's latest bloodwork, we will be able to judge more conclusively if she has an infection or arthritis. Apparently inflammation in a joint such as the knee can occur in children either as a result of a reaction to a bacteria in her system such as e-coli, or she may have a case of Juvenile Rheumatory Arthritis. The good news is we're on the road to figuring out which one of these things Riley's been suffering from, and none of them require further hospitalization!
She has been so brave throughout all this, and yesterday seemed more like her silly self than she has in a long time. She's limping around on that leg and wanting to do everything on her own. She does still tire out easily, but we're just so happy that she's in the mood to pose for pictures below, at our "celebration" dinner at Keiffer's after our appointment in Jackson.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for Riley and for us, for the gifts, cards, facebook messages, hospital visits, food, and phone calls. All of these have been an expression of Christ's love to us. A special thanks to my mom for coming down for almost a week to help with the other kids.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Riley Update

It turns out Riley had every right to be crying about that boot from the last post. She didn't have a fracture at all. After several days in the boot, her knee swelled up to three times it's size, she started running fever, and we were told to rush to the ER. One long night and lots of tears later, we figured out she had some type of infection that had settled in her leg.
After a very rough couple of days, we now feel that we have our Riley back. She went to physical therapy today and showed off some ballet moves to the delight over several senior-citizens. We're so proud of our litte girl for being so tough. God is teaching her (and us) patience and we are so thankful that she is doing so much better. Hopefully we can get her home soon. Thank you for your prayers!

Our first time walking out of the room. She hasn't put weight on that leg in two weeks so this was a big deal!

Her bed is running out of room - if she gets anymore presents she may need a bed for her stuffed animals!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Gimme A Break

Riley is not too excited here to show off her new walking cast, or as she refers to it, the "ugly plain black boot." Riley is wiping away tears as I am saying "I'm just taking a picture of your boot!" Naturally, Lizzie obliged by showing off her shoe. It seems breaking bones is hard to do.