Shriner's Hospital: Trip 2

November 1st we had our second appointment at Shriner's Hospital in Minneapolis. Last time we were able to attend a pro baseball game (Thanks to the Duensings!), but this trip was a little less eventful. The highlight of our trip were Gabe's improved sleeping habits. During our first round, Gabe vetoed the car nap, and fought us at bedtime. But round two, Gabe slept for several hours in the car and went right to sleep at night! AMEN!

For those of you who don't know, Andy and I share a King sized bed at home. It's saved our marriage and ensured that we both get a quality nights sleeps. During our last trip however, our reservation was for a queen and I didn't want to say anything as I was high on gratitude for the Shriners, but this time, I requested the king bed! Not only did this give me the sleeping space I needed, it also provided a couch which we pulled away from the wall to create a barrier between Gabe's pack n' play and our spacious mattress. Who know's if it was the better arrangements, or the fact that Gabe has become a pro at sleeping in the last 6 month; whatever it was we're doing it again in 6 months when we return.

Gabe and his Daddy had just finished some wrestling, and clearly he was having troubling focusing w/the TV on in the background.

After Gabe's appointment we introduced him to IKEA. He's a believer. But he'll put his faith in just about anything that gives him breakfast first.

Believe it or not, these two pictures were take before and after we stretched our legs at a rest stop. And yes, I did take the pictures while driving...we made it home alive. Is it not the cutest thing that they both sleep with their heads leaning to the left!

Again, we received our new shoes less than a week after our appointment. Gabe moved up from a size 1 to a 3. He still doesn't complain or fight us at night when we put them on, but the extra weight has taken him some time to get used to. He was able to swing his old brace and shoes around in his sleep, now we can hear him bang them against the crib and wake himself up trying to get comfy. A week or so of interrupted sleep is a SMALL price to pay for free medical care, and corrective treatment for Gabe's club feet. We feel so blessed not only to have delivered Gabe in 2009 when his condition is completely treatable, but to have received such excellent care both in Omaha and from Shriner's.

This visit was particularly humbling for me in the waiting room. So many other moms sat there with their very loved children who face challenges far more complicated than Gabe's. And it's nothing I've done, but God's grace that has enabled Gabe's club feet to not only be 100% correctable, but also minor on the scale of this condition, we are truly blessed.