Casting Day

Today was the day we've been expecting for awhile. Maddie finally went in for her first set of casts at Children's Hospital, and she did great! Thank you to all of you have been praying so specifically for us concerning Madeline's walking issues. Maddie was quite the trooper as she basically had to sit still for about an hour while the physical therapist applied three layers of cast to each leg. Given her age and recent discipline issues, we were worried that Madeline would be given to fits, but with her interest in what the therapist was doing, an old video from Raffi (1988), and a few snacks, there was actually very little spitting or whining. What more could we have asked for?

So, to break it down, here are the facts:
1. Madeline will need to be in casts for 2-3 weeks
2. She'll only need to have her casts changed once a week
3. After this first set, the therapist thinks we'll be able to see if this procedure will work.

Untying the knot

Do you ever find yourself in a situation that just feels like one big knot? Details fly everywhere, and options abound, but one single plan just can't be nailed down. That pretty much describes our situation right now. While we trust God for His perfect direction, there is still much to sort through and think about on our part as to how we proceed, gladly knowing He is sovereign. Let me break it down for you:

By mid-April, we need to let Kurt's current place of work know whether we will stay on through June, or through the end of the year.

If we choose June, Kurt will need a new job, whether on Capitol Hill out here or possibly on staff at his hometown church in Ohio.

If we choose June, we'll need to find a new place to live. We would LOVE to buy a home.

If we choose January, we're considering the implications of moving at that time of year, what living options would be available, what kind of job Kurt could find.

We are taking into consideration our medical needs with Madeline right now, though we won't know if she needs surgery for about a month, along with our pregnancy. And while I know this doesn't seem as important, we're trying to nail down vacation plans with family for the summer time. Right now, one last hurrah before another baby comes is actually VERY important to us.

Now, let me explain a bit about Kurt's hometown church. Two members of the pulpit committee will be here this Sunday evening to hear Kurt speak. Lord willing, we'll find out if they are seriously interested in calling him to pastor in Ohio. Regardless of whether we stay here, or land in Ohio, Kurt will start seminary online this fall as planned.

At this point, if the pulpit committee is serious about considering Kurt, we'll plan to stay at CHBC until that is ironed out. If not, Kurt will resign in June and hopefully start a new job on Capitol Hill.

So, as you can see, we're sorting through multiple scenarios, each one with its own implications. And while it's tiring, we are thankful for the peace we have from our Heavenly Father, knowing His ways are best and always work for our good and His Glory.

Thank you to all of you have been praying for us and sending us notes of encouragement!

Botox Baby

Well...so far, so good with Maddie's botox injections. She went into the hospital today, persevered through the procedure, and is now ready to wear special casts for a couple of weeks. All things considered, Maddie was quite the trooper. I (Kurt) tried to encourage her with the thought that one day she may actually want to get botox (ha, ha) On March 30, she'll be fitted for walking casts on each leg.

The doctor seemed positive that the casts would effectively correct the toe walking, and we certainly pray to that end -- otherwise she'll need corrective surgery.

A couple of ways you can be praying...

1) that the casting will correct the problem.

2) logistics...it'll be a bit of a hassle going to Children's hospital every 2-3 days for new casts once they are started. Jayna's mother will be visiting April 4-13, and while it will be a blessing to have her help, multiple visits to the hospital aren't my (Jayna's) idea of a good time.

3) that we would trust God through this whole process, regardless of the outcome.

All things in consideration, we praise God for his faithful care and provision. We are thankful to have such great medical care practically in our back yard. So many families have to travel long distances for this kind of specialized care, while we only have to drive 10-15 min. We don't know how much the cost will be (if any), and how much insurance will cover, but we thank God in advance and we trust He will provide.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support,

Kurt, Jayna, and Madeline

I'm all set! 

Take a look at Maddie's feet. This is how she walks without shoes on, and the reason she needs botox and casting. 

Umm, I think I'd like to go now..... 

Maddie seems just a bit traumatized, but we all survived! 

After such an experience, Mom and Dad need a treat. A couple of lattes will do. 

Update on Maddie's Situation

Praise God! We have an appointment for Monday, March 20 at 2:00pm with Children's Hospital to start the casting process. Maddie will receive 10-12 shots of botox to relax her muscles. Here are specific ways to pray:

1. That the doctors will work quickly and skillfully with the injections. It should take about 3 min.

2. That Maddie will be calm and not afraid

3. That Kurt and Jayna will be calm and not afraid, trusting God and resting completely in His peace and care.

4. That insurance will cover most, if not all of the expense (botox is very expensive)

5. That the whole botox and casting process will work quickly to correct Maddie's walking problem, for the glory of God as our testimony to His faithfulness and care for us.

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers!

Announcements Galore

Does it seem like we fell off the face of the planet for awhile? Well, we did, and for a number of reasons. First of all, we are happy to let you know that Madeline is going to be a big sister on or around September 19! Yes, we are three months pregnant and heard the precious heartbeat for the first time today. That said, I (Jayna) was pretty nauseous throughout Jan. and Feb. Therefore, we hardly took any pics and the blog has been greatly neglected. However, we trust that will change.

Second of all, we are currently dealing with Maddie's walking situation. She has a spastic muscle in her right calf and can't walk flat on her feet like we normally do. Therefore, as soon as insurance clears, she will receive 10-12 shots of botox to relax her muscles and be placed in walking casts for 2-3 weeks. If casting doesn't work, she will need surgery to correct the problem.

We would greatly appreciate your prayers regarding these matters for joy and concern as we also trust God for our future direction. Kurt is starting to apply for jobs in Lousiville, but nothing has panned out as of yet. However, we know we serve a great and good God who always provides for His children in just the right way and time.

Uh oh, you caught me. I didn't make this mess, I promise! 

Doesn't this look like fun! 

On Valentine's Day, Kurt took me to our favorite restaurant, the Carlyle. It's always a treat to go there. They have the best food, and as you can see, it's a very cool place to eat! 

This is Maddie with Paul, one of her favorite baby-sitters (she has many favorites).