Post Casting: Week 3

Our daughter's third week post-casting has brought our household some much-needed relief.  We have been waiting five months for a lull and a little normalcy has returned.  Although, after nearly half of a year of traction and casting, who can define how "normal" should look and feel?

First, I should note that I edited my last post due to a few updates we received from Scottish Rite late this week.  Most importantly: A different spica cast form has been selected for Hip Chick.  She will have a "strait leg" spica, which means she will be unable to sit in chairs or use her car seat.  We will use a harness to transport her.  Also, she will be casted for only eight weeks.  We will be unable to take her to restaurants during this timeframe... but Mommy feels surprisingly upbeat about this.  After 20 weeks of traction and casting, we can do anything for eight weeks!

Part of my lifted spirits are attributable to the concert Daddy and I attended this week.  It was our second date night in five months and long overdue.  A favorite uncle and auntie babysat while we boogied down with a great group of friends for some much needed stress relief.  I danced because my baby can't.  I danced because my baby will one day.  I danced because after six months of focusing on little more than hip dysplasia and work, my husband and I needed a night to do something for ourselves without anyone else to look after for a handful of hours.  And we will do a better job of taking time for ourselves during this next phase of Hip Chick's treatment.

Another factor in our household's disposition is that Hip Chick has nothing on her legs for the first time in five months.  Last night was a little rocky, but we had a few nights this week in which she slept through.  Aside from one instance during naptime at daycare, her night terrors have faded. So, her mental disposition seems to be improving.

Lastly, we received her surgery date and

it will be in September.  This gives us two months of much needed (and deserved) rest before our next push.  We are relieved that we have freedom to schedule some fun activities for the girls between now and surgery.  And with only eight weeks of casting, she should have it removed in time for Thanksgiving.  She won't be walking, but she could sit in a chair to enjoy her great aunt's beloved corn pudding.  For all of this, we have much to be grateful for.