Praise and Thoughts

Thought I would add a few pictures to the blog...finally.

Once Keenan was able to sit up in bed, he had all the comforts of home (or perhaps even a bit better if you were to ask him).  Nothing like having some nachos, a TV, and a Wii all within the length of your arm.  :-)

One of the first things Kee wanted to do when we returned was to hang out with family.  So, on Memorial Day we had Brad's family over for dinner.  Here are the three Cox kiddos hanging out together on the floor.

Well, good news about the incision.  The doctor removed the dressing a day early, and it was a good thing.  Keenan's skin must have reacted to the tape they used to cover the incision.  The area is still red, pimply, and looks a bit "raw", but the actual incision itself looks good.  So, thank you for praying over that situation.  We are keeping an eye on it, but I am far less worried than I was.  Yet another test of faith and opportunity to praise God from whom all blessings flow.

It has been a week since Keenan was able to get out of bed and I thought it might be fun to share some of the things he can do now that were not possible a week ago.  When we got him in the wheelchair the first time last Friday, he literally could not even hold up his head!!!!  He had no strength at all.  Now...
*He can roll over and experience little to no back pain
*He can crawl around on the floor
*He can move his feet in ways he has NEVER been able to move them

*His legs can move independently, which has not ever happened

*He can sit up straight and have his feet flat on the floor-another first for him

*He is starting to build more strength to get him ready to get back into the walker

*He has been cast for new braces that will come just above the ankles!!!!  I think he is going to be very excited when we put those on his feet the first time

So, what a difference a week makes.  I had no idea just how awesome this surgery would be, and still don't comprehend it entirely, but being able to catch a glimpse this week makes me so excited about the kind of life that will become reality for Keenan just over the mountain.  WOW!!!!!! 

I am so thankful God has gifted His creation to do things that give kids (and their families) the kind of life they never dreamed would be possible.

So what now???? 

Well, he has started his daily PT with Sarah.  They are a good team.  She has the an excellent relationship with him.  She understands Keenan's need to be a little boy, along with helping him get stronger through physical therapy.  It is going to be so fun to watch what the two of them can do.

Keenan will also have one more procedure.  This one will loosen, if you will, his heel cords and hamstrings.  This is not a new procedure, but the doctor in St. Louis has refined it to make it much less evasive and with little to no risk of lengthening the tendons too much.  So, that is set for Sept. 13th and will require one night in the hospital.  Once that procedure is complete and he has had the appropriate amount of therapy, there is a real possibility he will no longer needs bracing of any kind.  And, our ultimate goal, of course, if for him to be able to walk unassisted at times. 

Great things are happening daily and even greater things are yet to come!!!!!!!  It is not easy, but knowing there is a great reward in store on a day only God knows, gives me strength and excitement to keep pushing and doing what I truly believe is best for that special little guy.

All for now....I am exhausted.  :-)

Tammy