In just a few short days, Joseph will have his first lengthening surgery.  We have planned for this since before he was born.  Although I feel organized and prepared, my nerves are frayed.  I woke up this morning, ready to celebrate Joe's 34th birthday, but just couldn't shake my feelings of worry.  But thanks to one of the best, most thoughtful friends a girl could ask for, and the most supportive town around, the only feeling I have left is gratitude.  Our family walked into Diana's kitchen, and was surprised with a Christmas tree and kitchen table overflowing with gift cards and kind notes.  St. Bernard and St. Clement have the most genuinely generous and thoughtful families.  I'm pretty sure I don't have to cook for a year, or maybe two!  I hope all of you know how much this means to us, we LOVE you all!  Keep those prayers coming, I'll update you all next week.

THANK YOU!!!!!!

That cute face sure keeps him out of trouble! We have had a great summer, and it's just about time to go back to school.  It's also almost time for Joseph's first lengthening.  We met with his surgeon, Dr. McCarthy today and are planning on late November, early December.  Our goal is to have him mobile and pain free by next summer so that he can enjoy the pool and playing outside with his brother and sister.  This is a scary surgery for us, we are planning the best we can to be prepared.  I think one of the hardest parts is preparing those around us for what Joseph's leg will look like...so they aren't surprised.  I don't want a look of shock on people's faces to scare Joseph.  And I certainly don't want people to load on the pity with comments like "that's so sad, you poor baby" etc.  He gets that a lot...and it bothers him.  So I am going to post a picture on here that is fairly graphic that will show a device similar to what Joseph will have on his leg.  Not trying to gross anyone out, I promise!  This is a little girl who has FH like Joseph...

So now you've seen it.  Yuck!  We've been talking to Joseph about the fixator, we told him that he would be like iron man.  Now he's convinced that we'll be able to add fire shooting out of it and that he'll be able to fly.  He's always good for a laugh.  So if you see a 3 year old flying through the streets of St. Bernard, don't worry...it's just Iron Joseph:)

I'll update again when we know the exact date.