2 days, 2 hospitals, lots of news

Well, looks like I get my wish. I said I'd like to post more and it seems as though I actually have some stuff to put to writing. We spent the day at the Shriner's Hospital in Greenville, SC. Tucker was accepted into the Shiner's medical program for orthopedic care. The reason we looked into this option was that the Shiners help with medical expenses for procedures they perform and medical equipment as needed. That is a blessing given Tucker's needs. HOWEVER, after speaking with the doctor's there and reviewing some x-rays and watching him walk, they concluded that he needs to have surgery on his feet. As it appears, the tendons in his feet aren't "balanced", in other words, some tendons are too strong and overpowering the other tendons. Compare it to me and my fire crew trying to play tug of war with a fire truck...it's just doesn't work. The procedure involves the doctor making 3 incisions around his ankle/foot area and cutting the tendons to relieve the tensions around his ankles and feet. The goal in doing this is to prevent further involuntary movement of his ankles. According to the surgeon, it's a "routine" procedure and quick...but as momma and daddy, it's still more than we want to deal with. We do know, however, that these people at Shiners deal with Spina Bifida patients daily and they know their stuff and we can trust that.

Tomorrow, we have his annual MRI scheduled for 6am. Usually, I'm getting up then...but he's the first on the docket to get his "pictures" taken so that means we should be the first to go home. We are praying for a clean MRI in that there's nothing there that shouldn't be there.

Sometimes going to the doctors office and finding out that something isn't quite right is like getting kicked in the stomach and not wanting anyone to know how bad it was. Sometimes we just want to say, "You don't know our son like we do...you're wrong" and other times we feel like "You're spot on! Thank You for seeing what we see!". Regardless of our initial response, we always come back to the place where we realize that these doctors have been brought into our lives by God either for our benefit, or for the doctors benefit. I struggle with what we've had to experience in Tucker's life at times, but as our Pastor said this past week in Church, "Valleys are inevitable, they always have an end, and in those valleys are where Christ comes beside us and makes us more like him". Thanks in advance for your prayers as we prep for our coming adventure this summer!

Long Time

Funny how life catches up with you. Last time I was on here Tucker hadn't been born yet and now we're 2 years into his already full life. Well to catch anyone up who might actually read this. I've finally landed my dream job as a firefighter! Am has left teaching to take care of Tucker and I full time while she pursues work as a photographer (which by the way, amory.smugmug.com is her website if you're looking to have some pictures done!) Tucker is doing wonderfully. He's 2 and acting out every bit of it. Though he does have limited mobility without his leg braces, he gets around really well! He's learned how to tell Am and I no...on a regular basis...but other than that, we couldn't ask for anything better. Maybe I'll get a chance to do this more often. Leave some comments if you read this, I'd like to know who's been around.

News Update on my "little guy"

Hey everybody,

We wanted to take a moment and write to you some exciting news we have to share. Of course, most of you already know this but in case you don't...this fall we found out that we will be having a baby! Amory's official due date is May 3 so we will see when he decides to come. We did find out in December that we will be having a little boy. (Steve was really proud of the picture and wanted to post it on the mantle.) Also, in December, we discovered that our little boy has something called Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida, in case you are not sure, is a condition that is present at birth. It can affect the development of the back bones, spinal cord, surrounding nerves, and the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord. It is a neurological condition that can cause a portion of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures to develop outside of the vertebrae. The sac-like lesion can occur anywhere along the spine. After our last doctor’s visit (beginning of January), we did receive some great news. As far as they can tell, our little boys lesion is only affecting his lower lumbar region and below. Physically, this will cause potential problems with mobility and with bladder/bowel function. Much of our exact situation will not be clear until he is born.

We wanted to write to you and ask for your prayer support as we learn about new things throughout this pregnancy. God has been so faithful through each step. We really have alot to be grateful for. We did not know how grateful we could become for the little things that God has blessed our baby with. As of our last appointment, we have been blessed with straight feet
(sometimes club feet happen with SB), no build-up of cerebrospinal fluid on his brain, he is measuring at a size exactly as he should be, and has a strong heart beat. We really don’t mind talking about what is happening and most of the time are more than willing to give updates. Please don't hestitate to ask us for updates. We have prayed and pondered many things as we want to give specific ways in which you can pray for our little man. First, we believe in a God that can raise people from the dead and make something from nothing, so if God so desires we ask that he would heal as much of this lesion as He desires. Given God's sovereignty, we also understand that God’s ways are much higher and thoughts much bigger than ours. Ultimately, this little boys health is a part of his bigger plan. Secondly, please pray for continued health in his brain (no hydrocephalus) and that his bladder/bowel function will be unaffected.

Ultimately, we have seen God’s mighty hand at work throughout this entire situation. The stories, most too long for email, would warm your heart and confirm that God is in control of all things. We have no doubt that God is using our baby’s life already to touch and reach others. We are blessed with the best support system of family and friends that people could ask for (yes, that's you!). Beyond that, we are blessed with a God who stands by our side through it all, comforts us when we cry, and rejoices with us as we celebrate. We have learned and will continue to learn much about life, ourselves, and God as we go through this journey. Love to you all. Thanks for loving us. Get excited...WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!! :)

Love,
Steve and Am
and Baby Anderson, too (sorry...no names given out until delivery)