Cast number 2!

Today we made the trek down to Shriner's.  It was a very cold day, with continual mist.  Luckily, we allowed some extra time for travel.  Several times in Houston, the traffic would slow to a standstill.  How do people live with that traffic every day?  Honestly, I don't think I could find my way without a bread trail.  I am so fortunate to have Jad.  He loves to drive, and had a mental map of the world embedded in his brain.  I think Google Maps uses him as a reference. Too bad we're not receiving royalty payments.  :)

Kinnley woke up early today, even before we rousted the other girls up.  She was overly active and talkative, almost to the point of becoming a pest to her sisters.  She took a short nap on the drive to Shriners, but her hyperactivity continued until the surgeon arrived.  Kinnley was nervous.  Later when we were talking with the anesthesiologist, she reversed her activity, becoming almost lethargic.  I have to wonder what memories she has of her surgeries and hospital stay in China. We keep telling her that we will be with her the entire time, and we will only be there a few days.  I tried to perk her up by telling her we could have fun packing for the trip.  Kinnley put her bunny, gonkie (blanket), movies, popcorn, and barbies on the short list. Hopefully we can help ease her fears.  But truly, I think the biggest thing is for Jad and I to be there with her.

Back to the casting...Let me tell you, these folks are experts!  Within 3 minutes, the cast was off.  The surgeon was so pleased with how well Kinnley's foot had responded to the first cast.  Her little foot was originally in a "C' shape, and she walked fully on the outside of it.  Within the two weeks, her foot was semi "unscrunched".  Our goal is to stretch it out to a straight "L" (still turned inward), which also stretches her skin out.  This allows the surgeon to reposition Kinnley's foot without having to perform a skin release.  Essentially, her skin could be too tight to let her foot shift to a normal position. Next, they gave her foot a quick wash.  Then they recast her foot in bright green fiberglass, again in just a few minutes.  Nothin' to it!

Green cast, just before surgery

Next we were ushered up to talk to the anesthesiologist.  She was very patient and explained everything to us.  She asked a lot of questions about Kinnley.  We shared what we knew about her medical history.  We also talked about her motion sickness.  This peaked their interest and they listened intently.  The doctor assured us that Kinnley would get medicine for nausea before the surgery, as well as a good dose before we leave the hospital.  Kinnley was very, very quiet and listless during the conversation.  The sweet nurse asked her if she wanted to go pick out a new barbie doll.  Kinnley finally perked up and followed the nurse down the hall.  She returned carrying a new mermaid barbie doll, and almost smiling.  She didn't return to her normal self until we left and were eating lunch.  She understands enough to know it is similar to her China experience.  That occurred when she was just four years old.  It was in a part of the province that spoke a different language, and she didn't know anyone.  Can you just imagine?  No wonder she is acting this way!  I know she will be okay after surgery, but we would appreciate prayers for peace for her little soul.

When we got home, Kinnley grabbed her sharpie pen and started looking for sisters to sign it.  The girls thought her new color rocked!  Kinnley already selected the next color for her next cast...bright pink again!  She's a clothes horse and thinks pink would match more outfits.  You go girl!