First Cast

Yesterday, we went back to Shriner's Houston to begin the process of stretching Kinnley's foot out by casting.  The goal is to stretch the skin enough that it will accomodate the straightening process of surgery later this month.  If this does not work, they will have to cut the skin to allow her foot to be repositioned.  We hope to avoid further incisions and scars, wherever possible.  We will return to Shriner's in two weeks for a second casting.  Please pray for her skin to s-t-r-e-t-c-h! 

When we arrived at Shriner's, we spotted a mom with her little three year old who was also adopted from China.  In fact, she was from the same province as Kinnley.  As we compared notes, we discovered that their little girl (like Kinnley) does not drink milk and does not eat bread.  This seems to be a common thread for all those little Guangxi girls!  :)

The Hubbard SSS (Sister Support System)

More Hubbard SSS

Waiting for the casting

We all trooped back to the casting room.  Thankfully, this is a really big room and we all fit comfortably.  I don't really think of our family as "large", but I suppose a smaller exam room would be crowded for the six of us.  I knew by her facial expression and hyperactivity that Kinnley was nervous.  When the doctor came in, we again reviewed her plan of treatment, next casting date (January 15), and surgery date (January 30).  Kinnley was asked to pick her cast color.  Unfortunately, they were out of yellow, so she chose bright pink.  Before we knew it, Kinnley was sporting a new pink cast.  The doctor helped her down and helped Kinnley try to walk.  Her steps were unsteady, and she was very unsure of herself.  The therapist fitted her with a little boot, but she was still wobbly.  We were then sent up to PT to get a wee little walker.  Once she had this, Kinnley stomped down the hall at a pretty good clip.  She used the walker most of the day.  Later before betime, she said "I don't need this!", put the walker aside, and hasn't used it since!  I guess she just needed to find her "center".  You just can't keep this little one down.  We'll store the walker for a few weeks.  She might need it again when she is sporting two casts....well, at least for a few hours.  Ha!

A bit apprehensive

Some reassurance from Baba

Doin' the pink cast stomp!