I know. You’re disappointed. There was no Meal Plan Monday. I do have a good reason. Jude and I headed back up to Iowa City to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital for Jude’s 3 month recheck. We have been very consistent with his boots and bar, but nonetheless, there is always a tiny percent of children with clubfoot who relapse regardless of brace wear. So to say that part of me was anxious about what the doctor might have to say would be fairly accurate. I mean, his feet look great to me (great, I mean gorgeous… suddenly I have a whole new appreciation for perfect little feet) but I’m no doctor. And I know that the signs of relapse can be subtle. We flew into Cedar Rapids after a long travel day (left home at 8:00AM and arrived in Iowa at 3:00PM) and were shuttled to the Ronald McDonald house where we would stay for the night. We got to UofI just in time for our 4:15 appointment, the last one of the day. It was great to see Dr. Morcuende again. When someone does such amazing things for your child, I mean literally changing your child’s quality of life, it’s impossible NOT to just want to run up and hug the man! He was so happy to see Jude and how he has changed in the last few months. He was amazed at how well he comprehends English (which he does!) and although Jude initially rebuffed him (he did remember him 
), Dr. Morcuende won him over with a bunch of stickers… Jude’s favorite. He had another doctor from Brazil doing rounds with him as he and Dr. Ponseti are always teaching other doctors how to correct clubfoot non surgically, and the two of them stretched, examined and discussed Jude’s feet at length. The final decision? They look great! He reduced Jude’s bracing hours from 22 to 16! He watched Jude try to walk and said that he thinks he’ll be walking VERY soon… suddenly I’m not in such a hurry
After our appointment we spent the evening with Lisa, a great friend I met while I was up in Iowa this summer. We ate at Panera Bread and then headed to the soft playground for Jude to enjoy some serious free time. Both he and I had an awesome time (thank you Lisa!!) and we were sad to realize we needed to get back to the RMH for some shut-eye since our wake up call was coming at 3:45AM!! We were able to get up and to the airport by 5:00AM and were home (I LOVE HOME!) by 11:30. Tired yes, but how can I even think to complain about tired when my son has PERFECT feet!!
November 13, 2007
Wonderful news!!
I'm a regular mama. Who happens to have twelve kids.
Just one husband, though.
YaY for Jude!! I am so happy that everything looks good! Thanks for carefully documenting Jude’s “need” and providing hope & encouragement for the waiting children of China and their prospective families! We are waiting for a waiting child & every success story is a milestone in our journey:)We finally got our “brown enevlope” today! Ahhh, the small stepping stones, huh?
perfectly perfect!
Hooray for Jude! His tootsies look adorable!
We are so lucky to have this kind of medical knowledge and avaliability in this country!
Hayley
That is just wonderful news Stephanie! Bless his heart! I am off to speak at an open house at our agency tonight, boy I wish you could be there with me! You are my inspiration! Yeah Jude!!!!
Woohoo!! That is awesome news Stefanie! I am sure you all are celebrating around your house…after some much needed sleep anyhow. I can’t wait to see him walk. You will have to post a video to your blog!
So happy for all of you!! He is such a handsome boy..head to precious toe!
That is great news!
Ladybug hugs,
;D
So very happy for JUDE!!! Awesome, awesome news. You travelled long to get it too
All the richer to enjoy. He looks so happy. I am so happy for him.
Oh Stef I am SO happy for you guys, and look at him!! My gosh he is so handsome and growing up so fast, perfect feet and all!
So happy for a glorious healing on Jude’s feet. Glad your you and Jude are home safe and sound.
Awesome news, Stefanie!!!
What great news !!
FABULOUS news!!! I’m so happy for Jude – he looks radiant in the pictures!! What a BLESSING!!!
HUGS!!
Patricia/NYC
What an answer to prayer! What awesome news!
hooray for Jude (and his family!) I love wonderful news!
What great news!!! Your one lucky Mama for sure. kathy
Praise the Lord for this good news! You are an inspiration to those contemplating a special needs adoption. Jude has done so well. I just love checking in on your precious family!
Congrats, Stef & Jude! Wonderful news! Did you ask Dr. M about his knees at all? (the pt’s concern)
Email me if you discussed it!
Hugs-
Jenny
Praise the Lord for the touch of healing hands. Wonderful news…such cute piggies.
)
Oh wow! What an amazing and uplifting post – good for Jude, what a handsome boy with very cute piggies, might I add. And yay for his incredible mommy who did the traveling thing and even ended it out with some playground time.
Happy, happy Day!
Hugs,
Heather
aw jude looks so cute. i love the pic of him reaching towards the camera. adorable.
i can’t wait to see you guys! love you!!
This is such great news about Jude and for your family.
I am so thankful God has given people the knowledge, heart, and ability to make great medical advances for the good of people.
God bless,
Lisa
I have just ‘discovered’ your site… what gorgeous kids… take care…