Wednesday was the day. The day we’ve been waiting for since we first started Jude’s castings on July 2nd. Maybe Jude wasn’t so much waiting for this day as he had no clue his casts would ever come off. But I was counting the days.
I took the casts off myself after the local orthopaedists refused to treat him. They wanted to send me to Atlanta in case he needed “more treatment” after his casts came off. I tried to tell them that he was treated by the BEST clubfoot doctors in the world, but they must have been worried about liabilities. So I did it myself. It took two soakings in vinegar bathwater and a LOT of work with a butter knife. But we did it. I was not going to let any doctor keep my boy in casts one more day than necessary.
Those casts must have been so hot. And heavy. I know because I was hit in the face with them many a night as I tried to sleep next to my precious son 😉 And I got really tired of people asking “What happened to him?!?” Easy people. I didn’t accidentally run over him in my minivan. Anyway, we’re done with that phase now and we’re into the shoes/bar phase. I know I’ll get more questions. Bring ’em on. I’m just glad my boy’s legs are out of those casts. And looking every bit as beautiful as I had hoped. His feet look amazing. I am in awe of Drs. Ponseti and Morcuende… they are heroes in my eyes. Even the physical therapist couldn’t believe Jude had NO surgery, only a tiny pin sized scab on the back of his heel where his tenotomy was performed. Jude does have a lot of catching up to do. His legs are very sensitive and he does NOT want to put any weight on his feet. But knowing my boy, all this will come in time. We’re working with a great PT to help him out and I’m trying to do some exercises with him at home. He looks so surprised when he does bear some weight on his feet, I am sure it’s a totally new sensation since he was so used to standing on the sides of his feet. He’s relearning to crawl and stand without the help of his casts and it won’t be long until he’s tearing up the joint. Watch out world… here comes Jude 🙂
WOW!!! Jude’s feet look amazing!!
Stefanie, I had tears in my eyes reading your description of taking off the casts yourself…you GO, momma bear!!! 😉
What a a wonderful day for Jude! Our prayers continue for his strength & courage as he goes into the next phase. Before you know it, he’ll be running around with the rest of your beautiful children! 😉
HUGS!!
Patricia/NYC
How amazing……I am in awe! What a momma you are…….you bust up those casts girl! I am sure you guys had some serious celebrating going on down there in Georgia!!
I can’t wait to see him running around after his sisters! I LOVE the picture of Jude in the tub with Sophie!!
YEAH for Jude! You rock Stefanie and I am so proud of you…so proud of Jude! Amazing strength. What a story and testament of your love for him.
Here’s to a great weekend!
Anna B. in Boise, ID
I’m in tears I’m so damn happy!!!!!
How wonderful! Jude’s feet do look amazing! Awesome, awesome news!
Beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful boy! John Lennon
What a rockstar Jude is, What a superstar his Mummy is!
When I cared for a little girl in Aspen, as a newborn she was in the bar brace and people would stare and point, and ask “what happened to her”, her Mom was so sweet and yet didnt always want to talk about it(it gets boring as I’m sure you agree!) that I taught her to say, she is in training for the under 2’s X-Games, youngest snowboarder in the country. People would then either get it, or not, but it made us giggle!
Get Jude to watch a surfing or snowboarding video, he’ll think he’s the bees knees!
Hayley
WOW… how amazing..
I have been following for awhile now and I just love your journey of all your children..
You are a great mother..
He is going to be running around before you know it..
All of your children are adorable.
Take care
Kim
Hey Stefanie,
Awesome, awesome news!!
I enjoy catching up with your sweet family, but be careful okay..
this post AND the one about Isabelle made me all teary!
🙂
DeEtte
This brings tears to my eyes! His feet look just beautiful! Good for you, I would have done the same thing! You have done a wonderful thing for your sweet little boy, God Bless You!
His feet look wonderful. I am so happy for you & Jude. Yeah!
What a mom – you go girl!!! I hardly even know you and I’m proud!!! That little Jude is a honey!! We’ll pray all goes well from here – he looks great!!
What great news! His feet look beautiful!! Your story about taking the casts off just cracked me up. I am sure your little guy appreciates your determination and love. I don’t know how much he liked that vinegar smell though! I totally get the comments and stares. Ryan looks like he has two broken arms right now and I am sure some people assume the worst. If they only knew just what awesome mommies we are!! 😉
stefanie! YEAH!! He looks amazing! that trip up here to IA was certainly worth that!! glad to see he’s doing so well!
Vicki/IOWA
Stef,
Jude’s feet look GREAT! Isn’t Dr M just an angel? And Meizhi has the same FAB -is that a Mitchel? Yes, the braces hurt about as much as the casts when they whack you in the head at night while sleeping. Meizhi managed to crack my wrist bone with hers so be careful! On the PT- try swimming to get his leg strength started. and jumping like a frog and the salamander crawl works well too. I’m sure you know all that though- you’re SuperMom! The kids all look great. God is good, isnt He? we are so blessed.
hugs,
Erin and Meizhi
YIPEE!!! That is so great!! Eli’s legs were very very very sensitive too when the casts first came off. I could barely touch them without him recoiling 🙁 Great news!!
lStefanie –
I have so enjoyed watching all the journeys of your family… and my children have been praying for little JUDE! How amazing! Funny thing… I scrolled down through the pictures and thought that maybe the DOG chewed them off at first – and was I ever in a panic. Relieved to know it was his Momma…. and that it was OK!
What an amazing blessing. We will continue to pray for his progress!
Fabulous! We are getting closer to heading to Nanchang for Bennett (Hong Jia Feng) and came over to check on Jude, only to find these GREAT pictures of his beautiful feet.
So happy for him!
Stefanie,
Praise God..nothing could come between Jude & what God has planned for him! He is SO adorable & seems to fit right in with “the clan” – best wishes & continue prayers….
I am here bawling I am so happy for Jude and for you. What an amazing day!!!
And you go mama with your butter knife and your vinegar baths..
You are such an amazing mother! You GO GIRL!
🙂
Amie
Oh, how happy! I am so glad he is doing so well. What a little trooper. Can’t wait to see him running around.
Your family is just beautiful!