A Day to Remember

Dear Abby,

Four years ago today, you had surgery to correct bilateral hip dysplacia. Your father and I agree that it was the worst day of our lives.

The surgery was supposed to take an hour or two, but you were in the operating room for five hours. When I was finally allowed to come see you in the recovery room, you were an absolute mess. Your body was hidden beneath a hideous, humongous cast that went from your upper chest down to your toes. Only your shoulders and arms were visible, and your little face was so swollen from the anesthesia I could barely see your eyes. You didn't react well to the morphine, and your vitals dropped more times than I care to count. I still feel physically sick when I think about it.

That night as I slept in your hospital room, I woke up to the sound of someone crying. It was your dad, standing over you as you slept. And your Mama Jo and Grandma both earned a few extra gray hairs that day. The experience was awful, but you were surrounded by people who loved you and nursed you back to good health.

I started this post with the sad side of the story, but there was a lot of good news too. You were born with a problem, but it was FIXABLE. We are so lucky for that. We have access to excellent medical care here, and we brought you to the best doctor we could find. And your Dad and I were so grateful to have such a strong support system -- Grandma and Pop, Mama Jo, Papa Sonny and Deb -- everyone pitched in to help watch you so we could keep you out of daycare the long two months you were in that cast. And Pop rigged baby seats, swings and car seats to find ways for you to be comfortable, which wasn't easy given the odd shape and positioning of your cast.

About two weeks ago we returned to UNC Hospital and Dr. Campion's office for your check-up. They performed X-rays, and of course the news was wonderful -- your hips are "perfect" according to the doctor. In fact, he said there is no longer reason to see you since "there's nothing else we need to do for her."

We are so grateful, and we never take it for granted. To this day, your dad and I love watching you run, skip, jump and dance (and you do all of those things constantly!) This weekend on the beach you just ran your heart out, and I sat there thinking how grateful I am that you can run at all -- let alone without so much as a limp.

So, here's a few pictures to commemorate what you went through. Now, take good care of yourself -- eat your veggies, exercise, and stay healthy. Your beautiful little body earned it!

We love you sweetie.

XOXOX,

Mommy