Christmas Tradition

Many of you know that Josh has a rare condition called Eagle-Barrett Syndrome( you can read about it here) I am extremely thankful to say that at the moment he just needs a check up from his urology doctor once a year. This was Josh last week getting his kidney ultrasound.

He looks so big here! When he was a baby I would have to hold my lil' wiggle worm down. I took this picture after it was all done. The ultrasound tech- asked me if it would be okay if a student took a quick look while she sent the images over to Josh's doctor. He was watching 'Stuart Little',  and looked completely content so I thought it would be fine!

His appointment went great - his doctor was happy with everything! I had a question about Josh's physical limitations as well as the possibility of future scoliosis. Children with this syndrome lack  abdominal muscles so they have a higher chance of back problems. His doctor thought it would be a good idea if Josh  had a visit with an orthopedic specialist. We got an appointment a few short days later.

Josh had a few back & hip x-rays as well as a full body exam. The orthopedic specialists were AWESOME!& everything looked GREAT- YAY! Josh did such a great job!
Josh's main doctor's have all been from DuPont Children's Hospital. To say I absolutely adore this hospital would be an understatement.  I remember once when Josh had a completely unexpected overnight stay at this hospital (it is not around the corner)-  volunteers from the Child Life Center brought him in games & toys & even a beautiful new quilt. It was so nice and it made his stay more comfortable and mine less nerve racking!

It has become our Christmas Tradition for the last 4 years to bring toys back to the Child Life Center. This is a place upstairs in the hospital- there are air hockey tables, TVs, games, crafts, books & more. It gives the kids that are staying in the hospital a place to go. It's nice for them to get a break from their rooms. If they are unable to leave their rooms the volunteers will bring fun things to them!

These are some of the games that Josh had picked out -that he insisted on carrying himself.

Don't you love these snowmen with mouth masks on!

Every year when I go back to this hospital it brings back memories. Not only am I reminded of how great this hospital is but I am reminded of how even greater my God is!  His mercies are new every morning and He blesses us each & everyday. As we prepare to celebrate His birthday it is such an awesome time for Josh to be reminded of how simply amazing Jesus is.

 Then we have our latest tradition . . .

 . . . eating a yummy donut before venturing home:)