Tired of Casts!

We are to that point where we are just tired of the casts! Like my mom said when she was here, taking care of a baby post surgery is a lot harder than taking care of a newborn...or at least, the newborns I have had!

Here goes a description of life right now: I have pretty much checked out of the kitchen this month. We would be scrounging for food if my mom, and now that she is gone, Hailey, weren't here to help us! I very much miss our great sleeper and comfortable nap and night routine Joel had before surgery. At this point, lack of sleep is one of the hardest parts of life. Joel is waking up all hours of the night, and his naps have been on the short side. It is like being back on square 1-back to the place I was at when he was 2 months old and getting to that point that babies reach when they no longer sleep long stretches during the day, have no routine at all, and don't let you get anything done! Those of you who have dealt with sleep troubles know exactly what I am talking about. Add to that 4 casts, pain, itchiness, stomach problems, caring for a 2 year old at the same time and whatever else and you will have an idea of what we have been facing this past month! Life is at a standstill right now. Trying to figure out what Joel's specific needs are and how to help him has been challenging and exhausting. We have tried so many things and keep hoping that he will turn a corner and adjust to life in casts soon. We keep hoping every night that this will be the night that he will finally get the rest he so badly needs.

Please pray that Joel will, indeed, turn that corner soon. If we don't, we may have to take Joel's casts off a week sooner than planned and have to dress his wounds 3 times a day for much longer than we would otherwise have to.

In the midst of our exhaustion, we have been encouraged by the posts, notes, gifts and messages that so many of you have sent. We are thankful for the many prayers being said on our behalf, the support and love we have felt and the help we have received. We are so grateful that we are not alone in this trial and that so many burdens have been taken off of our shoulders by loving family and friends. God is merciful and we know He will get us through this trial.

Lots of snuggles!

Feeling tired!