A Big Day. Update on Elijah's Feet.

Today was the big Grand Opening of dad's new McDonald's. We were all there, including Ronald, although Elijah wasn't really sure what to think of him. Well, let's just face it - he was plain ol' scared of the silly clown. At least for now. Hopefully it won't give him one of those crazy phobias of clowns so that when he's 20 he still goes running when he sees a painted character! I got to sing the national anthem as they raised the flag and dad and Ronald stood by proudly saluting. It was a great morning!

We then headed to Charlottesville for Elijah's orthopedic appointment. It was such a nice facility with wonderful people. We were first seen by a medical student and then the doctor. He checked everything - from his hips to his toes - and did all kinds of movements and stretches and bone and muscle tests. And then he turned to us and said we needed to have more kids because we're obviously first time parents and worried about everything. We all laughed...but it was a huge sigh of relief.

He did agree that Elijah is on the high degree of being turned out before they would consider it a problem, but he feels his lack of balance and him "not walking" is due to lack of confidence, not inability. He watched him cruise and move and walk along things and said this was just his "normal." He said to watch him and if he's not walking by 16 months then to come back. But he only hinted at the thought of braces (only up to his knees) when and if we have to go back. But at this point, he didn't even ask for a follow up visit.

The bad news we got?! Well, he said it was time to put away all bottles and pacifiers and to stop letting him "play" us. Yes, he did. Elijah even threw a little mini fit in the office and he looked sternly at us and said "He knows what he's doing." And so, we go back to what we've said all along (and now the doctor has confirmed it)...he is strong willed and independent. He does things on his own terms and in his own time (I have to believe this is a double dose of genetics AND our nurturing). He also looked at us and said, "You do know you're in trouble, right?!" Um, yeah.

He also said we probably have a lot of friends and family or well-meaning people causing us to worry even more with examples of other people's children who are younger and already walking or doing more. And he added not to waste our money on the expensive shoes. Man, he nailed it. But we agreed it was worht the copay and hour drive for the peace of mind. Now we just pray for him to walk by 16 months.

So that's it. A great day. A good report. We're THANKFUL TO JEHOVAH FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS! We prayed for wisdom and peace of mind and that it wouldn't be anything major and God has answered that for us. We give Him all the glory. Thanks for praying with us.