Third surgery of 2014 and 2nd Christmas home......

On December 23rd, Lucy was in St. Louis Children's hospital operating room again.  This time to have the pin in her foot removed.  Surgery was quick and went well.  Dr. Dobbs was pleased to let us know that Lucy's foot looked great with her talus bone in her foot now being in the correct position.  We were happy to say adios to a full leg cast.  Lucy was introduced to her ankle foot orthotic (AFO) and also the nighttime bar she'll wear each night for the next two or so years.

Putting on the hospital gown and getting ready to take off the LAST cast

Seeing her foot again

Dear Daddy always by her side

Sporting her AFO with her new kicks

Not so thrilled with the new nightwear

While in Missouri we stayed for the fourth time at our "home away from home" - Haven House.  As I've mentioned in previous posts, this place is a blessing to families who have a loved one needing medical care far from home.  Lucy, Daddy and Mommy enjoyed seeing the Nutcracker by the St. Louis Ballet Company with the complimentary tickets we received from Haven House.  We also were surprised when we went to our room to find a stack of presents for Lucy and us in front of our door.

We're old, we don't do "selfies" well

Surprises at our door

Lucy with some of  the sweet employees at Haven House

A sweet little friend at Haven House
(who sported TWO casts)

 On Christmas Eve. afternoon we arrived back in PA and enjoyed family time as we celebrated our Savior's birth.

Silly family times

Our beautiful, and extremely talented and creative daughter who lovingly prepared
our fabulous family Christmas dinner.  Not needing to plan or  prepare
a dinner with all the travel to Missouri was an extra special gift for Mom

Setting the big 'ole table

 Lucy was non mobile for two months, so bearing weight and trying to walk again took some time.   It was both painful and scary.  To help build up her confidence, we brought out the little red walker (remember that from her spinal cord surgery). Two to three weeks later, the walker was put back into storage as our girl was once again ambulatory.