Flip Flop Party!!!

 For quite some time, Hannah has been dreaming of wearing flip flops. And until 2 weeks ago, it was just that....a dream. Thanks to her wonderful prosthetist at Shriners Hospital, she can now wear flip flops whenever her little heart desires. We were all so excited about this new reality, that we had a

FLIP FLOP PARTY!! :)
(I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked. It was a bit crazy)

 Waiting to get this show on the road!

Brian did a wonderful job making Hannah's flip flop cakes, brownies, and homemade carrot cake....oh my goodness!!!

 SO excited for this party!!

 Let's party!!!

Yay! Friends have arrived (minus one or two ;). Everyone say "Flip Flop!!!!!!"

 Brian mowed the outline of a baseball diamond so the kids could play. Isn't that fun?!

 The "Redneck Waterbed" was a lot of fun...until it sprung a leak :)

 And I think these three really enjoyed themselves! (Isn't this just the cutest picture ever?!)

This sweet friend just moved up north. I haven't told Hannah yet :(

 Even our friend, baby Levi, got in on the flip flop action :)

 We had flip flop decorations all over the house.

 And all the kiddos left with a flip flop keychain :)

Hannah absolutely LOVES her new accessories. The first few nights, she slept with these flip flops in her bed :) Thank you, everyone, for celebrating with us and making this day such a special day for Hannah and for our family!!

Here It Is!!

Our church was challenged to give back to our community in ways that would show others Jesus' love. We were all given money and asked to use it for God's glory. After much thought, our family chose to buy gifts for the children that come through the Prosthetics and Orthotics Department at Shriners Hospital for Children where our Hannah is cared for.  After each visit, the children get to choose a toy from the gift bucket.
(Click the photos to enlarge)

They were so excited to receive the toys for the children. And after only 2 hours, all the toys we brought were almost gone!! It was such a joy seeing a little girl walk down the hall with one of the toys.
(If you'd like to help donate toys for the children at Shriners Hospital of Tampa, please let me know!)

Here is the first leg of the day....Hannah was anxious to put her new flip flops on her new flip flop-wearing-leg!!! This is the first time she's been able to wear flips flops on both feet. (She's been known to wear one of my flops around the house on her left foot :) This prosthetic foot is designed with a small space between the first two toes in order to make wearing flip flops a reality!

We were tasked to play outside on their awesome playground for a while to ensure the leg felt comfortable...what a difficult assignment to complete :)

Even Daddy got in on the action :)
(Yes, he's hanging upside down)

BUT, that first leg had a little problem with the light pink finish. So Mr. Brian offered to redo the finish and I took him up on the offer. After a couple of hours the FINAL leg was complete. Isn't it a beauty!?

This college student was there shadowing Hannah's prosthetist. She, too, has a prosthetic leg, missing fibulas, and only four toes on her real foot....just like Hannah!!!! Here they are sporting their awesome legs!!

This new leg definitely deserves a high TEN!

I think Hannah is pretty happy.

No...ecstatic!  :)

As we prepared to leave the hospital, Hannah asked, "Do I get to keep this one?" :)

The tears and the fears of the process were well worth it. Hannah is such a brave young lady. I've told her before that being brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It simply means you persevere despite the fear. And she continues to do just that.

It is such an honor to be a part of Shriner's Hospital for Children. They have blessed our lives in amazing ways and given our daughter the opportunity to walk, run, dance, jump....and smile. 

God has once again showered us with His amazing grace. Thank you, Father.

The Makings Of A New Leg

Hannah has been waiting anxiously for her new prosthesis. The Shriners Hospital here in Tampa makes her legs in 3-4 stages (taking 3-4 weeks). They do an exceptional job making sure her prosthesis is comfortable, functional, and beautiful! Hannah gets her new leg tomorrow. This new leg will be different than any she's had before. We are all extremely excited!! We're picking Joshua up early from school to make it a family event ;)
(click the photo to enlarge)

Week 1: Mr. Brian took a mold of Hannah's leg.
(Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of this process.)

Week 2: Trying on the mold to ensure it fits correctly 

 

 

 

 This photo accurrately depicts how Hannah felt about that process. Scared, sad, wishing she could be someplace else....anyplace else.

Holding tightly to Daddy's finger

Week 3: Making final adjustments to the prosthesis

And the tears began. Hannah was so scared trying on this new leg. I think seeing the inner workings of the leg frightened her. (The final leg will not look like this)

Broke my heart.....

 

But Caleb made it all better :)

  

 

Making final adjustements

 

Smiles were abundant as we raced....she's an extremely fast hopper (especially considering she's missing bone in her left leg and foot as well)!!

Tracing her left leg so they can do their best to make the prosthesis very similar in size

 

Making sure Mr. Brian remembers this tracing belongs to her :)

We are so excited about tomorrow!! Please come back in a few days to see her beautiful new (pink) leg!! ;)