Saturday, March 12, 2011

I want to be a Shriner

Seriously, after visiting Shriner's Hospital in LA, Dave and I want to become part of the Shriner's Organization. Our experience was amazing. As we drove up to the hospital I just felt good and happy. It is quaint and cute and had such a non- hospital feel.

  Every person from the security guard to the doctors were so sweet and kind. It felt so different from what we have become accustomed to here in Las Vegas. I am in LOVE with this hospital and their staff.

We were seen by the CAPP department which is:

Child Amputee Prosthetics Project (CAPP): A 1988 addition to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Los Angeles is CAPP. The CAPP program's purpose is to provide child amputees with both state-of-the-art prostheses and total rehabilition, including design, fabrication and training in use of the device, plus psycho-social counseling.

The team which consisted of a Physical  and Occupational Therapist, a Prosthetist, a Pediatrician, and a Social worker all met with us individually and evaluated Lincoln. Following that they all met together as a team and talked about their plan for his long term care and then they all met with us again and gave us a timeline and overview of what they would like to see happen.

They think overall he is doing great. They did take x-rays of his knee and it looks like it will not be functional at all, which means he will need to have a revision to his amputation eventually, but not for about 3 years. For now, when he starts to pull to stand they will just fit him with a straight prosthetic for him to learn to walk on and get used to until he is three and a half, and then will do the revision and put a knee joint in place and get him a really functional prosthtic device.

We saw some adorable children that had artificial limbs and were rocking them, it did not seem to phase them at all. It must be about the cutest thing I have ever seen to see little three and four year olds walking on artificial limbs like rockstars and proud of it. That will be our boy someday. For now he was happy just getting checked out and chilling with Daddy.
He is an amazing little child and I am so thankful for organizations that really want to help make a difference in children's lives. They really care and it shows. We will for sure be donating money someday to the Shriner's organization. I am astounded at the quality of care and the professionalism and love that oozes from this hospital.

Anyway, we have been enjoying some amazing weather, and here are some very fun pictures to prove it. Lincoln and I sat outside all yesterday afternoon and soaked in the sun and warmth. Daddy stopped by occasionally for a break from studying and Lincoln utterly adores him. Check it out!


He loves to touch our face.

Oh, no, here comes the claw.

It gets him everytime.

Check out his 2 teeth.

He gives us this face when we try to make him do something he doesn't love.

He sure loves his toys and wants to hold everything by himself even if it means it will bonk him on the head because it is too heavy.



Just lounging and checking to see who called him while he was away from the phone.


He does not love tummy time but he tolerates it. He usually just rolls over before he has to stay too long.

We also had Daddy's birthday this week. Lincoln and I decorated and we suprised him with a special breakfast. We love Daddy so much. He is the greatest man in the whole world!


So now we are just focusing on the future and so much worry and weight has been lifted from us as we now have an idea of what to expect, the timeline that this will all take place and what our job is for now- To Love and Adore our little monkey and smother him with kisses! And to read up on how to help him deal with it all positively as he gets older. I never thought this would be part of my reading material on the nightstand, but hey, it fits us now!!!

                                                                        Loves to all!

4 comments:

Kirsty said...

His pouty little face is about the cutest thing I have ever seen! He really is amazing and I am stunned at his progress!! He is doing so well and has the best parents in the whole world. His challenges are going to be a strength and inspiration to so many people,as they have already been, thanks to your marvelous attitude and handling of everything that has happened.

I am so glad you are getting a time to simply enjoy your little boy at last. He looks like a total joy!

Charis said...

So happy you had such a great experience and so nice the know what the future holds. Little by little everything will fall perfectly into place. Lincoln is looking fabulous and I too just LOVE his pouty face. Way too cute!!!!! Yay, you made it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Small Bevell Bunch said...

Kim, I'm so glad that things are going so well.. He is such a trooper and to have parents like you and Dave, he is a lucky little guy!! He is so cute and getting so big. I love the pouty face it made my heart melt!!

Holly said...

Kim, He is such a darling little guy. It's amazing to see his progress. I'm kind of a silent follower but your little family is in our thoughts and prayers. Lincoln is absolutely a miracle and you inspire many with your strength and faith. Warm thoughts, Holly