Peyton's first therapy and AMC convention

This past Tuesday was Peyton's first therapy appointment. It went pretty well. We really like the occupational therapist. He is English, and entertains Peyton so well. He had him smiling and cooing like crazy. I think he's a keeper. He has had a couple of kids before with arthrogryposis, which is more than what most others around this area have. He seems a little unsure about diving in head first with aggressive excercising and stretching until he gets a good set of x-rays to see what's going on with Peyton's joints. Which is fine with us, we totally understand that. I still get the willies trying to stretch his knees - you can't always tell exactly where his knees are. It's hard. And one knee won't give at all. But anyway, he is scheduled to go back this Tuesday and Wednesday to see PT and OT. And Tuesday he also goes to Knoxville for his cast change.
He's doing really well - he smiles and makes happy little noises all the time. And he's learned how to mock your sounds. Pretty good for 11 weeks old.
We've decided to go to an arthrogryposis convention in Arlington, TX next month. All 5 of us are going to go - I think this will be good for us. We are so anxious to meet other families dealing with this condition and also to listen to the doctors who will speak at this event. We're excited about it and hopefully all of us will benefit from it in some way. I feel like we need to keep all options open and utilize everything available to us. I think we'll gain more insight and also be able to face alot of reality. Even though we're off to a decent start and are getting things in line with his care, I still feel sometimes as if we're floating around out there with no direction.
The other two kiddos are doing well, Morgan is with her dad this week and Brady is staying with nana tonight. We went to the family reunion last week and had a good time. It was rough traveling without Chad though. He had to stay behind and work.
Check back soon for more updated pictures. I'm going to try to get them

New Update

Peyton went yesterday to have his casts changed out. This time he keeps them for 3 weeks. His feet are improving little by little but surgery will be the key when he's about a year or so old. The doctor said he might want to go ahead and get some x-rays in another month. He wants to see what is going on with his bone structure and if any joints are fused. Of course we may not be seeing him any longer if Shriner's takes over all his care We won't be sure of that until we go for the first appointment. I am sure they'll pick up where this doctor leaves off though. Maybe they'll have a better plan of action.
His therapy has been set up to begin in 2 weeks. We've been in a little bit of a bind with that until now so thankfully it has worked out.
This weekend the kids and I are headed to Kentucky for a family reunion. Hopefully there will be decent weather and it will be enjoyable. Morgan started a summer program with her old preschool/daycare and will go on fieldtrips every week. We're glad she'll have some children to interact with and not be so bored at home day in and day out.

Shriner's Appointment

We got the letter from Shriner's today and Peyton's appointment is set for July 31. It says to expect to be there for about 6 hours because many different doctors will evaluate and do whatever testing is necessary.

Answered Prayers!!!

Great News!!! Peyton was accepted into Shriner's!! I called this morning to check the application status and he was accepted. They have mailed us an appointment letter so hopefully we'll receive that soon. We are SO relieved!
Everyone is doing well - all the kids are home today and right now the babies are napping. Probably not for much longer though so I better go get what I can done.