10 Weeks past..........1 Day to go :)

We made it through just over 10 weeks in the halo and brace!!!     
We are all still sane......I think :) Samuel has been pushing boundaries in terms of what he can do with "the crown and breastplate" - he truly thinks he's invincible with it on.
After our 6 weeks visit, Dr S was pleased to report that there was bone growth around the new fusion. So after another 4 weeks in the halo and brace, tomorrow is our big day. An early morning CT scan is scheduled, thereafter a visit to Dr S. If the growth over the past 10 weeks is sufficient, Dr S will give Samuel 2 weeks "off" and remove the halo in theater early Wednesday, 16 October.
I think the one thing Samuel has missed most is having a nice bath or shower, he has had it with "baby baths". When we ask what he is going to
do once the crown is removed, he says "bath with bubbles" and dancing -
he so wants to do the Sid shuffle from Ice Age 4.


This is our hospital week with Ellen also having a follow up with a Rheumatologist after her wrist surgery in early September. She is still in a brace and because the biopsy and blood tests done by the orthopedic surgeon were inconclusive as to the cause of the growth, we are seeing Dr L on Thursday.Ellen is understandably worried and frustrated, but we believe that the cause will be something simple and can be sorted out soon.




During the past 10 weeks we also had some fun with the school concert and spring walk. Michael surprised us all by being the "narrator or lead lady bug" of the story. Initially he did not really want the red cheeks and lips - "that's only for ladies" - but when he saw his other lady bugs friends, he was ok. Such a funny little boy this, loved absolutely loved being center stage. So handsome too :)

The spring walk saw both Samuel and Michael participating. George walked most of the route side by side with Samuel, but Michael had Marina biting the dust as he took off with the speed of light. He preferred the more energetic jog and was so proud of his medal. The school was awesome, each participating child received a medal - the children all loved it.

Last but definitely not least. 

Princess Baby K was reunited with her grandparents in early September. She had been with us for almost 6 months and crawled deep into our hearts. She started developing such a beautiful personality and is a real "bubbly" little girl. We miss her baby talk and many tears were shed after she left. 

BUT we also know that she is with awesome grandparents, who fought very hard to keep her, who loves her unconditionally and will always be there for her.

It was such a privilege to love on her, to be part of their journey.

SUCH A BLESSING.  

4 Hectic Months

Since the last update, we have had a somewhat hectic time. Samuel's neck fusion on 26 April saw him recovering at the speed of light in hospital, we were discharged on 1 May and were so grateful that all went well. About a week after his 10 day visit to check the wounds, Samuel lost his balance and fell backwards. A frantic trip back to the hospital for x-rays, CT scans and a emergency visit to the Spinal Surgeon. God protected Samuel - although there was a slight bone shift even before we left the hospital, it was not worse and the wires were still in position.

After 6 weeks, we did another batch of x-rays, only the find that the grafted bone did not grow as anticipated. Dr S decided to give it another 4 weeks :( and although Samuel was super excited expecting to be able to remove the brace, he took it like a trooper.

Our next appointment had no better news as there was no improvement and Dr S advised us that we would have to go back to theater for a more invasive procedure.This time it would involve metal plates, screws and a halo and body brace........must say it freaked me out........a lot.

So on 2 Aug we were back in hospital getting ready for another 4-5 hour operation. Once again God proved faithful. The ladies at Admission remembered Samuel from April. The nursing staff in the Pediatric ward who prepped Samuel, were the same group who prepped him in April and even the ICU sisters on duty were the same as those who took care of Samuel in April. Samuel was so relaxed and happy to see them all, he was a real funny bunny :)

Samuel was scheduled for 13h00 and the porter who came to collect him was called Samuel, the same one as in April! This is a big, very busy hospital and for all of the same people to be on duty, was truly God's way to help Samuel feel safe. Dr S and 2 other spinal surgeons worked on him for just over 4 hours and although we expected the ventilator afterwards, it still came as a shock.


For better pain management as well as rest for Samuel's body to recover , he was kept on the ventilator from Friday to Tuesday. Such a difficult time for us, especially for George who felt more helpless than me....this says a lot as he is always the strong one :(

The halo and body brace is quite something and as we wanted Samuel to understand it as best he can, we spoke about how he will be a brave warrior and when he wakes up he will wear a special crown and breastplate.





So here we are, 2 weeks into our next 6 weeks period. After 6 weeks x-rays will be done and we trust that the halo and brace will be something of the past. Then possibly a neck brace again for a short while to give Samuel confidence.

Strangers have stopped us in shops and accused us of being negligent (assuming its a neck injury from a car accident) and cruel to put Samuel through such an invasive procedure (not realising that the instability he had prior to the 1st operation could have resulted in his death). Through this all Samuel has smiled at one and all, said "thank you" each time a drip, plaster,staple, is removed or stats taken. With his Sunshine Sam smile and a "I'm fine" he greets everyone who asks after his well being. There has been some tears and definitely fear, but he boldly repeats the last words his ICU sister said when she handed him over "Jesus loves me very, very much".

 

Psalm 126:2 "What amazing things the Lord has done for them (Samuel)"

The big day arrived and the only one excited about the "outing to the hoptital" was Samuel. After checking in and his normal greetings of "I'm back. I'm fine. Thank you" Samuel was prepped. The anesthetist explained what we could expect Samuel to look like after 3+ hours laying face down and I have to admit, I wanted to pick Samuel up and run - as fast and as far away as I possibly could. Then it was time.....Samuel was collected from the ward by his spinal surgeon and anesthetist personally ; I was allowed to place him on the operation table and love on him whilst he was put under......way to hard to let go then......but that's when you realise again God loved him before we knew him, God has a plan with this. 

The pre-operation x-rays revealed that the operation was still necessary and after what felt like an eternity the anesthetist came out to say Samuel did very well during the procedure and we are now at the stage where he either wakes up or stays ventilated and heavily sedated for 48 hours to allow facial swelling to subside and his body to recover. About an hour later the wheeled Samuel to the Paediatric ICU........ without a ventilator!!!! It was on standby only!!! Praise God!!!

As you can see from this photo taken, no swelling, no fluid build up in his face from being in an upside down position.....still as handsome as ever :)  Everyone involved with his care was amazed by his body's ability to cope with such a big operation.....we knew that this was only God. So many people across the world had interceded for Samuel and God had answered our prayers. When we arrived back at the hospital 3 hours later not expecting much.....another miracle. Despite some serious sedation medication, Samuel opened his eyes when he heard our voices and said "I'm better.I'm fine"To hear his voice.....no words can explain. God is faithful!


George arrived at the hospital early Saturday morning to find a little boy who was supposed to be heavily sedated for 48 hours, asking for pizza! After his doctors visit it was decided to try and mobilise him should he not experience any discomfort. This was to enable him eat some custard,jelly and ice-cream (a compromise on the pizza request) without the risk of chocking. He also stood up next to the bed and walked a few steps. WOW is an understatement!!!

Of course we have to take photos of everything to show him what he feels and every time he just says "wow" - very intrigued by the neck brace :) Glad he thinks it is cool as this is a major part of his life for the next 6 weeks.

God has blessed us with an amazing, brave boy. People are already talking about how amazing his recovery is and Samuel will one day be able to testify as to the great things God has done for him.

"We are filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the Lord has done for them." Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!     Psalm 126

When I read this on Friday morning, I could never in my wildest dreams imagine how appropriate this Psalm would be for this day.... 26 April 2013. Our hearts are filled with joy and thanks for all the prayers for this precious angle God has entrusted in our care.

Prayer request for Samuel

On 15 March 2013 we were again made aware of how special Samuel really is and how he has been under God's hand of protection. Samuel and Michael were playing tackle games just before bath time when Michael rugby tackled Samuel ending in Samuel being out for the count after hitting his head on the solid wood bed. In that moment all first aid knowledge flew out the window and I just grabbed Samuel up to get him to respond. We immediately went to our closest Trauma Unit and almost 5 hours later Samuel was given the all clear.

The following morning we received a call from the doctor in charge of the Trauma Unit. A second opinion on the x-rays and CT scans revealed an abnormality in Samuel's neck. She explained that this type of injury could results in paralyses, therefor he had to come back immediately. After the examination she referred us to a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. After x-rays and another examination a week later, he referred us to a Spinal Orthopedic Surgeon as Samuel has a severe instability in his C1 & C2 vertebrae. The thoughts of activities that Samuel participated in that was potentially life threatening,  had me reeling.

 As parents we felt completely helpless whilst waiting for the Surgeon to return from a trip. But what an amazing man, so worth the wait and he was so wonderful with Samuel. He explained that spinal fusion surgery with a Luque wire between C1 & C2 vertebrae needed to be done as soon as possible. Despite the urgency of the situation this doctor made us feel safe; he is well known in his field yet he is a humble man knowing where his strength comes from.

 So surgery is scheduled for Friday, 26 April. Samuel will remain in ICU for 48 hours and 7-10 days in hospital. There after he wears a neck brace and needs to be kept on "slow motion / quiet" for 6 weeks - is that possible with a real little live wire?  :)

Samuel is already a testimony of God's work in people. Despite the fact that the world did not have high expectations of this child, God had. Prayers for Samuel has unlocked his voice, thoughts, imagination. He has such a sense of humor and not a day goes by when we don't feel incredibly blessed. Of course we would love for God to spare Samuel this journey and heal him completely. However we also know that God's will is not always ours and we choose to believe in God's plans for Samuel.

We would really appreciate prayers as Friday approaches. Firstly for completely healing, secondly for God to be in control of every single aspect of Samuel's surgery and recovery so that that in itself will be a testimony of God's greatness.  

First 3 months of 2013

January saw the boys returning to school. Both moved up a "grade", something this Mommy was mighty proud about. Samuel especially benefits from being in this school as he has to compete in class with normal children. He copies well which helps a lot in his therapy. Michael is a real little leader, he always has a group of friends following him and he is passionate about the Blue Bulls rugby team. He wants to play rugby for them and insists on wearing all blue, yep underwear too :) 

 Yvonne returned to Abbotts College and admits that being a "single" child at school is exciting. No competition with her sisters and no little cute siblings......she loves them all dearly, but has really come into her own.

 Samuel turned 5 years old in February and requested his favorite characters, Puss in Boots and the Bad Kitty. I'm sure if he could, would he be able too, repeat the entire movie's dialogue - he's watched it so many times. Whilst celebrating his birthday with family, they broke into our house (again) and when we got home, Samuel's first words were "it wasn't the bad kitty, she is not really bad":) Took a while to restore the trust that bad men will not come in the night to take him away :(

 Yvonne also celebrated her birthday in February, 18 years old. Looking at the photo of her and her sisters I can hardly believe this young lady (tallest girl in the house) was so small when born - 2.3kg. She has really been able to shake a whole bunch of issues that was holding her back and she in doing sooooo well.

Ellen started work at the boys school as a teacher's assistant and loves her special needs class. Between the little ones at school, home and part time studies, she is kept busy :)

I was blessed to still have Marina at home until mid February before her college classes started. She is really enjoying her full time PR & Events Management as well as her part time Photography courses. As her college is close to home, she is sometimes able to be home during the day......I love that :)

Beginning March our family grew by another 2 feet when 3 week old Baby K joined us. She was soooo small, Ellen kept saying the last small, small baby we had was Kody and look at him now - such a handsome young boy.

This year so far has been rather hectic and God is definitely in the process of re-shaping our lives. We've asked God to confirm our desire to foster as being His Hands and Feet - he blessed us not only with one but two little treasures. Due to work circumstances we are currently in a transition period - again we know that God will not only provide, but bless us in what we do if we trust Him and live in obedience.

We already felt "stretched" when Samuel had a bad fall, which led to serious health issues. Again God's fingerprints of protection all over the incident, but that's a separate post.

Christmas 2012 New Year 2013

Early December our family grew by 2 feet as Baby A joined our family in foster care. At only 5 months old, he brought a whole new dimension to our lives again. Other than our blessing under the tree, Christmas holidays was all about family.

The boys enjoyed hanging out at Gigi's house around the pool. Always arriving in style......
they seemed to have grown up so quick.

Last 6 months 2012

The last 6 months saw the boys enjoying being home as opposed to just being here for a short while on holiday.Although the garden is a lot smaller than Zimbabwe's, there is still room for 

a rugby ball as well as a lawnmower.

. 

We also had dress up days and celebrated "gotcha" days. And Michael had 3rd birthday with a fish cake.

August came rolling along to quick. Samuel spent some time in hospital with lung infections.He was so brave the entire time.

The day Samuel was discharged, George and the twins left for a 10 day houseboat trip on Kariba.
They had an awesome time with some very special friends.

Back home the garden got some serious attention. Lots of extra hands made lighter work....or did it?

We are now officially settled in.

Ongoing home renovations

Ongoing home renovations proved a challenge ...... 

Whilst the kitchen and sun room / dining room were in progress, we lived on take aways and Woolies food.

After 2 months, a home cooked meal and the option of home baked goodies, was number one.

The main bedroom renovation, had George, myself and the 2 boys camping out on the TV room floor for almost 6 weeks.
For now, we are done with dust, cement, bricks and chaos :)