Logan's cast

Logan slept much better last night. We put him in his own bed since he seemed to be taking naps so well there and he slept for 12 hours straight! I think he felt much better this morning because of the good night's sleep, but he was still pretty irritable today. The top of the splint was rubbing his leg and it kept moving and rubbing his heal. We've had to re-wrap it several times since yesterday morning and he's very cooperative, but it's just not the same since we took it off the first time. He just hasn't had a good appetite since Saturday so Daddy's been giving him Pedialite. He thinks he's in Heaven when it comes to that (he's eating pretty much whatever he wants because he's been so picky) and being carried around all the time. It's getting old, though. He wants to walk so badly.

Here's another picture of Logan with the splint still on. Our good friends, Bill and Tiffany, let us borrow their bean bags from Bill's childhood. They are perfect for him to comfortably watch his new Veggie Tales and Baby Einstein videos on. You can see he's not the happiest camper, but the bean bags definitely helped.

The doctor looked at the x-rays we brought from Texas Children's and said that he couldn't even see the fracture on the "postage stamp" x-rays. The ER doctor said his leg was fractured, so I have no doubt he saw something, but apparently the x-rays weren't big enough and the fracture really is pretty minor. But Dr. Brock, whom we saw today, said this type of fracture (in toddlers) is usually near the bottom of the leg and heals in 3 weeks with a cast. So, to be on the safe side (and since he still won't put weight on it and the ER doc felt an abnormality in his left leg) he ordered a cast for 3 weeks. And it's only a "short" one that comes to just below the knee, which is much better than the "full-leg cast" that we were expecting to get. The splint came almost all the way up to his hip and made it impossible to walk and challenging to do anything else.

He was so good for the "cast guys" and just sat and watched, as you can see. He even turned down Goldfish because he wanted to keep an eye on them. Everyone else in the Cast Room and even the doctor were impressed that he sat so still and patient. Mostly, I think he was curious, but we're so proud of our little guy! But, I could not have handled the visit (while maintaining my sanity) without help. My mom went with us and entertained Lo while I filled out papers and even held him for a while when he fell asleep in the exam room. Not to mention she sat on the floor next to his car seat on the way there and fed him grilled cheese and french fries to keep him happy (not part of his usual diet, but hey, you do what you have to when your baby is howling because he's uncomfortable, hungry, and tired). Nana Kay is a lifesaver!

He was almost instantly happier and relieved to have that dang splint off. It seems like the cast would be worse, but he can actually walk in the cast if he wants and can bend his knee. Plus, it's much more comfy. The only drawback is that it's pretty heavy. He even got a little shoe to wear over it. He still doesn't want to stand on it, but he's obviously less irritable. I think it may still hurt a little and he doesn't want to lose his footing. He's very careful about things like that. He had a long day; we'll try to walk again tomorrow, but if he doesn't want to walk we'll carry him for 3 weeks. It sure beats 6 weeks!

Smiling again!

Thanks again for all your thoughts, prayers, and offers to help. We really are thankful that Logan's situation isn't worse and today's news was even more encouraging. To God be the glory! There are so many other people we know of right now that could use help and prayers, so it means a lot that you would take the time to think of us.

Logan's 1st Easter Egg Hunt

He didn't cry, but was certainly unsure about the Easter Bunny. He (she?) is a little scary-looking if you ask me.

This looks like a scowl, but the sun really was in his eyes. It sure makes for an amusing picture, though!

Two at one time!

His puppy basket barks and wags his tail when you push a button. But Lo figured out it also holds eggs pretty quickly.

I'm not sure exactly why he was doing his "uh, oh" face, but I think it was because he was so excited and loving all the attention from Aunt Holly and Nana Jo. One of his favorite words right now is, uh ohhhh. Sometimes he says it for no reason, but I never get tired of hearing it. :-)

Our first (and hopefully last) family trip to the ER

Logan did so good at the "Easter Eggstravaganza" at our church on Saturday afternoon. He didn't even cry when we sat him in the Easter Bunny's lap and he eventually figured out he was supposed to collect eggs and put them in his basket. After that got old (and his basket was full) he played on some of the playground equipment. St. Mark's has a really nice, shaded playground and we had never actually been out there. He went down one of the slides, though, and stuck his left foot out to the side and his leg turned sideways as his shoe/leg hit the slide. Michael and my sister, Holly, heard a popping sound and were really worried, but since I didn't hear it or see exactly what happened I was hoping he was ok. We took him straight home and tried to get him to put weight on his leg. He fussed a little and sat down. He wouldn't walk or even put weight on his left leg, so we decided to take him to the Texas Children's Hospital ER.

Logan was so patient. He had vending machine snacks and a fruit cup for supper (but we did find some whole milk, which he was excited about) and he didn't fall asleep until 10:30pm because he was in a strange place without his noise maker and he really didn't fuss at all. His favorite part was making laps in a wheelchair while we waiting for x-rays. We read every book we brought about 15 times, but at least that kept him happy. He is my angel baby, I have to admit. He just watched the nurses and doctors as they examined him and cooperated completely, even for x-rays.

Here he is trying to share a Cheerio and then eating it. He thought we were on a field trip until we got home and he realized he couldn't bend his left leg. Sorry the pictures are so small; the only cameras we had were the ones on our cell phones.

After 7 1/2 hours and seeing at least 4 nurses, 2 doctors, and having 3 sets of x-rays done, he was diagnosed with a tibia fracture, which at his age is referred to as a "toddler fracture." It only occurs in children under 3 and is the most common leg break in children in that age group. It's a spiral fracture and happens when the leg twists in just the wrong way. I read that, "an unsteady toddler may have fallen with a twist, or the child may have gotten his/her foot caught and fallen, twisting it while trying to free his/her foot," which is in line with what the doctors told us. It's hard to pick up with x-rays sometimes, which is why he needed three different trips to radiology, with multiple angles before they found it and knew how to treat it.

He was fitted with a splint and we were told to follow up with the Texas Children's orthopedic group within a week. I called this morning to make an appointment and the earliest they could see him was April 24th. Meanwhile, Michael calls me from home with Logan and says the splint is coming off. That didn't get us in any faster. And even the doctor Logan's pediatrician recommended doesn't specialize in pediatrics, which is important, I think, at his age. After calling multiple other doctors several times, I finally found a pediatric orthopedic doctor who can see Lo tomorrow during his "work-in" period and I really liked the nurse. She told us how to re-wrap the bandage ourselves.

I don't know that Logan would have been an angel while getting his leg wrapped, but luckily he fell asleep right before the doctor came in to put the splint on. He was so exhausted that he slept through the whole thing. We covered us eyes up so the lights wouldn't bother him, but you can see that paci sticking out!

Logan took a great nap yesterday in his crib, but last night was pretty rough, again. He slept with us so we could keep an eye on him. Now I'm about ready to sleep on the floor next to his crib, rather than have him crying and kicking us half the night. He just can't seem to find a comfortable position and wants to twirl my hair, which puts him to sleep, but not me! We felt like we had a newborn again. He'll eventually get used to that thing on his leg, but right now he's still mad about it and throws a fit when he gets frustrated. I don't know who he gets that from...

Logan will probably get a cast and have to wear it for 4-6 weeks, but I'll let you know exactly what the doctor says after tomorrow's visit. I'm sure Lo will find a way to get around in it soon enough and be used to it before we know it. We are just very thankful that his injury is something that can be easily treated and should heal completely with no issues. Not that a leg cast on a 16-month old for 6 weeks will be "easy," but it could be a lot worse. And for that, and for all of you who have prayed for us and sent your concerns our way, we are counting our blessings. Thank you so much.

Mills Benefit

I wanted to post the flyer for the benefit for Bryan and Dylan Mills, but I'm not sure how to post a PDF or even if I can. The benefit is at Pelican Junction in Baytown (1307 S. Highway 146) on April 18th at 10:00AM. They will have BBQ plates, live and silent auctions, a motorcycle rally, a car show, live entertainment, 50/50 pots (I don't know what that is), and several raffles.

The flyer says to contact Sonny Mills (409-656-5198) or Heather Davis (713-932-5562) for more info. They are also still greatly appreciative of donations to the funds set up at Wachovia Bank or Chase Bank.

Bryan was released from the hospital on Tuesday. The doctors were reluctant to let him leave, but Dylan will be transferred to the Shriner's Hospital in Cincinnati soon and Bryan wanted to be able to see Dylan before he leaves. Bryan's doctors don't think he needs to make the long trip to Ohio. It sounds like Dylan must be more stable now if he is being transferred, but he obviously still needs our prayers for continued healing, successful surgeries, and no infections. Bryan needs our prayers for continued physical and emotional healing. The whole family, including Emmalee, needs prayers for continued strength and comfort through this trial.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Mills-Shriner story on KHOU

Shern-Min Chow did a story last night on the Houston Channel 11 News (KHOU) about the lack of burn treatment centers in the Houston area and featured Bryan and Dylan Mills' story. Search "Shriners" on www.khou.com if this link doesn't work:

http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou090317_mh_children-burn-victims.465e8079.html

Dylan is continuing to improve, but still has a long road ahead. Thank you for your continued prayers.

My superstar

Logan got these glasses in his goody bag when he "modeled" at the Liberty County Aggie Mom's Tea Party in February. I just put them on the computer and had to share them!

We thought we had lost the book that he's carrying, then I found it under the couch one day. Logan was so excited and wanted to sit down and read it right then. It's "Moo, Baa, La La La" by Sandra Boynten. I love her books and that one is especially cute.

Yes, he's wearing the Michael Jordan onesie again. He just loves the outfit his cousin gave him. :-) And it goes great with the glasses, don't you think?

I took this a while back when the weather was dry and we discovered that if Michael rubbed a fleece blanket on Logan's head his hair stood up like his Aunt Holly's did when she was a baby!

Website for Dylan

Here is a website that has been set up for Dylan Mills. It has an update as of Friday afternoon.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dylanmills