I know what you mean. I find myself composing blog posts mentally…when I really should be concentrating on something else…like, I don't know…driving in heavy traffic, etc.ReplyCancel

Your daughter may be the most adorable child I have ever seen.

You are doing a wonderful job as a mother.ReplyCancel

Argh. Proofread fail on my part. Sentence 3–insert "some" between "with" and "of."ReplyCancel

This is one of the sweetest videos ever. I felt like cheering her on. What an inspiration she is!

Miggy, would you mind if I put a link on my blog to this post?ReplyCancel

oh my, she has the sweetest little voice ever. <3ReplyCancel

She is so stinkin' cute. Listen to her little chatter-box cuteness! I'm so glad that your appointment went so well. All of your pictures are beautiful, but especially that one of you kissing Lamp in the exam room. That one is heart melting.ReplyCancel

That is so sweet! Mike and I watched it over and over. She is talking so much… her little voice!!! I loved every second of this.ReplyCancel

everything about her melts my heart! such a sweetie!ReplyCancel

oh lamp! she's so darling! and i can't believe how much she's talking!!!ReplyCancel

This video is awesome. Lamp is amazing and you are such a great Mama!ReplyCancel

oh, wow.
that is so amazing & fantastic! i am so happy you could have such a great experience, and so grateful there are people who are passionate about their professions and helping people and children. that is so encouraging, and sounds like just what you needed.
thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

oh, yay! this is all so great to read!!! i love the wizard of oz comparison. it makes me think of that scene where they're all being made over and the lion's mane is curled and tied with ribbons. i think i've felt similar feelings at our visits to the portland Shriners. it's so wonderful to step into smoothly running systems and know that they absolutely understand.ReplyCancel

I started tearing up just hearing about the helpful doctor in the hallway… i know how uplifting just a simple smile from a stranger can be when you are filled with nerves on your way to a big appointment. so glad you had a good appointment and a safe trip. Hugs!ReplyCancel

I am so happy to hear things went well for you and little Lamp. Hip Hip Hooray for a great day!ReplyCancel

I love everything about this post. Your intial Mom worry, the stress of travel, the feeling of getting somewhere safe for Lamp, the mercy of strangers, the happiness of having a group of people who listen and want to help by suggesting some good changes for your family, and finally, a mom who walks on the clouds. Magic.ReplyCancel

This makes me so happy! Not only are you getting great care for Lamp but you had this heartwarming, encouraging, we're-not-alone experience that you might have needed more than you even realized.ReplyCancel

Since I live in North Texas, I am about 99% sure I know which hospital you went to! My husband and I even have a friend from college who at least used to work in the orthotics dept there. I bet he still does.

My daughter had some extra skin removed between some fingers at this hospital. I don't want to mention the name in case you don't want it mentioned, and I could be totally wrong, but I bet I am not. : ) I am so glad you had a wonderful experience. Can't wait to hear more!ReplyCancel

I love this post. So happy!ReplyCancel

How awesome! Can not wait to hear and see the details 🙂

AlexandraReplyCancel

So glad your first visit was so encouraging… I know exactly what you mean about being in the majority – feeling like your "normal" is everyone else's too… it's so refreshing.
Also – I loved reading that another mom knows the difficulties of traveling with a child with limb differences. When we were driving to this hospital in Dallas from west texas – I realized early on the challenges of trying to give my child a meal or a sippy cup or even a toy. I remember trying to stay safe on an interstate while also passing back chicken nuggets one at a time. Exhausting! Flying was so much easier because I could help him manage toys and food and drinks!
Loved this post and glad you found a safe place. I always feel like I'm somehow "home" when I'm at that hospital – just feel safe.ReplyCancel

Hope all goes well with the long drive and the appointment!ReplyCancel

Miggy, I hope everything goes swimmingly for your sweet Lamp! I can't imagine your nerves, so I will say a prayer for you to be as strong as steel! 🙂ReplyCancel

Prayers going out for your family, Miggy. I want only the best for that little Lampy and all of you!ReplyCancel

I live in Alaska so I cannot come and take your pictures (such a bummer because I totally work for pie). I can offer to edit the ones you took though. Taking out a few pesky power lines is no big deal! If that sounds at all enticing, email me at meggan (dot) hayes (at) gmail (dot) com. I promise I'm not a crazy person, you can check out my family at daysatthehayes (dot) blogspot (dot) com if you want to make sure you aren't emailing photos of your darlings to a creeper. 🙂ReplyCancel

umm, forgot the blog site. http://www.little-altars.blogspot.comReplyCancel

Oh, I meant, "FINE"…ReplyCancel

This is sooo funny, Miggy! I love it!!!ReplyCancel

Your family is adorable, and those girls look JUST like their daddy!!

And I love your blouse. 😉ReplyCancel