Look Mom ... No Cast!

We went to the orthopedic center today to get Paton's boot/cast, and after examining him, the doctor said Paton does not have a club foot!  We couldn't believe it.  All the people in the NICU had said it was club, and we understood it would need casting.  But the doctor today said she thinks it is a common condition called metatarsus adductus.  She told us just to do some simple stretches with the foot several times each day, and that the condition would probably correct itself in time.  We believe this is an amazing answer to prayer -- thank you all.  We continue to be astounded.  At this point, they can only do a preliminary examination, since Paton cannot be laid on his back.  Once we are cleared for that, we will take him again to get an ultrasound of his hips to make sure there is no dislocation.  If there is, he will have to wear a special bracing system for a while.  We have been told again and again that our baby is an unusual case.  The OB/Gyn said Paton had the biggest sack on his back she'd ever seen.  Then after his surgery, the nurses said it was the biggest swelling they'd ever seen in this type of case.  Then the doctors were sure he needed a shunt, but ended up not.  And now, it seems they might have been wrong about the club foot.  So, we just take all this as God's gracious intervention.  We'd rest content if He'd chosen otherwise, and there are harder days ahead, we're sure.  But we are delighting in His blessings and kindness to the little fella.  Here's Paton and dad chillin'.