It's not always great...

Sometimes life happens...and it isn't great.  Sometimes things that you feared actually do happen.  And it just stinks.  But, that doesn't change anything.  Nothing surprises God.  He is STILL mighty to save.  He is STILL caring and compassionate.  He STILL loves us enough to die for us.
Today we got some pretty scary news while at Gracie's orthopedic appointment.  For those of you who need to be filled in:  Gracie had been limping for a while and it seemed to get worse, so we brought her to the doc,who ordered an x ray and bloodwork.  We waited for a week (which felt like forever) and got good results - after a little scare.  So, today we weren't expecting much.
Then, we got there and the orthopedic doc (a little more experienced with this sort of thing) noticed some things in her bloodwork and on the x ray that weren't noticed.  He said that he thought she either had Kohler's Disease or Rheumatoid Arthritis.  We learned that Kohler's is no fun, but really in the grand scheme of things...no big deal.  A bone in her foot (the navicular) dies but then regenerates on it's own.  It takes a year and a half and is uncomfortable, maybe a little painful, but corrects itself.  So, we went for the MRI hoping that it was Kohler's.  We were nervous that we would have to sedate her, but she was A TOTAL TROOPER.  She hung in there for almost an hour totally STILL while they took pictures of her foot.  I'm sure it helped that her Daddy was by her side the whole time.  So proud.  We went back to the ortho and waited.  It was SO intense...watching him read the scans...making his doctor grunting sounds.  Then he stepped back and casually stated that he thinks it looks like she actually has both.  UGH.
Not what we were hoping to hear.
But...we agree that GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL.  We are thankful that we didn't get worse news.  He could have told us that she had cancer.  He could have told us something worse and we are thankful he didn't.  Rheumatoid Arthritis in a 3 year old...is scary.  But, we know that God will take care of our sweet princess.  This changes nothing.
We also learned that there is only ONE pediatric rheumatologist in the DFW area.  So...guess what we will have to do until we get her in to see him!!!  You guessed it...WAIT!!!  The good news is that he is at Scottish Rite, so we know she will great and affordable (free probably) care.
God reminded us that he loves us and cares for us in several ways today.  We got all of our results of the MRI today...which isn't common.  I appreciated that we didn't have to wait more.  We also got to appreciate our time TOGETHER.  So nice that we were both off work and able to support each other.  We also got to take Gracie to the fair and enjoy a little carefree time!
We thought about O through out the day too.  This week was a pretty good one on the adoption front!  We got our paperwork off to Uganda.  Our lawyer said that she is waiting "with open hands" for it.  She is so sweet.  We also got our appointment for our FBI fingerprints.  So, that is great!  We are getting closer and closer!!!  We can't wait to have our family all together.
Here are a few pics of our day today...

Gracie sporting her new shoes that Nana got her.  Two words:  retail therapy.  :)

 Gracie and Daddy enjoying a ride at the carnival

Another ride...notice how beautiful this picture is.  I swear I didn't make this little boy ride with them.  I asked Josh if his (the stranger little boy's) Mom would think I was weird just for giving him a squeeze...Josh said yes.
So I didn't...but I REALLY wanted to!!!

And the princess wand...worth all $6.00!!!  (I think she looks like her Nana in this picture).

To Our Sweet O,
We are getting so close to you...I can feel it!!!  The closer we get, the more I want to hold you and love on you.  Every time we do something, I think of what it would be like if you were here.  I told someone today that I thought it is possible that I wouldn't even have to wait the "standard" 9 months for you and laughed.  Gracie didn't make me wait that long either!  God knows how impatient I am.  But, we will wait for as long as we need to.  We know God has you in His arms.  He loves you and your sister more than we ever could.  You are probably sleeping right now...sweet dreams baby boy.

Love you more,
Mommy