Our First Family Trauma!

Well...it's official. We are NOT perfect parents! We had our first family trauma this past weekend. Friends were over on Saturday night, and we were making homemade pizzas. Joel walked into the kitchen after a friend of ours, and Curt had the oven door open to put the pizzas in. Joel set his little hand right on the open oven door before anyone could grab him! It was heart-breaking to listen to his little cry. We called our doctor's office right away (thanks Lyndsey for answering our late-night calls!) and they had us come in on Sunday. One benefit of Amy working at the pediatric office is that we know everyone there, and they all love Joel!

We were referred to the Burn Clinic at Bronson Hospital. Every day, we have gone in to have him looked at and get the dressings on his hand changed. He's been extra snuggly with mom and dad, but he's getting better every day.

On Thursday, we met with a burn doctor/plastic surgeon. He was optimistic that there wouldn't be any scarring or long-term damage to his hand, but he was concerned about one area on his hand that was a little slow to blanche. So...we will be seeing him again next week to make sure the entire hand is healing properly. We have been diligently flexing/stretching Joel's hand and encouraging him to use both hands again! He has been a trooper! He's already getting back to playing with his toys...even with his hand wrapped up.

We are continuing to pray that his hand is completely healed with no scarring and no need for any further treatment/procedures.

We are so thankful for all of the friends and family who have called us and emailed us with prayers and encouragement. We are trusting that God is watching over our little Joel and that he will keep him happy and pain free during the next few weeks of healing. We will keep you all posted on his progress...especially after our meeting with the plastic surgeon next week. Until then...keep our little man in your prayers! We love you all!