Having Fun in Bend

Sorry it's taken so long for another posting, but we were unable to download pictures until today. We've all been having a great time while waiting for the surgery date. It snowed non-stop for about 2 weeks so we were out and about in the snow as much as possible. Daisy is now in possession of a new snowsuit which is great.

Daisy's been making many new friends and has had numerous 'play dates'. She's got a very busy social schedule! She also loves swimming at the indoor pool at the Athletic Club - she's quite a jumper and is well on her way to being a very good swimmer.

We celebrated Losar, the Tibetan new year, with some Sherpa friends and Daisy had a good time playing with our friends' sons, Stewart and Elliott. Daisy has a good time watching them play basketball on the weekends. She's a good cheerleader, as you might imagine!

This past weekend was the Bend Winterfest which is a fun celebration downtown. Daisy loved jumping in the inflatable castle and checking out the igloo and ski racing. She went back again the next day for some face painting!

Daisy's surgery date is tomorrow morning, 14 February. The plan is to start on the left hip as it is not seated in the socket at all. If it goes well and the surgeons feel that she can tolerate a longer procedure they will re-locate the right hip which, unfortunately, is not seated well. Her right hip is currently internally rotated and is the main cause for her limp at the moment. The surgery is expected to last 4-6 hours and she will probably be in the hospital for 4-5 days.

Following her operation the surgeons predict that she will be in her Spica cast (goes from her waist to her ankles on both legs) for approximately 12 weeks. This could be longer if a second surgery is required. She will then have some physical therapy (and lots more playing) and will need to be around Bend for approximately 2 months following the removal of the Spica cast. It looks like Daisy and her family will be in Bend until at least July and possibly until September.

We can't thank everyone enough for all of the support that we've received during the last month. It's been wonderful. We'll keep you posted as Daisy's Adventure continues.