Joseph's Broken Leg

Less than a week after Elliana was born, our neighbors threw a wonderful birthday for all of their children.  They are the kind of people that ask for stuffed animals to donate to the children's hospital in lieu of gifts. The kids were entertained with balloon animals, magicians, food, and a very fun bounce-slide.  The kids would climb up one side of the inflatable slide and bounce/slide down the other.  Just before we were about to leave, Tanner carried Joseph to me crying loudly.  After a day of him not putting any weight on his leg and taking long naps, we decided to take him to the doctor.

The brave boy awaiting the doc

The x-ray didn't show a break, but Joseph would twitch when the doctor touched his shin in one place.  He was trying to be strong and not show he was in pain.  What a tough boy.  Turned out that he had what they call a "toddler break" and would need a three-week cast.

Joseph's new friend James prepping his leg.

After some thought, Joseph chose his cast to be in bright orange.  He chose it because it is his favorite color.  However, in these parts, the University of South Carolina's rival is Clemson.  Clemson's color is orange.  He doesn't understand why people keep asking him if he is a Clemson fan.  His older brothers know the difference and would have never chosen orange. 

Mom gets to sign the cast first

Dad asked Joseph for a "sad face" for effect. 

Other than not going to the swimming pool, the cast hasn't slowed him down at all. He had to find a way to bend over to kiss his baby sister, but he runs around just fine (with a limp like dad used to).  Casts don't prevent him from turning a lamp shade into a helmet and a lamp into a weapon. 

Three weeks after the cast went on, it was time to come off.  Unlike his father and sister, he enjoyed the saw cutting off his cast.  Although his nerves are now hyper-sensitive and he walks a little funny, he is back to being Joseph and reminding us so much of his sister who showed him how to be a 3 year old. 

The saw that cut off his cast "tickled".

The brave boy getting a clear x-ray.