We went to Shriners today for Aiden's follow up appointment. The harness did not work and his right hip is still out of the socket. At least his left hip looks "beautiful" though, they say that the outcomes are much better when just one hip is out rather than both. We talked to the doctor about surgery and she recommended, and we agree, to wait until after he is a year old. She said that hip dislocations are not life threatening and the anesthesiologists want Aiden to be over 10 kilos (22 pounds) and be at a better place health-wise (off 02) before going under anesthetic. She said it would be better for him to grow, develop and be a normal baby for a while first. So, we have our next appointment with Shriners in December to plan the surgery and weeks of casting that will follow it. The cast is usually on for 12 weeks with a cast change at 6 weeks.
We think this is the best for him. We went back and forth between getting it over with while he was little and waiting. The doctor said that waiting won't change the severity of the surgery, with the dislocation he has they will most likely need to open him up and do some maneuvering to get it in the socket. The harness had such an impact on his oxygen requirements, we know casting him now will just delay him coming off oxygen and we also still need to watch his belly from the intestinal surgery and we can't do that if there is a cast over it. Timing wise we also think it will be more comfortable for him to have a cast during the winter instead of the hot summer months and since we won't be able to take him out and have alot of visitors during the winter (a.k.a RSV/cold/flu season) it seems like a good time.
We also asked her to look at his feet again and make sure she did not want to do any further casting, she said the left foot looks totally normal and that the left looked good and just needs movement and stretching - casting won't do anything further. So that was good news.
So, Aiden has been enjoying the last few days without the harness on. He has been kicking and working on rolling over. It has been fun the last few weeks watching him discover new things. He has learned that if he moves in his bouncy chair that he can make it bounce and has learned that he can bat at his toys that hang and they move and make noise. He puts his hands together at his chest and interlocks his fingers and holds his hands together when he is hungry and during feedings (he still holds his bottle during feedings also). He smiles so much more at us now instead of just at his gas :) He suddenly has eyebrows and really long, dark eyelashes that I swear were not there 2 weeks ago.
Today he weighed 9 lbs. 7 oz. and he has FINALLY outgrown newborn sized clothes! He is still small even for his corrected age (3 mo. & 1 week), but he is gaining and growing. His doctors are happy as long as he keeps gaining at least 1/2 oz per day. We know Aiden is going to be on his own growth curve and developmental curve - he will do EVERYTHING, but he will do it on his schedule :)
Playing in the bouncy chair - he loves to bat around the toys
Playtime with momma on the floor
I'm trying to take a pic while he was smiling and laughing at me, but in typical boy fashion, this was what I got ;)
Hanging out with daddy on the computer
2 comments:
THANK YOU! I needed a baby post, now I just need to get down there to see him! Three kids and a husband that is not around much during summertime pretty much eliminates that one. He is looking good though, and SO cute! I can't wait to nibble on his toes. LOL
We so enjoyed our visit with Aiden, and with his Mommy and Daddy! You will have to go on facebook and look at the pictures we took of you(Holly), Aiden and the oh so jealous Sophie! They are so stinkin adorable! And I am serious about my offer to come down and just sit with Aiden while you tend to things that you need to get done around the house, or to just take 5 for yourself! We love you guys so much and we are looking forward to getting better aquianted with our pride and joy little boy!
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