Aunt Kelty's Visit & Aspen's Foot
Aunt Kelty just took off yesterday morning...and we already miss her tons.
(because this post has taken me 2 days and 155293842938 attempts to accomplish Kelty actually left 2.5 days ago)
The girls were on cloud NINE for 5 days as Kelty played intensely with both of them.
Tea Party's on the trampoline , treasure hunts, board games, pretend stories, dancing, bath time fun, dress ups and making movies as you can see Brinley doing in the picture above.
One morning after dropping Brinley off at school Kelty took Avery to Michael's Crafts and they purchased art supplies for a day full of craft fun. While Kelty patiently helped Avery create a princess crown and lovely little heart shaped love card to Mommy, she also came up with the clues shown above for Brinley to go on a "Pirate Treasure Hunt" around the house.
Brinley loved finding the "hidden treasure" out back in the garden.
Brinley and Avery developed a closer bond with Aunt Kelty while she was here and they have not stopped asking for her since she left.
Thank you Kelty for being here for us when we needed you most!
On to little miss Aspen's club foot.
On Monday Aspen had her first plaster cast placed.
Above = Aspen gets a little appetiser before the cast procedure and
Daddy gives her one more castless cuddle.
(If you want to nurse in style with one of these cute covers go HERE and
check out my sister-in-laws talent)
These days the Ponseti method is used to treat children with club feet.
Here is a brief outline of what Aspens treatment will be:
1- On Monday she received her first cast spanning from the tips of her toes to the top of her thigh. This is the first of SIX casts she will have. Each week for 5 weeks her foot will be gently manipulated in between cast changes, the final cast
will stay on for THREE weeks.
2- After the casting process is completed she will be fitted for shoes which will have a metal bar in between them. These shoes will position her club foot in an over-corrected position. She will have to wear them for 23 hours a day for the first 3 months and then during nap time and night time until she is three or four years old.
Aspen was actually quite calm when her cast was being put on. In fact, up until Monday morning she hardly cried at all in her first two weeks of life, however things have now changed since that Monday morning which seems like it was so long ago.
Our only conclusion is that the cast is quite uncomfortable because right after leaving the Orthopedic Clinic Aspen learned to use every little fiber of her lung power and now continually expresses her discomfort through screams and cries.
Now she is happiest being held ALL THE TIME, so I have learned to use this magical little Mobie wrap that my friend Paige gave me and I wear Aspen as much as I can (even when attempting to take a nap). I do have to admit that it breaks my heart to hear her new vibrant screams of protest even though I know we are doing what is best for her.
Brinley and Avery have both expressed concern about their baby's new screaming sounds and shower her with songs, kisses and binki's throughout the day.
To learn more about Dr. Ponseti and club foot go HERE.
8 comments:
Well Leah, you look as beautiful as ever.
Thanks for including the link. I was very interested in learning about club foot. Isn't modern medicine absolutely amazing?
Aspen is a very lucky girl. She was born into a wonderful family. I'm still waiting to meet her!
Leah, thanks for this great post! It's great to see pictures and read about all of the fun things Kelty did with the girls. She is amazing and I'm so glad she could fly out there.
Our thoughts are with you as you begin this journey with Aspen's foot. It has given us more understanding to read about the process and see pictures of her cast. I sincerely feel for you in relation to her cast discomfort and her new emotions. As you know, Kenneth screamed through much of his first 6 months and I know how draining that can be. If it helps at all, know that I have absolutely no recollection of any of the hip surgeries, casts, etc...or the associated pain I felt during those first few years of life. One day Aspen will be incredibly grateful for all of your efforts to correct this. I'm sorry it's hard for both of you right now.
Much Love,
Jill
I just ordered a nursing cover from Jill for a baby shower. I'm sure to have the best gift there :). Thanks!
Holy Moly, what a process this is going to be. Hang in there.
My little brother didn't have his foot casted, but I do remember him having shoes like you describe (what I remember most is that he had to wear them even when he napped). He's a Maryland Police Officer now who runs ultra-marathons with his girlfriend.
Selfishly, I'm glad you are finding time to blog. I feel like we're keeping in touch even though I haven't seen you in a while. I can't wait to meet darling Miss Aspen in person!
Another testament to the power of modern medicine in helping club feet. Andy also had a club foot when he was born and had to wear the metal boot while his twin sister crawled circles around him, but now everything is fine. Aspen will be great!
Wow Leah, you are all going through so many changes right now. We are so excited that Aspen is here and we'll pray that this process becomes more comfortable for her. You are both such amazing parents!
Aspen is so beautiful. We are so happy for you and Cody! You are such a charming family. I hope Apen's foot will heal correctly.
Viv
Mis you like crazy girl! Your girls are beautiful! I loved that video on club foot. It was great to learn about it! Wish I could be there to help! Wishing you the best!!
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