Sheesh it feels like I was just saying we were only 1 week in the cast and now it's 2. This week flew by, but it still feels like he's been in his cast for a lot longer!! Everything is second nature now. I just hate that I don't have my squishy little baby boy to squeeze and bathe. We have been having fun dressing him in summer hats and sunglasses. He got a cute new "fishing" hat and he had a baseball cap, but it's already too small. There was a cute one at target today but it was too big. I guess he is in between hat sizes. We looked at baby pools for this summer. I can't wait to play with him in the backyard on warm summer nights. It is so windy here, he sniffs and snorts at the air. It's cute :)
I can't believe Collin will be four months old so soon. We were just in awe this week over how much control he has gained in his neck and holding up his head since he's been in the cast. If he wasn't casted, he would be able to sit in his bumbo. We also tried his exersaucer today, but once again his legs are spread just a hair too far to fit.
Lately, Collin has been drooling a lot lately and putting everything he can in his mouth. He likes to chew on his bib, our fingers, his fist, blankets, and his toys. He still tries to feed himself, and was actually able to hold his bottle upright and feed independently for 3-4 seconds this morning.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I fell asleep in the middle of blogging last night. I guess I was sleepy?!
Collin did awesome Sunday night. He slept through the night!! He must have known his mommy and daddy needed a good nights sleep before going back to work Monday. We had another good night last night. He woke up once to eat and once because Sammy was being obnoxious. Luckily, just giving him his paci put him back to sleep for a few more hours. Collin has been doing great at Mimi's house during the day. He is able to fit in her swing (barely!) and bouncer. My mom found out that the bouncer we put at their house fits him too because it doesn't slope too much and it has no sides. We took it home so he has another option for chilling besides his bean bag and activity mat.
My principal at school, Melody, knows a family who has a child that just got out of a spica cast for hip dysplasia. She left a message about advice for car seats, so maybe all hope isn't lost yet.
Time goes by faster when I'm at work. It's a catch 22... Can't wait for the cast to come off, but my baby boy is growing up so fast before my eyes. He tries so hard to hold his bottle on his own. He also seems like he is running in place when he sits on our legs. He flails his arms and bounces his whole body and just laughs and laughs. I love his laugh!!
Collin did awesome Sunday night. He slept through the night!! He must have known his mommy and daddy needed a good nights sleep before going back to work Monday. We had another good night last night. He woke up once to eat and once because Sammy was being obnoxious. Luckily, just giving him his paci put him back to sleep for a few more hours. Collin has been doing great at Mimi's house during the day. He is able to fit in her swing (barely!) and bouncer. My mom found out that the bouncer we put at their house fits him too because it doesn't slope too much and it has no sides. We took it home so he has another option for chilling besides his bean bag and activity mat.
My principal at school, Melody, knows a family who has a child that just got out of a spica cast for hip dysplasia. She left a message about advice for car seats, so maybe all hope isn't lost yet.
Time goes by faster when I'm at work. It's a catch 22... Can't wait for the cast to come off, but my baby boy is growing up so fast before my eyes. He tries so hard to hold his bottle on his own. He also seems like he is running in place when he sits on our legs. He flails his arms and bounces his whole body and just laughs and laughs. I love his laugh!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The car seat search has come 360 and we are officially back to square one.
Hippo - Collin sits in it the same as his convertible
Vest - Not deemed safe for his age
Car bed - his legs are set too wide
Julie told us we are doing the best thing right now that we can do, as much as that stinks. She said it's still better than 50% of How parents buckle their children. I have a friend from elementary school who has offered to help see if there are any more options by contacting the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, but I'm afraid that all options have been exhausted. Les is working on seeing if there is a better way to rig the convertible, but so far no such luck.
Collin's sleep problems appear to be over, and since the pavlik harness has been off we have noticed 100% improvement in his neck function. We switched back to our old formula today because the spitting up wasn't any better with the sensitive milk based. I am positive it's a cast related issue.
Spring Break is over and feeling down. When you have gone through as much as we have in the past almost 4 months, nothing is better than sitting home as a family while we are all happy and well.
Hippo - Collin sits in it the same as his convertible
Vest - Not deemed safe for his age
Car bed - his legs are set too wide
Julie told us we are doing the best thing right now that we can do, as much as that stinks. She said it's still better than 50% of How parents buckle their children. I have a friend from elementary school who has offered to help see if there are any more options by contacting the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, but I'm afraid that all options have been exhausted. Les is working on seeing if there is a better way to rig the convertible, but so far no such luck.
Collin's sleep problems appear to be over, and since the pavlik harness has been off we have noticed 100% improvement in his neck function. We switched back to our old formula today because the spitting up wasn't any better with the sensitive milk based. I am positive it's a cast related issue.
Spring Break is over and feeling down. When you have gone through as much as we have in the past almost 4 months, nothing is better than sitting home as a family while we are all happy and well.
Friday, March 18, 2011
1 Week Down
1 week down of the first Spica...
Les and I were talking today about how we couldn't believe it has been only a week!! We have come so far and learned so much. Diaper changes used to scare us and we would dread doing them. They used to be a two person job and take 20 minutes! Now we have them down to under 5 minutes and could do it as a one person job with our eyes closed. Just holding and carrying Collin was terrifying the first day, but we got over that quick. Now it's like he's been like this all along. It's such a blessing that we have all adjusted.
The thing we hear most frequently is, "Well, he's so little at least he won't remember." or "At least it's fixable"
Yes... these things are both true and we are so grateful for both facts, don't get me wrong. :) However, it can be difficult for those unfamiliar with hip dysplasia to understand how different it can be. Everything is different: diaper changes, clothes, activities, and so on. Collin can't wear just any outfit, or have a simple diaper change. We went through 6 weeks where we couldn't even change his clothes or give him a bath except for once a week at the orthopedic!! We have had one day where Collin was brace, harness, or cast free and that was the day he was born. We don't get to have a squishy little baby. Being casted, he doesn't get to enjoy his swing or his bouncer. This was all completely unexpected, but we love every second with our baby boy and find each second a blessing. And yes... we will get his hips fixed! :) Collin will have his cast change, a second arthrogram and CT scan on April 22 to see how we are progressing.
We had an awesome night last night. Collin is working so hard on getting back to his normal schedule. He woke up at 3 and 6. Pre-cast, he was waking up at 2 and 6... so he's getting there!
I won Bulls tickets today. It was kind of funny. One of the local news stations posted a trivia question with specific directions as to where to post the answer. The first person to do it would win the tickets. Well, like 5 people posted the right answer in the wrong place, which gave me the right answer. Since I can follow directions, I posted it in the right place and won. Ha! Too bad I don't have any interest in hockey!
We've been laughing up a storm tonight. Collin likes to dance :)
Les and I were talking today about how we couldn't believe it has been only a week!! We have come so far and learned so much. Diaper changes used to scare us and we would dread doing them. They used to be a two person job and take 20 minutes! Now we have them down to under 5 minutes and could do it as a one person job with our eyes closed. Just holding and carrying Collin was terrifying the first day, but we got over that quick. Now it's like he's been like this all along. It's such a blessing that we have all adjusted.
The thing we hear most frequently is, "Well, he's so little at least he won't remember." or "At least it's fixable"
Yes... these things are both true and we are so grateful for both facts, don't get me wrong. :) However, it can be difficult for those unfamiliar with hip dysplasia to understand how different it can be. Everything is different: diaper changes, clothes, activities, and so on. Collin can't wear just any outfit, or have a simple diaper change. We went through 6 weeks where we couldn't even change his clothes or give him a bath except for once a week at the orthopedic!! We have had one day where Collin was brace, harness, or cast free and that was the day he was born. We don't get to have a squishy little baby. Being casted, he doesn't get to enjoy his swing or his bouncer. This was all completely unexpected, but we love every second with our baby boy and find each second a blessing. And yes... we will get his hips fixed! :) Collin will have his cast change, a second arthrogram and CT scan on April 22 to see how we are progressing.
We had an awesome night last night. Collin is working so hard on getting back to his normal schedule. He woke up at 3 and 6. Pre-cast, he was waking up at 2 and 6... so he's getting there!
I won Bulls tickets today. It was kind of funny. One of the local news stations posted a trivia question with specific directions as to where to post the answer. The first person to do it would win the tickets. Well, like 5 people posted the right answer in the wrong place, which gave me the right answer. Since I can follow directions, I posted it in the right place and won. Ha! Too bad I don't have any interest in hockey!
We've been laughing up a storm tonight. Collin likes to dance :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Back to square one
Well, I haven't seen in my research a spica cast baby who won't fit in the Hippo car seat, but I also haven't seen any babies quite as young as Collin either. My lovely contact at Northwest, Julie, set up a try-out at Britkare to make sure he wouldn't fit in the Hippo, although she was pretty sure he wouldn't. Julie was right, he didn't fit. She found out today that the manufacturer won't approve the use of the vest for Collin since he is so young, it just wouldn't be safe. We are down to one last resort. She has called someone at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis who is a go-to person when all else fails regarding issues such as these. She got this person's contact information from someone she had contacted in San Antonio, so all of this took a good chunk of today. Maybe tomorrow there might be another option. If not, she said we will have to stick with what we are doing with the convertible car seat, unfortunately.
Sleeping wise, we tried wrapping Collin's arms like he was used to being swaddled prior to the cast. He fought it a lot because he likes to play with his paci and his face, but he did end up sleeping on his back for a good chunk of the night. He has also been spitting up less and having more regular and normal bowels.
Can't believe spring break is about over... it's days like these I wish I could stay home and play with my son all day long.
Sleeping wise, we tried wrapping Collin's arms like he was used to being swaddled prior to the cast. He fought it a lot because he likes to play with his paci and his face, but he did end up sleeping on his back for a good chunk of the night. He has also been spitting up less and having more regular and normal bowels.
Can't believe spring break is about over... it's days like these I wish I could stay home and play with my son all day long.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Pins and Needles
Okay so two steps forward, one step back. Last night was brutal!!! We tried six or seven times to get him to sleep on his back, but every single time he would startle awake whenever his arms went limp. Les and I are guessing it is because he is so used to being swaddled and all of a sudden after getting the cast on, he wasn't getting swaddled anymore. We have a trick up our sleeves to try tonight, let's pray that it works!! We've got to get this kid on a routine by the end of the week since that would be the end of my Spring Break.
Overall, Collin was the happiest today that he has been since cast day. He was smiling and laughing a lot and able to entertain himself every now and then. Things are continuing to look up. Aunt Aubrey sent Collin a bunch of clothes that will fit over his cast today, and we are so appreciative!
The car seat situation has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs today. At the beginning of the week, we contacted a lady at Northwest who is a nurse and trauma specialist I believe, but also is a car seat technician. She is on the local board for SafeKids. Safe Kids Worldwide was founded in 1987 as the National SAFE KIDS Campaign by Children’s National Medical Center with support from Johnson & Johnson. Safe Kids Worldwide is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C. (copied from the SafeKids website)
Julie has been absolutely amazing trying to help us out!!! She was on the phone all day with children hospitals all over Texas trying to find something that will work for Collin. At first, she found the Dreamride Car Bed by Cosco. This looked promising, but Collin's measurements from knee to knee in the spica were too wide.So that is out of the question now.
She doesn't think the Britax Hippo will work from the way I described how he is positioned, but I sent her a picture because I don't think I was very clear and I asked her if we could go ahead and try one anyways. It is the only current car seat designed for children in a spica cast. This is my favorite option because it looks the most comfortable for Collin and seems to me to be the safest. However, I am no car seat expert.
The third option we are looking into is a car seat vest. From my understanding, the vest straps the child down into the regular seat of a car. The problem with this is that it is not designed for children under age 2, so the manufacturer would need to make some modifications for us in order for it to be safe (it's been done before). They were closed by the time we reached this option, so Julie said she would call first thing in the morning. I am still holding out that I was describing Collin's position wrong and the Hippo will work out.
Speaking of the Hippo, I told Britkare to go ahead and order one today. I hate using 2 different people right now, but the safety of my son comes first and I don't want to ignore help from one place in case the other backs down. Anyway, they finally faxed the prescription over to Dr. Sims and called the insurance. They said the insurance usually doesn't cover things like that, but she said there could be a way. I told her that we don't even care, we will just pay out of pocket and if the insurance decides to accept it then they can reimburse it. I just want my son to be safe in the car!!!! They won't have the Hippo in until sometime next week, but if I can't get anything from Northwest before then, that might have to work. Hopefully tomorrow we will make some more progress and hopefully Northwest has a Hippo in stock that will work for Collin.
Funny story as a closing note...
Les and I were hanging out with Collin watching T.V. and Sammy started acting like a guard dog because he obviously spotted something. We told him to "go get it" and he went over to the kitchen table and doubled back several times, growling and barking. It was totally out of the ordinary Sammy behavior and we were freaked out that we didn't know what it was, but it sure was hilarious!! As it turns out, he was scared of the sewing kit I had left on the kitchen table. I guess it looked menacing!!! I put it on the ground and he attacked it. Stupid dog ;)
Overall, Collin was the happiest today that he has been since cast day. He was smiling and laughing a lot and able to entertain himself every now and then. Things are continuing to look up. Aunt Aubrey sent Collin a bunch of clothes that will fit over his cast today, and we are so appreciative!
The car seat situation has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs today. At the beginning of the week, we contacted a lady at Northwest who is a nurse and trauma specialist I believe, but also is a car seat technician. She is on the local board for SafeKids. Safe Kids Worldwide was founded in 1987 as the National SAFE KIDS Campaign by Children’s National Medical Center with support from Johnson & Johnson. Safe Kids Worldwide is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C. (copied from the SafeKids website)
Julie has been absolutely amazing trying to help us out!!! She was on the phone all day with children hospitals all over Texas trying to find something that will work for Collin. At first, she found the Dreamride Car Bed by Cosco. This looked promising, but Collin's measurements from knee to knee in the spica were too wide.So that is out of the question now.
She doesn't think the Britax Hippo will work from the way I described how he is positioned, but I sent her a picture because I don't think I was very clear and I asked her if we could go ahead and try one anyways. It is the only current car seat designed for children in a spica cast. This is my favorite option because it looks the most comfortable for Collin and seems to me to be the safest. However, I am no car seat expert.
The third option we are looking into is a car seat vest. From my understanding, the vest straps the child down into the regular seat of a car. The problem with this is that it is not designed for children under age 2, so the manufacturer would need to make some modifications for us in order for it to be safe (it's been done before). They were closed by the time we reached this option, so Julie said she would call first thing in the morning. I am still holding out that I was describing Collin's position wrong and the Hippo will work out.
Speaking of the Hippo, I told Britkare to go ahead and order one today. I hate using 2 different people right now, but the safety of my son comes first and I don't want to ignore help from one place in case the other backs down. Anyway, they finally faxed the prescription over to Dr. Sims and called the insurance. They said the insurance usually doesn't cover things like that, but she said there could be a way. I told her that we don't even care, we will just pay out of pocket and if the insurance decides to accept it then they can reimburse it. I just want my son to be safe in the car!!!! They won't have the Hippo in until sometime next week, but if I can't get anything from Northwest before then, that might have to work. Hopefully tomorrow we will make some more progress and hopefully Northwest has a Hippo in stock that will work for Collin.
Funny story as a closing note...
Les and I were hanging out with Collin watching T.V. and Sammy started acting like a guard dog because he obviously spotted something. We told him to "go get it" and he went over to the kitchen table and doubled back several times, growling and barking. It was totally out of the ordinary Sammy behavior and we were freaked out that we didn't know what it was, but it sure was hilarious!! As it turns out, he was scared of the sewing kit I had left on the kitchen table. I guess it looked menacing!!! I put it on the ground and he attacked it. Stupid dog ;)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
"I don't know where you would get one either..."
Day 4 and I am losing patience.
We had a carseat lead yesterday. Britkare told me they had hippo carseats and I needed a prescription and once my insurance approved it, I could get the carseat. Well, I call them today to make sure they faxed the prescription to Dr Sims and of course they got too busy yesterday. I pointed out that was an inconvienance because they aren't in the office today because it's a surgery day so that's 2 wasted days. Of course, they said they would work on it immediately. Immediately does not put a carseat in my hands now, so not good enough. Especially if that was it. The carseats they have are already rented out. One person I guess reserved it a while back but never picked it up. They called her to tell her someone else needed it so she needed to go get it if she still wanted it. Of course, she went to get it. Te second one is with someone they can't get a hold of and who has had it for a long time and they are supposed to be short term. Supposedly they are going to send someone to try to get it back, but I'll see it when I believe it. So now we are back to square one where they can order one. Wonder how long it will take to get that?
Les' dad thought he had a lead on a pediatric home health place that is located in Dallas, but happens to have an office in town. They offer DME equipment to a 270 mile radius around Dallas and Randall County. Random!!! I thought this was it finally, but of course when I called they do not offer car seats for children in spica casts. They even punched me in the gut further and said, "I don't even know where you could get one either!" shockingly, one of Les' teachers at school has a 2 year old who severly broke her leg over the weekend and was put in a spica cast. Maybe we can help each other out!! Les was going to email her (she's in OKC with her family).
Next frustration: parking lots. I will be the first to admit I get ticked off when people don't park well and have often intentionally parked very close to people in a lot to show my irritation. I will never do that again now that I have Collin. It is absolutely the hardest thing when you are by yourself putting a baby in a car seat with someone parked so close you can't even open your car door all the way. This has happened on several occasions and each time I just feel so flustered. It's hard enough putting a baby in a carseat, let alone a baby in a body cast!!! So my plea to you is please think of others and the fact they might have a baby and it is hard to deal with carseats, so don't park super close to someone!! I know I won't anymore.
Collin slept better last night. I think he did 4 hours on his back in his bed and woke up just once for a feeding and a diaper change. He has been very fussy all week so far and I've been attributing that to his cast. I still think that's the case, but he has been running a low fever (between 99 and 100.2) and sleeping a lot today. We are keeping a close eye and we have plenty of Tylenol if it gets worse. It could be his cast is just making his body warm too. So many changes.
Nana came by and spent the day with us and brought Collin some more clothes. She took us to Baker Bros for lunch and I again realized how wonderful the Baby Bjorn is with the cast.
So now that we are a half a week into this 12 week process, this is my list of necessities in case someone is starting this process new. Trust me, it is something you learn to figure out quick!!
Spica Cast Must-Haves for a 3 month old:
Hair dryer (cool setting only) for drying out the cast when it gets wet (notice I said when, not if)
Lots of wipes
Newborn and size 1 diapers to stuff inside the cast
Size 2 diapers for the outside of the cast (to hold the inside ones in and help contain leaks)
Bean bag since the cast sits so no bouncer or swing accessibility
Lots of blankets used for upper back and head support, prop up toys on bean bag, warmth on cold days
A spica cast car seat (Britax Hippo)
Scissors to cut diapers that go inside so they can be stuffed easier
baby Bjorn because thy can't fit in travel system carrier or sit up unassisted
9-12 month onesies to go over cast
Bibs to control spit ups and protect cast (once the plaster gets wet it breaks down fast, even if it just got damp)
Patience!!!!
We had a carseat lead yesterday. Britkare told me they had hippo carseats and I needed a prescription and once my insurance approved it, I could get the carseat. Well, I call them today to make sure they faxed the prescription to Dr Sims and of course they got too busy yesterday. I pointed out that was an inconvienance because they aren't in the office today because it's a surgery day so that's 2 wasted days. Of course, they said they would work on it immediately. Immediately does not put a carseat in my hands now, so not good enough. Especially if that was it. The carseats they have are already rented out. One person I guess reserved it a while back but never picked it up. They called her to tell her someone else needed it so she needed to go get it if she still wanted it. Of course, she went to get it. Te second one is with someone they can't get a hold of and who has had it for a long time and they are supposed to be short term. Supposedly they are going to send someone to try to get it back, but I'll see it when I believe it. So now we are back to square one where they can order one. Wonder how long it will take to get that?
Les' dad thought he had a lead on a pediatric home health place that is located in Dallas, but happens to have an office in town. They offer DME equipment to a 270 mile radius around Dallas and Randall County. Random!!! I thought this was it finally, but of course when I called they do not offer car seats for children in spica casts. They even punched me in the gut further and said, "I don't even know where you could get one either!" shockingly, one of Les' teachers at school has a 2 year old who severly broke her leg over the weekend and was put in a spica cast. Maybe we can help each other out!! Les was going to email her (she's in OKC with her family).
Next frustration: parking lots. I will be the first to admit I get ticked off when people don't park well and have often intentionally parked very close to people in a lot to show my irritation. I will never do that again now that I have Collin. It is absolutely the hardest thing when you are by yourself putting a baby in a car seat with someone parked so close you can't even open your car door all the way. This has happened on several occasions and each time I just feel so flustered. It's hard enough putting a baby in a carseat, let alone a baby in a body cast!!! So my plea to you is please think of others and the fact they might have a baby and it is hard to deal with carseats, so don't park super close to someone!! I know I won't anymore.
Collin slept better last night. I think he did 4 hours on his back in his bed and woke up just once for a feeding and a diaper change. He has been very fussy all week so far and I've been attributing that to his cast. I still think that's the case, but he has been running a low fever (between 99 and 100.2) and sleeping a lot today. We are keeping a close eye and we have plenty of Tylenol if it gets worse. It could be his cast is just making his body warm too. So many changes.
Nana came by and spent the day with us and brought Collin some more clothes. She took us to Baker Bros for lunch and I again realized how wonderful the Baby Bjorn is with the cast.
So now that we are a half a week into this 12 week process, this is my list of necessities in case someone is starting this process new. Trust me, it is something you learn to figure out quick!!
Spica Cast Must-Haves for a 3 month old:
Hair dryer (cool setting only) for drying out the cast when it gets wet (notice I said when, not if)
Lots of wipes
Newborn and size 1 diapers to stuff inside the cast
Size 2 diapers for the outside of the cast (to hold the inside ones in and help contain leaks)
Bean bag since the cast sits so no bouncer or swing accessibility
Lots of blankets used for upper back and head support, prop up toys on bean bag, warmth on cold days
A spica cast car seat (Britax Hippo)
Scissors to cut diapers that go inside so they can be stuffed easier
baby Bjorn because thy can't fit in travel system carrier or sit up unassisted
9-12 month onesies to go over cast
Bibs to control spit ups and protect cast (once the plaster gets wet it breaks down fast, even if it just got damp)
Patience!!!!
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