Casts in progress

Hawk is now on his 5th set of corrective casts for his feet! The process to correct his "inverted talus" started when he was 3 weeks old (the same time as babies born with club feet, at least here in a country that has the medical care to correct the feet so early on), and the orthopedic doctor anticipates approximately 8 weeks of weekly soft casts, which slowly angle his feet down and inwards. Babies' bones are mostly cartilage at this age, so they are pliable and correct much more easily, and heal more quickly. This procedure is called "Ponseti casts". At the end there is a surgery to insert a pin up his heel, through his ankle and into the base of the leg bone; they also will cut the Achilles tendon so it can lengthen as it heals. After the surgery Hawk will have his final cast for 3 weeks.

Dr Raustol has seen a lot of success in children that go through this process, though he is a bit uncertain of how Hawk's body will respond, considering the tightness in joints that he was born with. It may mean the reshaping will take some extra time, or that Hawk will be more prone to regress in the future and will likely wear orthotics once he starts walking (we hope and pray!). So far the process has gone quite smoothly and we are already seeing the changes in his feet. Just today they took x-rays of his feet and saw the talus bone has moved the right direction, but still has some movement to make, so Dr Raustol has added two weeks to his casting process and then will take x-rays again.

We are SO thankful for the access to quality medical care, which hopefully means that Hawk's feet and legs will work properly and he will be walking and running normally in his life!!

Here are some progress photos. The first two show what his feet looked like when he was born.

And - photos from his first set of casts. He has done SO WELL and never even cried while they put on or take off the casts. The first week he pooped and peed all over the table (because they have to loosen the diaper to put the casts on high enough) and got quite a reputation... but he hasn't done that again. The casts go all the way from toes to thigh to ensure that he's not making any movement in his legs to disrupt the bones.

In the meantime, Hawk has started smiling! And he has long periods in the day when he is alert and happy and looking around. He seems to like to hear his brothers and will turn his head to see them. He also loves lying down, stretching and making cute noises and listening intently.

And two photos from today. He gets a precious 10-15 minutes between casts to stretch out his legs and get some nice touches and massages from mommy. It's really amazing to see him kick his legs and stretch out, because when he was born he didn't do any of that! The nurse also weighed and measured him today: 3.62 kg/8 lbs and 20.5 inches long. (That's 2 inches grown since birth!)

Look at the change in his left foot! (and a lot of dry skin)

Good job, little Hawk! We are so proud of you!

Creek walk with cousins

Summertime means family time! We LOVED having the Weltys here for two days - if only it could have been longer. They are on a break from Texas for the summer and spent a couple of weeks in nearby Montreat, so twice they were able to come over for the day to hang out. The boys really hit it off with legos and good guy/bad guy games, and once again Lillian was adored by her younger cousins (Mattias followed her around and she was very patient and helpful with him).

Meanwhile Rachel was also here with us (on her own! party!) for 5 days. The boys were so, so excited to have her - and Timo barely stopped talking her ear off or asking, "Auntie, do you want to play with me?"

It doesn't take long to get to it with legos!

On Saturday we all trooped along Fisher's Creek (trail just on the edge of town). It was a bit cool and cloudy but still great to be on the trail and near (or in!) the water. I think this counts as Hawk's first hike.

this is Timo's new "explaining" posture

 

Cold!

Back home for the afternoon. The sisters got to go out together for coffee during naptime, while the Welty kids checked out the public library. And then it was time for smiles from Hawk and supper outside.

Time for a little Far Side before bedtime and good-byes

Visit from Mom and Dad G

We really appreciated and enjoyed having Dad and Mom G here earlier this month! Mom stayed for a week, and Dad joined for the weekend. Mom even had her birthday while here! Timo and Mattias loved having them - and it was fun to reminisce over last year's visit, which also coincided with Mom's birthday, and realize how much the boys have grown. And now another little brother to join the fray.

As soon as Granddad arrived, it was time to wrestle! Timo remarked, "He has some strong moves." Timo 'bothered' Granddad all weekend to play soccer or beach ball or basketball or tee ball or Legos or watch him ride his bike. It was non-stop action.

 We had a lovely morning for a stroll and picnic lunch on campus. Even baby Hawk cooperated (riding in the stroller) for his first time to visit Western. It was SO quiet without students around and none of the fast food or coffeeshops open.

 

 

Naturally, Nonna had some good snuggle time with Hawk during her stay. At four weeks old, he  likes to be held a lot (even for naps) but is starting to have longer periods of "happy, alert" time, like lying on a blanket on the playroom floor while Timo and Mattias make a ruckus with Legos.

How GREAT is this!! Granddaddy bought a soccer girl and size 3 soccer ball for the boys! Fits perfectly in our fenced side yard.

picnic lunch outside - and looking at Nonna's pictures

Time to eat lunch, Mattias!

So relaxed!

Outing to Darnell Farms

On a Saturday morning in late May, Jim took the older boys to a nearby farm for their Strawberry Festival. There was a plowing competition (non-mechanized); antique tractors; bouncy houses; kettle corn; dancing; pony rides; and a hay ride. And of course, local farm produce and strawberries!

First bath!

He was so calm and alert to the feel of the water.

We are looking forward to being able to give him baths again once all his casting is finished!