May 24, 2006

Hi:

We just wanted to let everyone know as well as mark this moment in time so Margaret can remember it that she was diagnosed today with hip dysplasia in her right hip. Our pediatrician thought he felt a clicking at their last wellness check-up and we brought both girls in to have ultrasounds and xrays done. The orthopedic doc confirmed that she has hip dysplasia and he prescribed a "plavnik harness" that she has to wear 24/7 :( She is not coping so well with it now but they say she will get used to it and she will never remember this unless she reads this blog or we tell her - I guess that is the good part about all of this. She will have to wear it for one week, get checked and continue to wear it with weekly check-ups. Hopefully, the brace will shorten up the groin muscle enought to move the ball back fully into the socket. If not, they do a small surgical procedure and put her in a cast and finally, they would have to do hip surgery to get the ball back in the socket if all else fails.

Kathryn's hips look good though and according to the doctor 1 out of 4 hips is good odds for babies born prematurely.

Thank you all for you kindness, support and generousity.

Erin and Dave

May 21, 2005

Kathryn on right and Kathryn below incognito

Margaret below
Happy Birthday to Kathryn and Margaret! 5 months old today! Corrected age - 3 months and one week! They have been doing very well since our last entry. Auntie Marie came and visited the girls and helped Mom out and took unbelieveable photos of which I will post some on this site. Auntie Marie was fantastic and the girls had a great time! Then, Auntie Liz came a visited for a few days! Auntie Liz was a great help and she and the girls had a great time bonding!

Both girls are weighing in over 13 pounds. Kathryn has made the (expected) leap and weighs about a pound more than Margaret. The girls look very much alike. Mom and I can tell the difference and maybe Grammie Quinn but most other people are still trying to figure it out!

The girls have been getting their shots and in fact, they have to go to an orthopeadic appointment next week and the Doctors want to check out their hips. They heard a little clicking last time they were examined.

Both girls have great personalities. They smile and laugh and seem to be really happy little girls. Mom has been amazing. Thank you everyone for all of your love, support and generousity. I will post more often, I promise.

Dave and Erin