Ortho Followup

This afternoon we had the first follow up with Alex's orthopedic surgeon. She said the break is healing really well and they added some more tape and padding to his cast. He has to remain in the full spica cast for another two weeks. At that point they will cut off the half leg and lower the torso part. This will improve his mobility but still keep the leg straight. Then it will be another two weeks before the whole thing can be removed. So unfortunately he won't be walking around Christmas. Good thing I didn't get him any walking or ride on toys! He also has a nasty rash on his bottom under the cast part. The technician today said that we should be using like size 3 diapers in the hole of the cast, shoving it as far up as we can. The hospital told us to use newborn diapers, so we weren't getting enough coverage in there. We're supposed to use a little diaper cream and the bigger diapers. The ortho also said he could move however he wanted in the cast.

Mentally and physically Alex is doing as well as can be expected. He stays upbeat most of the time, only getting frustrated occasionally and when I don't respond to him right away. He is still waking 2-3 times a night though; I'm guessing because he doesn't have enough room in the crib to roll or move. He can move around on his tummy pretty well and he can roll from his tummy to his back and back again, often watching TV on his side with his other leg up in the air (as in the picture below)! So now we're counting down two more weeks to some more freedom!