Joined At The Hip

Poor little Malin has been in her Pavlik harness for almost 2 weeks now, we're all starting to get more used to it.  She has to wear it 23 hours of the day, we all look forward to that 1 free hour we get to cuddle with our tiny squishy baby.  Malin has DDH (Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip) due to being breech and being stuck in the womb with her legs in front of her face the whole time.  (Most babies get to sit criss cross).  Since Malin didn't get to be in that position, her hip sockets weren't formed enough, so the harness keeping her legs up and out pushes her femer and hip ball into the socket deeper.  Hopefully, this will only be a 6 week process to cure.  Luckily she's really cute and pulls off the pink harness well in her onsies and leggins. ;)

 

DDH has 4 main causes: Being breech, being a girl, genetics and being first born.  We hit 3 of 4.  (Ironically Avery was not breech and had no issues in the womb).  Nana was also born with DDH but also her right hip ball was not formed completely.  Back then, they put babies in full casts, and it wasn't diagnosed until she was around 6 months old.  Here's my Mom's 2nd cast, with a small opening for diapers.   Poor baby, but still has a smile on her face!  Malin's harness isn't looking so bad now!

Malin and Nana have a special bond through the hip now. :)

Say Ahhh!

Avery had her first check up at the dentist and to my complete surprise, was a PERFECT patient!  I'm so proud of my big girl, they did a full check up on her.  Way to go Avery!

1 Month Old

February 25, our baby is already 1 month old!  Here are her stats: she's up to 10lbs. (She likes to eat!) and is over 21 inches long! She's still in newborn clothes and diapers, but our time is limited on that.  She's sleeping in her bassinet next to Mommy at night, still on the 3-4 hour eating pattern.  We hope to stretch this out ASAP!  She's a sweet, cuddly girl, and we can't get enough of her!

It's funny how two girls can be so different.  Comparing pictures of Avery and Malin you can certainly tell that they are sisters (and Daddy's girls), but they are so different.  (Avery's 1 month pics here Avery 1 Month).  We can't get over Malin's baldness since Avery's had hair to spare from day 1.  We can't wait to see how this little angel grows and who she becomes.  Just don't do it too soon little one, Mommy's holding on to these precious baby moments for dear life!

Here are a few pictures of what we've been up to in the last month:

Sister Cuddles

Superbowl with Nanie, Opie, Grandma & Papa.

Bath time.

Valentine's Day visit with Nanie.

We got to meet baby Maddie!  Proud Grandmas Kathleen and Nanie.

We got a visit from Ambreen & Deka.

Cuddles with Oma and Opie.

Margie & Scott stopped by to meet Miss Malin with cutie Cole.

Our Friends Jen, Vail and Grey came by to play with us on our first day home without Daddy.  The girls had a blast and though each other's sisters were too cute.

Visit at Grandma and Papa's and got to play with cousins.

Went to the zoo on Mommy's birthday.

Checked out the Falls with the Ruhls.

Also, Avery has 3 new buddies!  Madeline Kearns was born 3 1/2 weeks before Malin.  We call the 2 M&M.

Katelyn Fleming was born 1 day before Malin and unfortunately lives all the way in Delaware so we haven't gotten to meet her yet.

And Henley Klisser was born 4 1/2 weeks after Malin, 2 weeks early.  We cannot wait to meet sweet, strong little Henley.

Congratulations fellow Mamas: Di, Maria and KK!