Many of you have asked why he has a cast... my apologies - we should have put the info on here already!
Harrison was born with a clubbed foot. We now hear that it is quite common! Basically his left foot turns in somewhat like being pigeoned toed, but more exaggerated. We are working with an excellent Pediatric Orthopedic and are very pleased with his non-invasive approach.
He got his first cast on June 4 and every Monday we have to soak it off (which takes about an hour of soaking in vinegar water) and go in to get a new one put on... they use the cast to slowly turn his foot out... after we are done with the casting (which should last about 6 weeks) he will get some special shoes to help stabilize the foot. He will need to wear the shoes for about 6 months all day long, and then only at night for about 3 years - and then all will be history.
It was really hard on us at first - but now we are old pros at dealing with the cast - and we have several friends who went through this as babies and have gone on to play college basketball, dance etc... we are so happy that it is something that is easily fixed and feel blessed that we have a healthy little boy!
Our Monday Soaking of the Cast ritual
He got his first cast on June 4 and every Monday we have to soak it off (which takes about an hour of soaking in vinegar water) and go in to get a new one put on... they use the cast to slowly turn his foot out... after we are done with the casting (which should last about 6 weeks) he will get some special shoes to help stabilize the foot. He will need to wear the shoes for about 6 months all day long, and then only at night for about 3 years - and then all will be history.
It was really hard on us at first - but now we are old pros at dealing with the cast - and we have several friends who went through this as babies and have gone on to play college basketball, dance etc... we are so happy that it is something that is easily fixed and feel blessed that we have a healthy little boy!