Update 12

Yesterday Liam began the first steps in correcting his club feet. For those that are interested, the method used is called the Ponsetti method. Basically, Liam's feet are both in casts that go all the way up to his hip, essentially meeting up with his diaper. As the plaster is applied, the doc...tor pulls and stretches his ankle and foot as far as they reasonably can towards the correct position. In a week, the cast will be cut off, and the process repeated. They expect to do this at least 5-6 times. After that part is complete, surgery is typically required to release the tendon at the heel to allow for proper range of motion. He will then be cast again for three more weeks while that heels. Then he has to wear a pretty clumsy looking brace for several months, 23hrs a day for the first 3 months, and then tapering down from there. Liam does NOT like this stuff. We witnessed the worst and most prolonged screaming since we've know him yesterday as the casts were applied. It's hard to say if it's just the strangeness that bothers him, or if it actually hurt him - either way he was very, very, upset. Once the plaster was dry, when then had to figure out all over again how to get him into his car seat. As you may remember, Liam's hips do not move correctly, and the physician's believe that is because they are dislocated. This means that he cannot flex in normal directions. This has his parents very worried, as he now has a big weight hanging from each foot. Every time we lift him, carry him, move him, we don't know how much it's really hurting him. The physician's said we're ok to move them as much as they'll reasonably go, somehow that's just not much of a comfort. Since the casting about 24hrs ago, Liam has not been content much at all. He's spent quite a bit of time crying and fussing, and has just been generally inconsolable at points. He was so fussy he wouldn't even finish a bottle without an outbreak during the feeding, which is a new thing for him - usually he's pretty focused on the food. We don't really know if it's just the newness of things, some discomfort, or if there is more to it. For now, we'll keep a close eye on him, and try to give him lots of love. Last night was tough, he didn't sleep well, and of course that means mom and dad didn't either. Please keep us in your thoughts, your prayers. Erica and I have both been really battling off the tough emotions of anger, depression and anxiety with this. Here we have the little guy, who can't tell us what he wants or needs, but clearly needs something because he is not ok. Please pray that Liam will grow accustom to these things on his legs and settle down over the next few days. We thank you for all your support. For anybody that wants a tear-jerking moment, there is video on Facebook (see Erica's profile) of the casts going on. Feel free to distribute