Update.

I've decided to go ahead and use our blog to update everyone on Scarlett's progress. Apparently, it is good for something besides pictures of Scarlett and Alice. And Alice licking Scarlett. And babies drinking beer.

So, first, Scarlett was diagnosed with DDH, or Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip, which means that somewhere between birth and now, her left hip became dislocated and started functioning outside of the socket. It is difficult to catch, and hers was not making the tell tale "clunk" of DDH. We are lucky that her pediatrician found it now, because it means that the procedure she is going to have, called a closed reduction, is less invasive than other surgeries.

The doctor will make a small incision near her hip and release a tendon that is too tight, manuever the ball into the socket, and then while she is still asleep, place her in what is called a SPICA cast. This cast will run from her chest down to her toes on her left leg, and about halfway down on the right leg. She will be immobilized so the bones can start to grow in the correct position, and the hip can 'relearn' it's location.

The surgery was originally scheduled for the 10th of March, but we were moved up to the 6th. She will be casted for roughly 3 months, with one cast change around the halfway point.

So while it will be a long spring, and in the beginning the learning curve will be steep, I believe that her happy nature will continue to shine through. She's a good egg.

Thanks to you all for your emails and calls of support. We truly appreciate it.

We'll do our best to keep you all updated on what's going on.