r.i.p Reba (1994-2007)

Reba at Mt. Adams
Originally uploaded by anneke boudreau

Today, we said goodbye to a very dear friend, traveling companion, and member of our family.

More photos of Reba.

all wrapped up in a bow

It's obvious to *everyone* - including random strangers at the airport who loudly announce, "that boy is bowlegged!" to grandpa who exclaimed, "he could ride a horse all day long!" - that Z is bowlegged. Even though our pediatrician is not concerned, with J and his sister's history of wearing braces as infants to correct bowed legs, we decided to get a second opinion. We have also been concerned about the amount of calcium in his diet (he's allergic to most major sources) and saw a nutritionist a couple weeks ago.

Yesterday, we saw an orthopedic specialist at Children's Hospital. When we first arrived, they talked about drawing some blood to check levels of calcium and vitamin D. After looking at the x-rays the doctor said, "His bones are strong. I can tell he has plenty of calcium." The bright white area at the ends of his fibia and tibia is new bone growth indicating that he has good amounts of calcium, "so keep doing what you're doing."

Well, what I'm doing is still nursing. After talking with the nutritionist she said that I'm Z's best source of calcium. So, looks like I'm in this for the long haul - like, until he's 10 or something. (ha)

Z will likely always have some bow to his legs, but they should straighten out somewhat in the next couple of years. On the bowlegged spectrum, he is certainly at the far end, but they don't do braces anymore. He'll get x-rayed again in one year to check on his progress. There is a chance that he may need corrective surgery or braces in the future, but everyone's opinion at this point is, "let's wait and see."

In the meantime, we enjoy the stories about guys who have bowed legs and get excellent vert on the basketball court. It's a feature not a flaw. :)