Hypochondroplasia kid: October 2010

What is hypochondroplasia?

Hypochondroplasia is a form of short-limbed dwarfism. This condition affects the conversion of cartilage into bone (a process called ossification), particularly in the long bones of the arms and legs. Hypochondroplasia is similar to another skeletal disorder called achondroplasia, but the features tend to be milder.

All people with hypochondroplasia have short stature. The adult height for men with this condition ranges from 138 centimeters to 165 centimeters (4 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 5 inches). The height range for adult women is 128 centimeters to 151 centimeters (4 feet, 2 inches to 4 feet, 11 inches).

People with hypochondroplasia have short arms and legs and broad, short hands and feet. Other characteristic features include a large head, limited range of motion at the elbows, a sway of the lower back (lordosis), and bowed legs. These signs are generally less pronounced than those seen with achondroplasia and may not be noticeable until early or middle childhood. Some studies have reported that a small percentage of people with hypochondroplasia have mild to moderate intellectual disability or learning problems, but other studies have produced conflicting results.

Friday, October 29, 2010

wanting. knowing. doing

This is Colman hamming it up for the camera. He is doing great and having a blast at school. He has been talking more and clearer the past few weeks. Being at school and having his tonsils out have been tremendous stepping blocks for him. He is also having to adjust to the real world without me helping or being there. I am so proud of my kids. Watching them grow up, wanting them to slow down, wishing you could baby them forever but knowing that giving them independence is what they need has been hard for me. I want to protect them forever, but I let go for them, knowing it is what is best.