I've mentioned some of the more obvious features of achondroplasia, like the disproportionate growth of limbs related to trunk size and the protruding forehead which tends to make their heads larger than average so I'd like to talk about my favourite feature.
When Elis was born you could hardly tell there was a discrepancy in his arm and leg length compared to the rest of him but as his torso has stretched, his limbs growth has slowed and it's become more obvious. I think he's pretty big until he's lying next to another baby his age and all of a sudden it's noticeable. Getting him dressed is always an interesting game as well, not just because he's the wriggliest thing ever (I'm sure his shorter limbs makes easier for his to wriggle out of my grasp than it was for his sisters), but because it's always a bit of a jigsaw figuring out what clothes will fit.
At 7 months age he's in 1-2 month sized trousers, but only if they're loose enough in the waist as his waist is nowhere near the size of a newborn's. Tops for 6-9 month olds fit him perfectly, except for the sleeves that are about twice the length they need to be, there are a few smaller tops that have been stretched to extent now that they fit his body (snuggly) and almost look like the right fit for his arms. I know that this mixing & matching will need to carry on for the rest of his life but I hope, as more inclusive clothing brands are created, more age and size appropriate options will be available. I can sew so I intend on modifying a lot of his things. But I imagine not everyone can or has the time, and it's hardly cheap to pay someone else to do it.
ANYWAY I've completely digressed from the very short entry I wanted to share today. Elis was born with a dimple in his left cheek that makes my heart skip a beat and& cheers up anyone he smiles at, but the second thing I noticed after his birth was his hands. Those with Achondroplasia tend to have very distinct looking hands, the form is often referred to as a trident hand. It means their fingers are all about the same length (Google searches seem to like to use the adjectives short and stubby, but I think symmetrical and even lengthed describe them better) and the middle and ring fingers tend to diverge giving their hand a "trident" form. Their shorter than average fingers can make it difficult to grasp things, especially as babies, which often causes delays in some of those early physical milestones and impacts some of their fine motor skills. As with many other aspects they need to adapt their hold on things to what suits them rather than the norm. Personally I love his symmetrical little hands, I think they look so cool.
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