We’ve created this blog in hopes of helping other dwarf parents like us get through the leaps and hurdles of life from this perspective. Six years ago, our lives changed when we got pregnant with our son. And at 24 weeks, the visit to the doctor further confirmed our place in this world when he had fallen off the growth chart. “Yup, he’s one of us,” we said. And when he came into this world that September day, he greeted us by raising his hands to the sky. “Yup,” we said, “He’s one of us.”
Fast forward 3 years later, we were pregnant again. This time, the grandmas got their wishes — it was a girl. Finally, some pink around here. But, after a couple of glitches with the pregnancies, we were very apprehensive about getting the nursery done, finishing the baby registry, and even picking out a name. However, she made herself known to the world that she was in fact here, alive, and healthy that August day, nearly exactly 4 years after her brother. And we didn’t know if she either looked like me, my husband or neither. Only a genetic test would tell us, three months later. Her long legs, arms and torso coincided with the results of the test– she was ours, but had little resemblance to us. But, she was in fact ours.
We are a dwarf couple raising one child with dwarfism and an average height child. With these two blessings, life could not be any sweeter or any greater than what it is now. But with these two blessings, we have experienced some scary times, some exciting stages, some sad bits, and some amazing moments. We hope these stories inspire, teach, and show you how great it is to be parents of a child with dwarfism and dwarf parents of an average height child.
Comments 7
Hello, My name is Cathy Morton, my daughter is pregnant with her second child. At the 20 week ultrasound it had been mentioned that his (the baby) legs were short. Fast forward she is now 37 weeks along and is being sent for a level 3 ultrasound. Her appointment is Wednesday 1/10/18. Her o b g y n has said the baby appears to be a dwarf. We are so numb we are clueless. His 37 week measurements were head 38 weeks belly 35 weeks and femur 32 weeks. I love her baby (Toby) so much already I want to be the best I can be. I would like to thank you for listening to me ramble on If you don’t mind I would like to write you the outcome of her appointment. Thank you.
Congratulations! We hope it was a beautiful birth. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Hello thank you for sharing your story. I am a single mother of average height to twin boys one is average height and the other a dwarf. They are now 8 years old and am so thankful for them both. Just as you can relate it is such a joy raising them but as they have gotten older and the height difference greater it can be a challenge. I look forward to hearing your experiences.
Khash,
We can understand your feelings. Our children are 4 years apart with the older having dwarfism and the younger being average height. The younger one is on the taller side and the older is on the smaller side. We also have average height siblings.
It’s important to see each child as their own individual person beyond the stature. This is the advice given to our parents and to us by experienced parents and doctors in our community. Once you look past the differences and medical needs, you will see that the dwarfism is secondary to who they are.
Hi there!
I was reading your story and was hoping you could point me in the right direction. How does one begin to find a doctor that specializes in dwarfism. The search is a little defeating and was wondering if anyone has had any luck. And if so, did you have a good experience?
Thank you!
Ale
Here is a list of the LPA Medical Advisory Board. They have the most extensive knowledge of dwarfism across the board:
https://www.lpaonline.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=106
Getting involved in LPA is the best way to get medical advice as well. You will meet parents and LP adults who can share their stories and advice. LPA has quarterly regional conferences and annual national conferences with a wealth of information too.
Hi we have just received the news that our child to be has very short limbs and it looks like they will be a dwarf. Is there a high chair you could recommend please as I am conscious they will be in it for longer then the normal growth range and also what booster chairs work best ? We are average height parents and I am just trying to plan ahead . Appreciate your blog and all your tips.