Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital birth defects, which occur very early in pregnancy. The majority of clefts appear to be due to a combination of genetics and environmental factors. The risks of recurrence of a cleft condition are dependent upon many factors,including the number of affected persons in the family, the closeness of affected relatives, the race and sex of all affected persons, and the severity of the clefts.

A cleft lip is a separation of the two sides of the lip. The separation often includes the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth in which the two sides of the palate did not fuse, or join together, as the unborn baby was developing.

Children born with clefts or other craniofacial conditions often face multiple, complex health problems. Experience has shown that these complex issues can best be managed by an interdisciplinary team of specialists who work together, and with the family, to create and update the child's health care plan.

Shown in the photo
is a nurse,
maxillofacial surgeon,
medical director,
pediatric dentist,
orthodontist,
pediatrician,
social worker,
coordinator,
Ear Nose & Throat,
Audiologist,
& Speech Patholoigist.

Children who have cleft palates are more likely to experience hearing loss than are other children. It is very important that hearing loss be detected and treated as early as possible.

Your baby's ears are self-cleaning. Just wipe gently round the openings with damp cotton cloth.

The Latham device is indicated for babies with complete clefts of the lip and palate, which are widely spaced.The Latham device is designed to bring the two pieces of the cleft palate closer together and make the lip repair easier.

Stella will make her first appearance with Dr. Halofsky, a Pediatric dentist. A facial impression and x-rays are also taken at this time.

Dr. Ralph Latham, inventor of this device, custom makes all of the Latham Devices. The appliance is placed 1 to 4 weeks after the baby’s first visit to the Plastic Surgery clinic.

This is a picture of the Latham Device before it is surgically placed in the patient. Notice at the top of the picture the screw in the area where the cleft is in the maxilla.

You will be notified on feeding times for the child before the operation. The child should sleep soundly through the night, can’t say much for the parents sleep. Too much anxiety for the child’s first down under so to say. The operation took less than 45 minutes, the baby was more than happy to vacate the recovery room, and “so was the staff ”.

A nice little poem to read before your first big surgery to put your mind at ease.

Cleft lip and cleft palate can occur on one side (unilateral cleft lip and/or palate), or on both sides (bilateral cleft lip and/or palate). Because the lip and the palate develop separately, it is possible for the child to have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both cleft lip and cleft palate

The Latham device is not visible from the outside of your child's mouth. You can see the plastic and metal device when the child opens his mouth or yawns.The device is attached to the roof of the child's mouth in the operating room under general anesthesia.

The baby may be uncomfortable for about 48 hours after the device is inserted. By the time your child is ready to go home from the hospital she should not be experiencing much discomfort. The doctor may suggest a mild pain relief medication, such as Tylenol, if needed.

The baby doesn't feel any pain from the Latham device, and can feed as normal. The infant will usually stop gaining weight while the device is in place. After removal of the device and the cleft lip repair, weight gain should return to normal.

The screw pushes on the back bracket to rotate the two side brackets upward and together.

Closure of the lip is performed by the plastic surgeon when the baby is approximately 3 to 6 months of age and weighs at least 10 pounds. The plastic surgeon usually performs this at the same time the Latham is removed from child.

Another treatment option for infants born with clefts of the primary and secondary palate is Nasal Alveolar Molding. Pre-Surgical Nasal Alveolar Molding is a method of treatment that reshapes the infant’s nose without surgery through the use of a custom made orthopedic denture plate.

Molding should begin within the first few days or weeks of life. The Pediatric Dentist takes a dental impression of your baby’s mouth and fabricates a appliance that is unique to your baby’s mouth. The appliance is a hard piece of plastic that fits to the roof of the mouth.

The appliance is a hard piece of plastic that fits to the roof of the mouth. Once your baby gets used to wearing this, nasal prongs are added to lift the nostrils. At the same time, tape is used to move and reshape the tissue segments. Molding is a continuous process that requires weekly visits to the pediatric dentist.

At each visit the pediatric dentist will adjust the shape of the appliance and reposition the nasal prongs.This slow movement continues until the pediatric dentist is satisfied with the position of the tissue and cartilage and consults with the Plastic Surgeon. Once satisfied that the optimum position has been attained, the lip is surgically repaired

The molding device is worn 24 hours a day and is removed only for cleaning. The principle objective of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is to reduce the severity of the initial cleft deformity.Most patients will stay in the hospital 1-2 days following surgery. Children can go home when they are able to drink well. More Info Here Click Nam Gallery http://www.cleftstories.com

After Latham device or NAM insertion, you will be instructed on the required oral care around the device.She will be discharged home when she is drinking from the bottle, and when her pain is controlled by oral pain medication.

Always feed your baby in an upright position. Never give your child a bottle when in bed or while lying down. This can "wash" bacteria from the nose and throat into the middle ear via the Eustachian tubes.

Good nutrition is important for the growth and development of your baby. Some babies with cleft lip and palate are able to be fed with a bottle and later a spoon without problems, but others have a hard time.

The cleft makes it difficult for the baby to get good suction on a bottle. While sucking and swallowing reflexes are present in a baby with cleft lip and palate, they do not work right.The flow of formula should be directed to the side or back of the baby’s mouth.

Your baby may not get enough to eat, or may get too tired when eating. Sometimes babies have problems with food coming out of the nose. The baby may choke, cough, and spit.

The goal of feeding your baby is to lessen these problems and ensure good weight gain. Follow feedings with little bit of water to cleanse the inside of the mouth. If you notice formula sitting in the baby’s mouth, you can use a bulb syringe to remove it, or gently wipe it away with a piece of gauze.

The NUK nipple has an optimal shape that fits the anatomy of your baby's mouth.At first, it may take up to 45 minutes to feed your baby 3 oz. But the feeding time should decrease as you and your baby get used to the feeding technique.

Using the NUK will lessen the chance of your baby developing a colicky stomach and may prevent certain orthodontic conditions that can become evident when your child is much older.

The baby may feed well with a regular bottle, but may need a bottle that can be squeezed, such as the "Mead Johnson Nurser". Google is for best price and shipping! Or pay the big bucks a BABYS R US

You can increase the flow by gently squeezing or putting pressure on the bottle.

We have found that if you don't want "Arnold" forearms by pumping the bottle all the time then try these.Your baby pre-sterilized bottle every time,no boiling or scrubbing.

Designed to simulate the shape and action of mothers breast. Medium stem and medium size hole to be used from birth to first birthday

The best part is that I get to hold my own bottle! I can squezze my own milk when I want it. If I want to throw the bottle across the room, well I can do that too.

You may also follow your child's feedings with a small amount of water to rinse the mouth.

It's best to take a measurement when the child is sleeping. You are not required to take measurements but it helps to show her progress each week. Otherwise seeing your child everyday, you won't notice much of a difference.

Over time (approximately 2-3 weeks), the screw is turned 3/4 of a turn everyday until tight. The screw pushes on the back bracket to rotate the two side brackets upward and together.

It’s best to keep the baby in your lap, lengthwise so her head can be held stationary with your legs. It would be also helpful to have someone keep the child’s legs still to reduce motion.

After removal of the device and the cleft lip adhesion repair, weight gain should return to normal. The advantage of this device is that it helps to to bring the cleft together making the cleft lip repair easier and allows for a more complete nasal repair at the same time. It reduces the need for multiple gum surgeries later in life.

I would recommend this type of screwdriver for turning the screw on the Latham device.

Once the screw driver is inserted into mouth, you can turned the driver by placing your index finger on top of the driver and turning it for greater control.

Burp your baby frequently!. This helps expel swallowed air while the baby is upright. Otherwise she may spit-up while lying down, possibly resulting in bacteria entering the middle ear.Hold your baby sitting up, in your lap, facing you. Support her chest with one hand, use the other hand to pat her back gently.

If your baby seems fussy while feeding, stop the session, burp your baby, and then begin feeding again. Try burping your baby every 2 to 3 ounces when you bottle-feed. If your baby doesn't burp after a few minutes, try feeding again. Always burp when feeding time is over.

To prevent messy clean-ups when your baby spits up or has a "wet burp," you might want to place a towel or bib under your baby's chin or on your shoulder. You may also experiment with different positions for burping that are comfortable for you and your baby.

Cleft babies drool more often than normal, for obvious reasons. It’s highly recommended to have an adequate supply of bibs available. One bib has about an hour before becoming thoroughly saturated in drool.

The extra saliva can cause your baby to occasionally cough or gag. This is usually nothing to worry about as long as your baby seems fine and shows no signs of a cold or flu and does not run a high fever.

Keep your baby in an upright position for 10 to 15 minutes after feeding to help prevent the milk from coming back up. But don't worry if your baby spits up a few times. It's probably more unpleasant for you than it is for your baby!

Even though it seems the child is going through a traumatic experience with this foreign device installed in the roof of her mouth. There is no actual pain from the tightening of the screw. The parent is more traumatized in the actual turning of the screw each evening than the child.

In the winter months, if you have radiator, or baseboard heat, the air tends to get a bit dry for your child. Try using a humidifier to put some moisture back in the air, so your child can breath easier at night.

If you look inside you baby's mouth, you will see a gap in the roof of the mouth. If there seems to be a lot of mucus build up, gently insert a Q-tip to cleanse the palate.

Also try to lightly moisten the Q-tip, so not to tickle the roof of the baby’s mouth. Gently insert Q-tip and work mucus forward to front of mouth, then wipe off with bid.

Chapped, Cracked Peeling Lips - Try Bag Balm

Dr.Halofsky is Stella's Pediatric Dentist.

Dr. Halofsky checked Stella's progress weekly and offered tips on how to best position Stella when turning screw.

Dr. Halofsky advised when turning the screw one full turn, you would hear a click sound. “ I only heard a screaming baby”, lol…

Unfortunately a week was lost when there was a minor problem with the device. After installation of the latham device it would be wise to have you Pediatric Dentist check to see if device is functioning correctly.

Normally the device would only be required to stay in the child’s mouth for about three weeks. But varies from child to child or any other unforeseen problems that might arise.

As the screw works into the Latham device it will be harder to access the screw head. Stella’s gum will block any viewing access. So therefore it is required to kind of scoot back the gum using the screwdriver to access the screw head, resulting in slight bleeding of the gum. Have some tissue or gauze available to gently wipe area afterwards.

Also if the screw still seems loose after one complete turn, turn until tight but not beyond two complete turns. Try to remove any debris from screw threads if child permits it at this time, caked on formula or cereal, etc.

When closure is achieved, the device will be removed. The Craniofacial team will check on Stella’s progress, then advise us on her next step.

When the device is removed, normally in the same procedure the plastic surgeon will repair the lip. Correction of the nasal deformity is also usually performed at the time of lip adhesion. The objective in repairing the lip is to close the cleft to create a pleasing face that will develop normally with minimal scarring.

Notice how the sides of the roof and gum have come together. Also the front partial closure of the nasal cavity has eliminated Stella’s wheezing sounds when breathing. I now have to actually see if she is breathing when sleeping at night, she sleeps so soundly.

Stella has a few words to say for her six month birthday.

Dr. Martin Kaminker, here with Stella at her 6 month check up, is the Surgeon who implanted the Latham device. Dr. Kaminker, Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Nini, Craniofacial Plastic Surgeon, & Dr. Horowitz, Ear/Nose/Throat will coordinate with each other in the removal of Latham device, Lip Adhesion Surgery & insertion of Tympanostomy Tubes for drainage of the ears. These procedures will all be performed at the same time to minimize the number of surgeries on Stella.

DOUBLE CLICK IMAGE- This image was borrowed from the World Craniofacial Foundation site. This was such a good image, just click on it and you will see the transformation take place right in front of you.

Dad kind of explains everything in the next slide. If you should ever have any questions for me to answer or comments to pass on feel free to e/mail me at cazmo01@comcast.net Just make sure you put cleft/palate in the subject line. Or I'll sponge bob it with the rest of the spam mail I get each day.

Papa King's account of what has happened to me, why it has happened, and what my future lies ahead for me........Every child inherits 100,000 genes, 50,000 from each parent. There are a number of inherited genes that interact to form the face, palate, or lip, and that can cause an identified problem.

In reviewing the medical prenatal, family histories and physical examination, it is often possible to identify specific factors that contributed to the baby's cleft lip and palate. The Genetic Counselor can recommend preconception care such as multivitamins that will optimize outcome and decrease the recurrence risk in future pregnancies The counselor can also discuss prenatal diagnostic studies that might be appropriate.

This is my second cousin Anja. I got grandma to spill her guts about what had happened to her sister-in-law in the early seventy's. The account took place back in Germany, back then they still were thinking of that perfect race crap Hitler rammed down there throats, from the old days. But when Anja was born that was a taboo type defect that they were not ready to deal with yet. If she had the expert care they have today things would of went a whole lot smoother for her and the family.

If you do plan and have the Latham device installed, make sure you have a confirmed date set on the lip adhesion procedure, right after the installation of Latham. We have to wait because the surgeon waited on us, but we chose to use the Latham first. So now he is all booked up till the end of May, so there won’t be any more updates, till I get closer to the surgery date.

The day finally had arrived! Early up and to the hospital we went. Today Stella would have her Latham device removed, ear tubes inserted, and her lip and nose fixed. The last one concerned me the most; too many “what if” kept popping in my head. I could see her ten years from now blaming me for her disfigured face. So it was a very sleepless night for me.

They gave Stella her medicinal cocktail and she was so mellow, I wish we were given one. We waited an hour before they took her into surgery. All the docs came out first to explain exactly what each one would be performing on Stella. Then the anesthesiologist took her in his arms and she was gone. Waiting, well I’ll tell you what, put all the stressful situations you have ever had in a bag upon your chest and then try to breath for two hours. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.......there’s Dr. Nini at the door!

Ah, Yeah the Kung Fu moment. I tell you what, when Dr.Nini came out and said everything was just fine; it felt like ten thousand pounds coming off my chest. But then he said that the right side of her nose appears a little high…etc. The lip is swollen right now but in a year it will look great…after that was all a blur. As I walked to the recovery room, all these images of grotesque figures appeared in my head until…..

Dr. Nini is considered one of the foremost experts in plastic surgery in the New York metropolitan area.Dr. Nini specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.He has focused his attention on refining the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques,resulting in smaller scars, less pain, swelling and bruising. Dr. Nini received his extensive training in plastic surgery at the University of Florida; unfortunately he is a Gator fan. His web site is http://www.psanj.com

……. I heard a wail, that grew louder and louder. The nurse had the look on her face, like how do I stop this child from screaming. All the nurses caught my eye, and there blank expressions, I knew the moment had finally come. Closer we walked hand in hand, the cry’s I noticed had taken a different tone entirely. I finally was able to focus in on my little Stella, and my smile became as wide as a football field!!

Dr. Nini must have a very high set of standards, I thought to myself as I gazed upon my daughter. “What was he talking about?” She looked fine to me. Even though her face looked like a fat Sumo wrestler with a bloody nose! No more gaping hole in her face!! The tone of her crying & mumbling even changed, & no more nasally sounding cries were coming from her anymore.

Apply Neosporin Ointment to the wound until scab disappears. Also with a moisten Q-tip try to dislodge some of the blood from the nasal cavity. Be careful not to JAB the tip up the nose. Also you might want to attempt this when the child is in sleep mode.

Only sponge baths, the first couple of days after the operation. We were trying not to traumatize Stella any more than necessary. Use a warm moistened washcloth to get excess blood off the surrounding areas of the mouth, neck, etc.

Even though Stella looks like she is in pain. She is a drama queen, we watched her through the door crack and she was acting normal watching Spongebob. When we walked in the room, Stella changed roles and commenced to crying again. We do give her children’s Tylenol at night so we all can sleep through the night. But only for the first couple of nights after the operation.

If you look closely you can see the fine stitches that resemble very fine fishing line. The nasal area is a little swollen, as so are the lips. But Stella has no problem devouring two bottles of formula in one sitting. We can’t wait to start her on rice cereal I’m sure she is getting tired of just having formula the last seven months.

The oozing of the blood from the nasal passage was of some concern. Dr Nini did say that was a good thing. The scab once it dried would actually help to keep it from scaring once the scab falls off. We were concerned with her breathing but she will just have to breathe through her mouth till the scab falls off.

Different profiles for your viewing pleasure!

The swelling has gone down considerably. This photo you can clearly see the stitches on her lip. We also stop giving her the Tylenol; she sleeps fine through the night.

First attempt at a smile. Notice that the left nostal has a little pinched look to it. Also the cheek seems puffy by the upper part of the nose.

Hopefully as Stella’s cranially features grow, the pinched look on nostril will even out, as so with the puffiness’ on the side of the nose. If not we will have to do a Michael Jackson and get a nose job. Only one though!!

If I would stop hitting my nose with my toys the bleeding would of stopped quicker.

What a nice face or what?

No toys! Then you'll get uncontrollable crying from me, and fussing; I usually get my way in the end.

Keep the area saturated with the Neosporin, helps the healing quicker, and keeps the wound from drying out.

My nose looks a little crooked on the right. Maybe with time it should straighten out.

Well now that my nose is fixed. I still have to remember I have a hole in the roof of my mouth. So no wonder it all comes pouring out. Wait till I get the pea soup stuff!

Pops had surgrey, has a nice sized scar afterwards. The Doc suggested this product, less then two weeks later it faded pretty significantly. The best part,cut it to make package last twice as long. Very adhesive to, no child will be able to grasp and pull off. Wait first for scab to fall off!

All I need now are some wipers on them. I'll look like an Elton John fan!

My dog ate the shades, so I have to wear this hat till pops gets me another pair.

I'm slowly trying to smile, and stretch my lip....Ah...It hurts a little.

Hey All!! Well finally got to smile today without any pain. Now once this redness goes I’ll look just like all the other kids. I can go to the store and not have anymore stares at me. I even chucked my nuk nipple and got myself one of those normal nipple bottles!

Well when Stella got her first cold, it was three nights of wheezing, and coughing and down right crabbiness. But the interesting part of it was, with the tubes in her ears, some of her mucus worked it's way out of her right ear and dried. I thought it was dried applesauce at first, but was easily clean with a moistened Q-tip on the OUTER EAR only! DO NOT INSERT TIP IN EAR! Also try to do this when she is sleeping.

Well I'm at the thirty-fifth day and healing nicely. The following photos are to show you how I have to take a bath now. I have ear tubes now and have to be very careful not to get any water in my ears. But if I don't plan on washing my hair that day I just use the Band-It without the plugs, since my hair will not get wet.

Recommended by Physician for prevention of swimmer's ear or for kids with ear tubes. Softer silicone for a more comfortable fit.Tacky texture to allow plugs to remain in position better.Three times the size of other childrens plugs - reduces the chance of plugs getting lodged in ear canal. Bright colors are appealing to kids - and easy to find in pool or bath.

Tear off as much silicone as needed. Shape into a ball and place over clean, dry ear canal. Flatten plug with finger and shape to cover outer ear until snugly fit.• Do not force into the ear canal. Remove plugs by pressing up on back of ear.

DO NOT INSERT IN EAR CANAL. Silicone Ear Plugs are safe when used as instructed. Keep away from infants. If swallowed, the plugs are non-toxic, but may interfere with breathing if caught in windpipes. Do not spread silicone plugs too thin. Avoid contact with hair and oil based lotions.

If you push a silicone ear plug into your ear canal, do not try to remove it yourself. Do not use tweezers, cotton swabs or other devices,these may push the plug further into canal. See an Ear, Nose and Throat Physician as they have the proper instruments to remove the plugs safely.

PUTTY BUDDIES® silicone ear plugs are reusable and should be stored in the handy carrying case. Discard the ear plugs when they become dirty or lose their tackiness. Silicone ear plugs are recommended by doctors for swimming, & showering. Ear Plugs should be worn with EAR BAND-IT® head band.

A silicone plug in the ear canal for a short time may be harmless, providing you do not attempt to remove the plug yourself and accidentally push it deeper into the opening.

Have a safe and Happy 4th!!

Hey they got me a drool pool!!

Pops teaching me to drive, just have to remember to stay out the bushes.

This is my horse Holly, she is four and likes apples and carrots.

Hey all!! Going to see all the docs today. They have to check me out to see how I am progressing. I will be prodded, poked, stuck, weighed, & measured. Hopefully I’ll be out of there in two hours.

This is Dr. Lucas, as you can see I not happy with him. I just received a vaccine booster, in my thigh; he tricked me. Then he laid me on a scale to weigh, which was very cold! So no smiles for him.

This is Dr. Horowitz; he inserted the tubes in my ears. He likes to stick things in my ear so he can view them for blockage. You can see I do not appreciate this very much, especially when they have me in a headlock so I don’t move.

I need a vaction! My new weight is 17lbs 10oz, and I'm 29 1/2 tall.

This is Marci Schwab, she gave me my yearly hearing test today. I was tricked again, she stuck that thing in my ear again. I guess it wouldn't hurt so much if I didn't squirm around alot.

Well I guess you wonder how they test a baby’s hearing? Quite easy in fact, you see the monkey drummer in the photo? Well there are three of them on the left, right, and center. They audiologist has me sit in papa’s lap and face the viewing glass. Then she play’s sounds or voices from the left or the right. She is looking for reaction and head movement to see if I can hear the tones. Pops can’t help either; I have to look in the direction of the sound. I passed with flying colors!!

Family Day at the horse track!! We went to the track after watching the film Sea Biscuit. I was allowed to pick the horses from the racing form.

Well one out of ten winners aren't bad. Pops sent me to the paddock to study the horses and jockeys better.

It took pops two days to get a perfect picture of my mouth!! I wanted to show you my next step that I have to take. The palate has to be sewn together; Dr. NiNi is still waiting for it to close just a little bit more naturally. The right is a normal palate view, in October I should be ready for the next step.

Well now you know I have teeth, I have to start getting them brushed. You can find this product in the baby section of the supermarket. This one is flavored with banana my favorite.

First let me taste it before you stick that thing in my mouth. All right not to bad, spread a little on the rubber brush.

Insert it gently towards the back left side, and use a sawing motion on gums and teeth if any. Ouch! Stella likes to clamp down using front teeth.

Gently work the top left side, be careful not to jab the roof of her mouth if she has one. You don't want the toothpaste coming out her nose; it would probably burn the nasal tissue.

Put a little more paste on and work the front gums, up and down, and sideways.

Work you way over to the right side. You'll also notice that I'm in the tub. Seems to work best for me, less droll for pops to clean up later. Rinse brush out and let dry and place in clean container. Make a habit of brushing on each bath, teaches Stella good hygiene!

Looks like Saint Peters has a write up about me! Check out the next picture and read all about it.

Fixing the newspaper's mistakes.It's a typo though I only had two surgeries. Unless you want to count the birth too.

The next phase for me is to get the roof or palate sewn together.

The slit extends all the way to the back of my mouth. It goes directly to my nasal cavity, which results in food running out my nose.

This operation should take place in October. We have to wait until Dr.Nini to approve first. We are waiting for the palate to naturally close together as I grow, then he will sew it shut.

My upper right central front tooth is coming in sideways, the dentist will have to correct later. But the rest seem to be coming in straight!

Just had my one year chk-up! My next big operation for the palate is in November.Will keep you up to date more as the time gets closer.

So excited on my first Santa sitting. I mumbled all my gift requests, and left a little drool on his sleeve.

Then he had the nerve to try and charge us 20 bucks for a photo! Pops jumped the line and took these shots. No cookies and milk for him! I have my dog waiting for him Christmas Eve!!!

Pops said I have Attitude! So I'll use this time to tell you my surgery is scheduled for Jan 6th. I will be getting my palate sewed up then. Have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

This is what it’s like not to have a roof in your mouth! I have to roll the food to the back of my mouth just to swallow it! On January 6th they will sew the two flaps together and create a roof for me. No more food coming out my nose! What a Christmas present.

Well the day finally arrived! My final major operation! This one will sew the roof of my mouth together so I can talk and swallow correctly. Your at the hospital at 5:30 am, gee I get to wake all the sick kids up in here!

Now that I woke everyone up, and my parents are getting dirty looks, ah my cocktail has arrived. They give this to me to make me calm and prepare me for surgery.

Ahhhh…This is better than Children’s Tylenol!! I think I’ll relax now and wait for the cart to take me to preopt.

Well the surgery lasted a little over an hour. Everything worked out fine! Now I’ll have only liquid diets for a couple of weeks. The pain threshold well, I’m medicated I’m sure I’ll be at my loudest in a couple of hours.

Well I showed them all today! Dr.Nini told me I would not suck on my bottle for a few days. Well today I took three bottles full. Plus I had plenty of discharge, you know where. The downside is my tongue is a little swollen and I tend to drool ALOT!

The Doc said since I'm back to my old self, and can check-out tonight! Let's me make a call or two for pick-up arrangements. Also have to call the nurse for wardrobe change.

Well I see the Giants finally got smart and hired my old coach from Jacksonville! Well wait till they go through Coughlin Bootcamp, that'll shape those boys up!

Basically like a straight jacket! This keeps me from sticking my fingers in my mouth so I don't rip the stitches on the roof of it. Would be good for dieters too!

Mom wraps my hand in this stuff at night so I don't stick my fingers in my mouth. But at least I can move my arms around. The good thing is she has to pump the bottle!!

This is what happens when the Hospital ID Tag is put on to tight, and covered up with IV tape for two days. No wonder I was such a pain in the butt, when the nurse would hold my hand.

My dog Martha has a nervous condition where she rubs her eye and face on everything. Now she has to wear this satellite dish, so she can't rub her face till her eye heals.

Well I have really been putting Mom through the ringer since my surgery. My sleep schedule is off & I have nightmares. Since I'm on a liquid diet I want three times as much, if I don't get my way I have a fit. The doc say's its the anesthesia, it has to work it's way out of my system, then I'll be normal again.

Sorry to all, alot of personal things going on the last two months....Spring will bring all the new updates!!

Sorry to all about not keeping up to date! I will try on get you some after shots of my palate later this week. I usually don't open my mouth for Pops anymore when he wants me to. Only open for lots of food. Here is a shot of me on a camel at the Bronx zoo! More later.

I finally letting Dad look at my teeth. I have the two front ones as you can see, but the left one is twisted a little.

For Christmas is my Two Front Teeth!!! No sign of a tooth yet! The space there use to be a hole to my nasal cavity

Well my bottoms are coming in just fine!!

Dad, come closer I have something else to say!!

Now you made me forget what I wanted to say! Here look I can stick my finger in my mouth!!

Ah..The Fourth of July, a pool, and corn on the cob! Does not get any better than this!

Oh, the roads are so terrible in Jersey. I'm glad to be home in one piece!

Saying goodbye to Bubba, Pops had to put him down. Bubba was blind and deaf, Pops didn't think Bubba was happy anymore. Never saw Papa upset, until today......

Bubba was the best dog I ever had, he was adopted. If you ever consider having a pet check your local shelters first. Give a dog a second chance, they will never let you down, and will be always happy to see when you come home! No matter what life throws at you that day they’ll be waiting for you at the door……..

Pops thinks I need to start interacting with kids my age. Good way to help with my speech.

This sucks, hope I don't have any homework tonight to carry home.

Maybe I should ask for a backpack for my birthday.

Hey! What’s up! I'm supposed to be Sandy from Sponge Bob.

But since it decided to be 72 degrees in New Jersey on Halloween, I had to shed some accessories.

What’s this? You mean I get stuff for being dressed up as a rodent in New Jersey?

Now I know where all the nuts go!!

If I trade in those candies, "Fire Child" will protect my mommy from the dark sprits that lay out there.

Life as we know it can be difficult at times. But as much as you rack you’re brains trying to figure it out. Something always changes it for the good or the bad. But when it comes time to reflect back, it all seems to make sense in one-way or the other..

A lot of hands touched my wife through those last precious months. But the last one’s were mine and the almighty that finally released her from her pain.

My mother fought a long hard battle with Kidney cancer. She was not diagnosed till after my birth. Her condition was at stage four at discovery, just imagine if it was detected during early pregnancy…but my cleft condition had no effect from her cancer. That was the genetics from Papas side.

We would like to wish all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!!

It was a compromise, Christmas cookies for mouth photos.

Is thicker than normal, but has no effect on speech.

My bottom teeth are all coming in normal.

Pops noticed that there seems to be separation on the palette. He will send this photo to Dr. Nini. Notice the dark red from the sinus cavity.

Except for the pieces of apple stuck in my teeth.

Last year all I wanted was my two front teeth. Well I got them and the one is not as crooked as they said it would be

I’ve took it upon myself to help out around the house.

I figure this way Pop's won't have to do all the cleaning!

Which breaks down to more time spent with me!

Which also means more time riding my stallion!

It's a win, win situation for both of us!!

Static Sucks! Nothing worse when getting ready for school!

Where heading to Florida in a RV for Easter!

Grandpa will be 75 next year!

Going to see Mom today and go on Easter Egg hunt!

Pops wanted to talk to the head man, but he was to busy getting rid of the Filibuster.

Need to legalize duck hunting here, they make the water stink badly!!

World War II Memorial-Does he have to be so sad?

Lets take a stroll at the National Cemetery!

Beautiful weekend in DC! You all should check it out some time!

Front tooth a little crooked!

My teeth actually look better then some other kids I know!

Alright Pops! I dont want a fat lip for school today!

I got lip now!! Does that qualify me for a GOT MILK ad??

Had to go and get the dreaded blood test today to test for lead. I never flinched and got the shiny Band-Aid!

This is Laura D. Linder, she is giving me a Speech Diagnostic test. I'm at my level for my age, but some of my words are still in the Vulcan language phase. I need Pop's to correct me more!

Well they did a tooth count, there all there except one.

This thing weighs a ton!

This sure does not look like a hairdryer to me??

But Moms was nicer it was remote!

Doc said in a few months I'll have a renegade tooth appear somewhere where this gap is. It will have to be pulled!!

This is how your teeth would look in a normal world. Anyway the chart explains itself.

What! The sign says nothin about standing on Homeplate!

I'll be a catcher!! Just have to figure out how to catch the ball while holding the mask!

I'll show what courage is about!!

Courage is tellin the attendant why I was not going back down the steps!!

Going down the slide with my new friend!!

She does not believe I have my own horse...

Just like the bunny hop,trained for that in school!!

I'm not cheatin!! That what the other kids showed me!!

Ah, I found something I'm good at!

I'm not holdin the egg!!

I can even do it with my eyes closed!!

This is my Birthday Duds..Pops wants me to look good for the family coming over today!

This is my 3rd Birthday Party! I had alot of no-shows! There loss not mine!

And this present is from.......

Watch out Peter Fonda!!

Singing Happy Birthday to me in German!! I have no idea what your saying??

Yeah a couple of beers and he'll do just about anything!!

Glad it was warm out, or my wings would of really been flapping from shivering.

Finally my last tooth slides into place! To bad they’re not my permanent ones!

May all of you have a wonderful holiday and festive New Year!

No it's not blurry! It's an oil painting converted from a jpeg image...

Papa was tired of being lonely and I needed a mother figure in my life. Also something about a bun in the oven....oh well..

Pops decided it was time for both my grandpa's to meet for the first time..

Today I'm getting a six month check-up.

Doc wants to make sure I can tolerate things in my mouth besides candy!

Ok, crossbite, lets count the teeth..1.2.3...

Ok just a little wider I think I see something...

Look here!! Any wider and I'll be looking like I was 3 yrs ago!!

There it is!!!

Well here you go Stella, you my best patient!

I have a cavity on my front tooth! Doc says they way it came it was diffcult for me to get a brush on it! So I have to get a filling next month!

Well I guess that's what a Bun In The Oven means....

Let me cover you up, so you can stay warm...

Well Pops genes didn't mess up his face...Lucky boy!!

Today I get my first and last cavity filled...

Well it looks big!! But it wont hurt a bit...

Even though Pops had you brush extra hard, the cavity is still there!!

Your daughter is a big girl now!! She don't need Papa hangin out anymore....can you please wait outside??......Yes Doc....

Hope you all have a safe and warm spring!!

Saw my craniofacial team last month! They say I should get another speech evaluation. Also next summer they will work on the scar on my lip! More Later..

My brother Chase got this photo from Grandma for his Baptism. I thought he was a Pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean. You can guess what I’ll be learning this school year.

Papa took me on a trip for my Birthday, to learn of my past and future.

My mom came here alot when she became sick to pray. Papa decided its time I learn a little more about my mother and the sacrifices she made for us. Here is the shrines website.. http://www.wafusa.org

I even baited my own hook!!

Tonight I shall fly my broom and collect all the candy I can!

Got my Barbie vaccum!! Will have some new photos in Feburary when I go for tooth cleaning.

Happy May Day!! Had another cavity, Pops not to happy, now I brush twice a day!

Update..lip surgrey is on July 31st..will post photos..wish me luck!!

Well today is my first day of Kindergarten!! I'm so excited!! But scared!! You think anyone will notice my scar?

Dr. Nini said Scar Therapy won’t work, instead use organic cocoa butter stick. Make warm in microwave, rub three times a day on scar. When I sleep pops sneaks in Scar Therapy..lol
This page has gotten to big to update.This is my last photo here..goto The Orthodontic & Bone Grafting Years. Click this link or above... http://www.pbase.com/stella97king/cleft_lip_five_years_after