IN THE MATTER OF CB

THORNBURG, Judge.

While respondents have maintained separate appeals, for expediency and because the appeals involve common questions of law, we consolidate these appeals, see N.C.R. App. P. 40 (Court on its own initiative may consolidate cases which involve common questions of law), and dispose of the appeals in one opinion.

Respondents are the parents of the minor child, C.B. C.B. was born on 17 December 2001. On 10 January 2002, respondent-father took C.B. to Goldsboro Pediatrics, P.A., to have his right arm examined due to persistent swelling. Respondent-father informed the doctor that the…