Final before and after pics

Here are the pics from Nov 2010 (before surgery) - 6 months old

December 16, 2011 - after 1 year of helmet therapy - 18 months old

1 year anniversary!!! Big news!

Well, this last year has been quite a rollercoaster with Connor. He's growing and learning by leaps and bounds, and his head looks just AMAZING!!!

As I look back throughout the year, I'm amazed at how God has shown up. 1 year ago, we were faced with surgery for our 6 month old baby. Though it was hard, God guided us throughout the whole thing. Whereas most folks would be a wreck, we were solid on God's word. He guided us to the right procedure, the best surgeon, and all in the timeline that was able to get the best procedure done. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and God does everything to show his own glory. We were given peace by the Prince of Peace. And I just pray that our story can touch others, so that they can know Jesus.

Well, now for the big news! We found out yesterday - NO MORE HELMET!!!! Yay! We have graduated to yearly checkups, and that is GREAT! We have worn that road between here and San Antonio. I'm suprised there's blacktop left! :)

With Dr Jimenez (the surgeon) left, and Darren (the helmet specialist) right in his new black helmet, and I'm gonna put that helmet in a box with some dates.

6 month post op scan

Well, we had Connor's 6 month post op scan yesterday, and he's looking GREAT! He is rounding out perfectly, and even starting to grow in his temporal area (around temples), which is really hard to get to grow. I am so overwhelmed with how good God is! WE are so blessed! I am more and more amazed every day!

This is from previous scan in April 2011 to theJune 2011. You can see his forhead is starting to get flatter, and temples area starting to expand (which is good).


And this is the BIG one. Pre-surgery to now. I love it! So Amazing! God is so good!!!

4 month followup with surgeon

Well, we just got back from San Antonio. Connor's cephalic index is still at a 78, however, his head hasn't gotten longer, which is good. He's just filling out in the back of his head. They said it's not as round as they would like it. They would like it in the low 80's by now, but are very happy with how it looks. Dr. Jimenez said that an average head index is 75, and he is already above that, but they just want to get him as high as possible, since when they take off the helmet, it'll go down a few points.

But the good news is that we will most likely not have to purchase another helmet at all, since his helmet will accommodate up to an 88 index! Which is awesome, because those things are NOT cheap! They are about $3500 before insurance (about $700 after).

I also told Dr. J that his head is in the 95th percentile, so that's probably why it's not growing as fast as they are expecting (plus my kids heads tend to grow really fast in the first 6 mo, then their bodies grow and catch up). :)

All that said, I think his head looks perfect!

3 month - helmet check and scan

Well, we just got back from San Antonio today, and the prognosis is good. Apparently, the orthodist had the wrong birthdate for Connor, so that's why he was thinking his head should be in the 80 index range before.

However, his index is now at 78, and he was VERY pleased with that. He even commented (which I wasn't sure how to take this) that Connor's cephalic index was better than the twins (which btw have no cranio), so I wasn't sure whether to be excited or defensive.

But anyways... We also had the scans done, and everything is looking fabulous! I can't even get over the before and after pics, and it's only been 3 months!!!

God is SOO Good, all the time!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Cool Surgery Collage

Well, we will get to see the results of the head scan next week. But in the mean time, I promised Connor's pediatrician that I'd give her some before and after pics of Connor's head, so I made this cool collage.

2 month post op helmet check

Well, we had a helmet check, and his head roundness index is at a 77.5. It was a 77 last week, and a 76 the week before. The helmet doctor says it is not growing as fast as he would like. Granted it IS growing in the right direction (i.e. getting wider), and not elongating, but he'd like to see him in the 80's by now.

Most likely, we're gonna be in this helmet for another 2 months.

Now, that being said - I'm not worried about it per se. Just something to keep an eye on.

I really think that his head is BIG as is, so if it grew too fast, his head just wouldn't be proportional with his body. And the twins heads grew really fast during the first 6 months, and then slowed down a lot. So, that's why I'm not really too worried. He said everything is wide open for him to grow as needed, so I think it'll be ok. We have a well check in 3 weeks, so we will get to see what percentile his head is in.

Also, in 3 weeks, they are gonna do a scan of his head, to see if it is possibly just filling out more underneath in the back, since his head was so pointy before. If that's the case, that's fine as well. I'm anxious to see the 3D scan pics! Will post them if I can!

But I'm still gonna pray for it, and ask for prayer as well.

Need prayers for:

• Pray that his head continues to get wider
• Pray that the suture stays open and gradually starts closing as his head gets to the desired roundness
• Pray the doctors look at his individual progress, and treat him accordingly, instead of what they expect. Connor is his own individual. :)
• Praise that he is such a great baby, and that God instilled such JOY in him. Love that little guy!