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!

Connor OSU helmet

Well, Connor is finally starting to get used to his helmet. I think he was excited about the week he had a fever, as he couldn't wear it, but it's back on again.

Here are some pics of his new OSU helmet! Daddy spent hours covering this thing with white Vinyl. He did a great job!

And great news! All the steristrips have come off, and the incision looks FANTASTIC!

Appointment with Helmet Man

Well, we had an appointment with the helmet guy today, and Connor's head has improved by 10%. He had to measure twice for each measurement, because he couldn't believe how fast it changed. He told me that it didn't mean that he'd be out of the helmet sooner, but he might just reach the desired head shape way sooner, which is fantastic!

He adjusted the helmet, and it fits just like it did a week ago. Snug as a bug in a rug. (Well, besides the fact that he still hates sleeping in it) BUT, he did sleep through the night last night. I am hoping it wasn't a fluke.

HOWEVER, Connor just got a fever on the way home, so he can't wear it, as it would trap in the heat too much. He's loving every minute of it - I think he wants a fever every day. :) But if it continues tomorrow, we're taking him into the doc, since they are closed 3 days around Christmas.

Helmet sleepin

Well, we are to the 23 hours on/1 hour off schedule now, and let me tell ya - Connor does NOT like sleeping in his helmet at all (or nursing for that matter). He just thrashes his head around from left to right and back to left again. I would imagine it would be hard to get comfortable in.

He's been waking up 2-3 times at night due to this, and it is pretty painful on the mama. I'm pretty sleep deprived at times, but luckily, my awesome husband gets up with the twins at 6 am (or whenever they decide to wake up), so I can sleep in until Connor gets up again. So, I can typically sleep until 7 or 8 am.

New prayer is: Pray that Connor starts getting used to his helmet, and that I can figure out how to comfort him better with the helmet on, and that he is able to start sleeping better.

1 week post op

Well, it is day 3 of the helmet, and it is like nothing ever happened. Of course, we are all still getting used to the helmet. It's heavier than I anticipated, and sometimes I'm afraid it's going to hurt his neck or something.

And Mama always gets the blunt end of a helmet. As when he's tired, he throws his head into my neck, which now hits my head, and when he's hungry, well, you get the idea. :)

But as for Connor, he seems fine in it. He's slept 3 naps in it today, and it is going very well. No fussing or anything. Tonight is the first night sleeping in the helmet.

I'd say at this point, he's pretty much 100% recouperated. Thank you Jesus!