Helmet Therapy...

Well we requested a referral to a specialist for evaluation of Nolan's flat spot.  We had a PT appointment on Monday followed by a evaluation appointment yesterday.  The verdict is that Nolan is still measuring in moderate range for plagiocephaly and we'll be moving towards helmet therapy.  Hopefully we'll be on our way out with PT though as they have basically told us he is resolved with torticollis.  So that is the good side.

I was pretty pro-helmet or at least pro-specialist evaluation.  I kept feeling like Nolan was getting decent care for the torticollis but that head shape wasn't a huge concern for our therapist.  So I was glad to have him seen and even happy to hear there was a recommendation beyond turning his head and increasing tummy time (we've been doing that for 4 months with only mild improvement).  But of course then I start looking into helmets and worrying about the risks (if any) and if it will be successful (feeling more confident here).  I also start seeing these adorable children with helmets on their heads.  Gratefully they are all grinning from ear to ear so it doesn't seem too bad but still these cute little kids in these not so cute devices.  Also, I think of a fellow mom friend who was sad about the cuddle time being different and not being able to kiss her son's head or nuzzle his hair as much during the therapy.  That part is sad.  Nolan's sisters will miss being able to ruffle his hair all the time.  It is silly but just a little sad to check in with reality and realize Nolan will be stuck in a helmet 22-23 hours a day for 2-3 months.  It makes me sad even though I know it's only short term and at least there is something we can do.  Hoping he doesn't mind it and hoping it is a success.

Update:  We went in on April 15th to have Nolan's scan/pictures taken of Nolan.  They placed this cap on him and then took several pictures, using a high tech camera, around his head from different angles to get a 3D image.  It was interesting and he was a good sport about it all.  The helmet is supposed to be done within two weeks but due to our schedule they rushed it a couple days and we should get it on April 27th before heading off to visit my parents.  I hope that he adjusts to it well.

Cap they put on him to take 3D pictures of his skull shape for helmet fitting

Complete with stickers used to find center of his face, ears and top of head during imaging

Easter 2015

Easter 2015 

City Egg Hunt

6 Month Update

*For me and my memory...feel free to skip*

Weight / Length:  (guessing here)
 He is starting to wear  6-9 month clothes and is moving into size 3 diapers.  Oooops...Nolan won't have his "6 month check up" until he's almost 8 months.  I forgot to schedule it until a few weeks ago and then our pediatrician is out with training/conference or such so it will be on May 19th.

Eating:  We are still breastfeeding (yeah!).  He took one bottle and then started refusing bottles again (snob).  We have stuck a toe into solids.  He has tried oatmeal, rice, apples, avacado, butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes and banana so far.  His favorite I would say was the carrots or apple.  He also gets tiny tastes of bread, ice cream and things we're eating.

Milestones/Development:   He is able to sit up on his own for a few minutes at a time, longer if I distract him with toys, his sisters or Thor.  He is trying hard to crawl but can't get arm strength and scooting to work together.  He is starting to take up rolling to get short distances and he definitely scoots but not super effective.  He's starting back into babbling more and more also...sometimes if you listen carefully (or imagine with me) you might here a "momma" mixed in with his cries for attention.  He is able to grab things (rarely missing them) and hold things more easily.  

Physical Therapy/Torticollis:  His PT is going well.  His tilt was in normal range last visit (as of a month ago) and I think his turn is close but he through a fit for our therapist so couldn't really tell or get him to work with her.  He was considered normal range with tilt and turn at appointment on February 24th but not sure if that means we can plan to stop PT or not.  His head shape is still concerning.  He stayed at 8 mm the last two times it was measured (basically for 2 months now).  He'll get measured again on April 6th. Our therapist has said she may refer for a helmet if next measurement isn't much better.  We discussed it and requested a referral to have him evaluated by a specialist.  This appointment is on April 9th.  He is getting closer to 9 months and supposedly there isn't much change to be had after that point with head shape.  So we'll see what the specialist has to say and if we are headed for a helmet or not. 

Sleep:  His sleep is unpredictable.  The moment I say he's doing better we have a rough night (up every few hours) but he did have a night with 2 6-hour stretches (so nice) and the next night with 5-hour stretches.  And now he is getting more consistent 7 hour stretches in (yeah!!).  I hope it starts sticking but we'll see.  My guess is once he is a little more mobile he'll start sleeping better but who knows.  

Fun Memories (Outings/Events):  I let him swing in the infant swing on our swingset a couple weeks ago.  He loved it.  He was smiling and excited.  Hopefully we'll be hitting the park again more often soon.

Challenges:  His torticollis and sleeping is the only big challenges we have right now.  He is a really good baby in general though.

Likes/Dislikes:  He is fascinated with Thor still and loves it when we have Thor sit by him or when we play with Thor around him.  He also love watching his sisters and (unfortunately) trying to grab their hair (especially Kendall's).  He seems to be more frustrated with movement and knowing he's getting it but physically not quite there seems to make him mad.

Looking Forward to:  We're looking forward to our trip to see my parents.  The girls are going to be thrilled to see them and Nolan will hopefully have a good time as well.  I'm looking forward to him crawling so he's not so frustrated but other than that I'd be happy for time to stand still with this baby getting closer to turning into a toddling little boy.

The older he gets the more he attacks Mario

Love this smile

The drool continues...no teeth in sight but drooling for months