Again, No Helmet Yet

We went in for another head scan. Ryan's asymmetry was down again but just by .5mm. Since we had seen visible improvement, I think we were under the impression the numbers would be better. Because of that, we weren't prepared to make the decision to band (get the helmet) that day. We are again waiting another month and seeing if more progress is made. He will be 8 months at the time, still within the range to see good progress with the band if we start at that time.

This has been such a hard decision. I know in some ways we are in denial that Ryan needs the STARband. I just looked at his head all weekend knowing that he definitely needs the helmet. I can honestly say I cried and I know there will be more tears in the future.

More Solid Foods

So far, Ryan has tried rice cereal, oatmeal cereal, bananas, sweet potatoes, peas and prunes. The prunes were introduced on purpose after Mike described his latest bowel movement as "an acorn." Ryan loves his cereal; likes sweet potatoes and prunes; gags on peas and most recently goes on strike for banana.

We finally got approved to continue physical therapy. His first appointment in a month is tomorrow. He is doing so much more since the last time he went. He rolls over, spins on his tummy and sits without much assistance.

Busy Saturday

Ryan went to the Original Pancake House for the first time. He sat in his high chair and played with toys. We introduced him to banana. It's not necessarily his favorite but we'll keep giving it to him. From there we all went to the Bobcat Chase. By nine in the morning, it was in the nineties! Ryan lasted until 9:30 so Mike took him home for a nap. I stayed and did the half mile parent/teacher walk.

Ryan hung out in the waiting room of Lens Crafters while I had my eyes examined. Mike was there with him. He was holding court and flirting with everyone there. I thought I heard his voice at one point from the back. My prescription had run out for contacts and I tore my last pair in the morning. What timing! Thank goodness they have Saturday appointments.

Our little boy had his first big boy bath in the bathtub. He was getting too long for the sink. He had a blast splashing and kicking in the tub. The bath wound him up quite a little. I don't think we'll be adding a bath to our bedtime routine.

Big Boy

Ryan sat in a high chair at a restaurant and ate his cereal. His first dinner out! It was nice that they sat us in the back by ourselves so he wasn't distracted by too much.

He then got his first shopping trip at Walmart. Mike put a musical book toy in his lap on a lark. I don't think I'll let that happen again. The look of glee on that little boys face sold me. We came home with the annoying musical book. It's batteries may "run out" soon.

Right now he's in his crib wearing his new glow-in-the-dark skeleton pajamas. I hope he's not staring at himself and staying awake. I hear babbling.

No Helmet, Yet

Ryan had his head scanned again yesterday. It was accomplished much faster this time. The trick was let him suck on a bottle. That kid will get through anything if he can be eating.

His measurements actually got better. He went from being 13mm off to 10mm. The orthotist seems fairly conservative and we're going to wait on the helmet for now. We'll go in a month from now for another scan. If he's gotten worse or stayed the same, we'll opt for the helmet at that time. So, in the mean time we're trying some repositioning to keep him off the flat spot especially at night when he sleeps. No easy task now that he can roll over. If we can get him to around 6mm (normal deviation) than we won't have to helmet at all.

Ry is eating lots of cereal. Next week, we'll introduce some new foods. I can't wait to see his reaction. The video camera will have to be out for that. He's rolling from tummy to back in both directions and very close to getting back to tummy. I claim he just lacks motivation. The mechanics and strength seem to be there. No teeth quite yet. Soon, I'm sure.

I have to say that when I look at his sweet little face, I'm often overcome with emotion still. He's a little miracle. I never expected to feel so much for such a little one.

First Day of School

I survived another first day of school. Of course, we didn't get everything done. Filling in first graders on all the basics seems to take forever. I only had two kids write on their desks today. You'd think there were some things you didn't have to tell them. "Don't write on your desk." Seems pretty obvious to me.

On another note, little one is still not napping at daycare. AHHHHHHH!

sad

My cousin Joe was killed in a motorcycle crash last night. I'm sad. As a mother, I'm sad that a son is gone. As a daughter, I'm sad that a father is gone.