First Night Success!

Last night was Christopher's first full night in his helmet. It was harder for me than it was for him! I was a nervous wreck! I was given instructions on how to clean the helmet and make sure it is dry and Christopher's head is dry, and I have to keep an eye on his temperature, making sure he doesn't get overheated, needless to say it was a long night for me! He was an angel and fell asleep and slept the entire night! I could only kiss his little nose good night :(

Christopher's cranky day.......

Today has been a productive one! We met with Sarah this morning and Christopher did really well, he and Max still need help with sitting, but are getting there! Usually after the stretching and the exercises with Sarah, Christopher goes down for his morning nap, today seemed a little challenging with the helmet and he took maybe a 1/2 hour nap. Needless to say, it has been a looong afternoon! This is really out of character for him, he usually is happy and pleasant so this is not his best day! He still manages to smile at me even though he is annoyed! Personally I think Max is enjoying all of the stickers on Christopher's helmet and the older kids are doing their best to keep him laughing! Other than that John Morgan is walking around with shorts and boxing gloves, Sophia is secretly watching the home shopping network and Ave' is at school! I am getting a little anxious about tonight, whatever happens we will get through it!

Transitioning into the helmet!

Christopher is doing really well with the helmet, if it is on. Getting it on is going to take a little more practice on my part, its very snug so I think it may pull a little on his hair other than that we are golden! Tomorrow is going to be the test, it will be his all nighter! Sophia said it best, mom I can't kiss his little cheeks with his helmet on.......We did a little decorating today and glam'd the band!

Christophers helmet

Christopher received his helmet today. He was amazing, he smiled the entire time, fussed a little while Laura did some adjusting, but eventually fell asleep with his helmet on! His sweet little face framed around the blue helmet is adorable! I was told that its harder on us than it is on them and it was very true today, my heart broke thinking about how he would be, but it didn't really phase him. He wore it on and off today, and again tomorrow for but for longer periods of time. Gradually getting to full time which is 23 hours a day until he graduates out of the helmet. I am looking forward to posting his progress, and his day to day activities!

Introducing Christopher

Christopher was diagnosed with plagiocephaly and torticollis at 5 months. I first noticed that Christopher positioned his head to the right a few days after coming home from the hospital, it was confirmed at his 3 month appointment he should be evaluated. Based on the assessment from Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, they recommended the STARband helmet and aggressive repositioning treatment.
The learning process began and the ongoing struggle with the insurance company began as well. We were denied coverage from our insurance carrier 6 times, twice in one week! The frustration and the cost of the helmet began a search that brought us to www.Alexandrasphate.org. Talking with Gary and Valerie and reading about their daughter, proved to be a blessing! With the help of Alexandras PHATE we were able to see the other children and learn more about plagiocephaly and torticollis, also, acquire Christopher's helmet.
I am honored to track Christopher's progress and possibly help another family beginning their journey.
Christopher is such a sweet and happy little baby, his smile melts our hearts! He has a twin brother Max that makes him laugh! He also has 3 older siblings, Ave' 6, Sophia 5 and John Morgan 4, all competing to make them laugh everyday!