Helmet Countdown Wk 2

Helmet countdown- 2 weeks down, 8 weeks to go (?)

In the past few weeks, two unusual spots have developed on Matthew's head.  One is near his suture line on the right side.  This spot feels 'ragged'.  The other spot is in the back middle and is a round protrusion.  These spots are rubbing in the helmet. 

We met with our orthopedist yesterday who thinks the first spot is the synthetic plate and the back spot is 'normal' bone.  He made adjustments to the helmet to account for these, but Matthew has been helmet free since 4pm yesterday to allow the rubbed spots to heal.  We had hoped that we'd be able to get the helmet back on this morning, but the spot in the back is still inflamed. 

We are still questioning that this spot in the back is 'normal' bone.  It has seemed to grow within the last week.  We will be watching it closely and will bring it to attention of Dr T at our appointment in 2 weeks. 

In a related note, I'm entirely frustrated with myself that I have turned into a paranoid pessimist when it comes to Matthew. That is just NOT my personality but it is now my reality.  I don't look at this spot and think "oh, he said it's normal bone, it must be normal bone." Instead I think to myself "This wasn't that big last week. Why did it grow? Could it be something more sinister? Is it okay that we wait 2 weeks to see Dr T?  What if it's something abnormal?"  Ugh!!  I'm tired of having things to worry about.  I don't want to manufacture more, but I don't want to miss a red flag either.  Double ugh!

The helmet good news for this week-  
1.  As our orthopedist has indicated would happen after week 1, Matthew seems to be regulating his temperature in the helmet better and sweating less. This means a less stinky helmet.  It still smells, but it is not knock you down offensive.
2.  The helmet is doing its job.  The proportions of Matthew's head (front to back vs side to side) are improving.     

I'm looking forward to getting the helmet back on, as I don't want to prolong his time in the helmet and I don't want him to have to adjust to it again. 

Health related update-- Matthew is still fighting his lung infection and still has quite the wheeze, though he's had periods of happy baby in the last day.  We are continuing the breathing treatments and he's got another day of steroids.  Hopefully he'll have this beat by the weekend. 

Thank you for the continued prayers for sweet baby Matthew!  They are felt and always appreciated! 



Matthew's first ride in the grocery cart like a big boy.
He pulled the cart cover in to the basket with him, time and time again!