Day 206 - Sitting up!!!

I love this exersaucer.  I don't think parents truly realize how valuable these things are for babies this age.  They get to sit up, explore, see things in an upright manner...and the parent does not have to worry about them rolling off somewhere they're not supposed to roll off to!

It also gives them strength to eventually do this!!  She's top heavy...but she can sit up for a few seconds at a time...with some help from a toy!

Day 200 - First odd reactions

It's been a busy week, so no photos until today.  We headed out to the mall today to get out and about.  This is the first time we've had Kaiya in the seat of the stroller whereas we've been putting her in the car  seat and attaching it into the stroller.  More people were able to see her today.

As we were strolling through the mall - I was on high alert to other's reactions.  For the most part - no one really paid attention.  As we've strolled through Fashion Place Mall - we've seen other babies doing helmet therapy.  It is actually more common than I realized.  However, I finally caught a glimpse of that  reaction that I was dreading, but knew was coming.  That stranger that looked at her and then at us - and gave us a sympathetic "Awe - look at that poor baby with something wrong..."

After we left the mall - I mentioned something to Brad about it and he told me I was thinking about it way too much.  He said it didn't bother him one bit and I need to really let it go.

So after much thought and consideration I came to the conclusion - he is right.  Why do I feel the need to explain to everyone why she's in the helmet?  If they ask - great.  If their child has been through similar therapy - great.  If they look at us like something is wrong - who cares?  We know why, we know what and that is all that matters.

Then we got home and Kaiya gave me this face.  And I realize how much this process has taught me - not only about plagiocephaly...but about life, in general.  My, my, my - how much children can teach us.

Day 192 - Our first "real" day out in public

The weather - although still a bit chilly - has been sunny and pretty enough that we though we'd head out to the park.  Today was the first time we've been out in public with Kaiya and her helmet...and I really didn't notice anyone's reaction.  Although - this is a pretty big park so we didn't really see that many folks face to face or close up.

Kaiya - still the same - not concerned at all!  She enjoyed getting out in the sun and seeing all the people out and about!

Day 191 - Adjustments for mommy

I am still having heartache with this helmet.  I just think that if Kaiya could talk...she would tell me how miserable she is in it. 

I mean, come on...look at that face...somehow - the thing seems to push her cheeks out, right??!  Oh wait - no - they were already that chubby!

I'm still adjusting to it.  It has definitely been harder on me than on her.  Thank goodness her daycare had a baby with plagiocephaly and went through helmet therapy too - so they know how to manage it.  One less thing.

Day 190 - H Day...Helmet Day

Well - after the mold was made - we took little Kaiya back in today to get her helmet.

We had to shape it a bit once she tried it on and the orthotic center said that her body temperature will adjust to the helmet (as you can see - she is sweating like crazy) in a few days...but here she is in all her glory!

She looks like a little astronaut and I'm still uneasy about what other people will think - but the most important thing is - this is helping shape her head back to normal and hopefully prevent any misalignment of her head and face that could cause complications in the future.  

I thought Kaiya would struggle with the helmet, but true to what we were told - we will struggle with the helmet more than she will.  It doesn't bother her at all.  It is weird to nurse her with it on...but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Day 189 - Sisterly love

Kaiya and Allie have definitely developed a loving relationship.  Allie can make Kaiya laugh when no one else can.  Allie truly does love her little baby sister.  How stinkin' cute are these two?!?!?

And then - here's a few of Kaiya hanging out...showin' off her milk belly...

 And here's a little interesting photo I put together.  Same outfit....different baby!  My, my, my - they look identical, huh?!?

Day 188 - Night lashes

How can anyone resist these eyelashes?  

Day 187 - Back to the doctor

Well - based on how little Kaiya did after her suctioning - I immediately thought she has RSV again.  She was fine after she was suctioned and then slowly filled up with snot again and had her typical labored breathing.

So off to the doctor we went again...

Tee-hee...I love this expression...

It's like - "Yep.  It's me.  Again.  Same as yesterday.  I have a bottle.  Now take your picture and move on."

Here we are waiting for the doctor.  Turns out - we dont' know if it is RSV or not - bottom line is - even if it is...the treatment will be the same.  We'll take her in to suction as we need, but she is not nearly as snotty as she was back in February, so we are playing it by ear.

So - we went back home and played for a bit.  First in the jungle gym...

...and then in the exersaucer!  She's happier...even with all the snot!

Day 186 - Back to the hospital

Kaiya is all snotty again, so we called to see if we could take her back to the suction clinic that we took her too for her RSV issues.  Since our "prescription" to the suction clinic was only good for two weeks - the quickest way to get her suctioned out was to take her through the Emergency Room.  So, off we went.  Had we not just gone through the whole RSV drama recently - this would have been scary for me - but it's old hat.

We got her in - got her suctioned and the world is right again!

Look how chubby...  :-)