Back to Texas this weekend!

Elden is now 6 months old! Time flies!

Two months post-op and Elden is doing great. He is definitely back to his normal baby happy self, and is reaching the normal milestones. He is completely used to his helmet.

The past two months have been filled with adjustments (hence no Christmas card from us this year!). We take the helmet off twice a day – in the morning and at night – for about 30 minutes each time. We wash his head with a warm cloth, and wipe out the helmet with rubbing alcohol. It seems that each time we do this, I notice a different bump or indentation on his head – it is changing so much. I send many photos to our contact in Texas – multiple angles of his head with arrows and circles here and there pointing out the bumps and divets. I will post them sometime. They always get back to me right away and assure me that all is looking well.

Each morning when he wakes up, his helmet is filled with condensation and his hair is wet. He tends to run hot anyway and I am still learning about how to keep him cool enough, yet warm enough during our freezing temperature nights.

In myself I am noticing that I have a constant awareness (a more positive word than “worry”) of Elden and his head. There literally is a HUGE soft spot on his head – a strip down the top center of his skull running about 4+ inches long - with the widest part in the back being close to 3 inches wide. Ack! I am so looking forward to when the bone will completely grow back – in about 6-9 months. Our pediatrician explained the dura (membrane covering the brain) to us and described it as “tough leather”. Even still, I always feel better when the helmet is on – just in case!

I am also beginning to love the smell of my son’s head. It has not gotten too smelly in the helmet, but it has changed the way he smells. It stays on my clothes and I am reminded of him, it makes me smile. I am keenly aware of the brief moments when we take his helmet off. I cherish them, I think we all do. I snuggle with his head and kiss his cheeks like I haven’t seen him in weeks. He is so warm, soft…mine. He greets my shower of love with delight in his eyes and a smiling open mouth. We do love these moments.

With his helmet off, he is so…himself. He is beautiful and perfect. I can tell he feels free and happy. It is a blessing to me to have recognized this. It brings me to those moments with a clear mind and heart – ready and anxious to just drink up the pleasure it brings.

We will be continuing our humble journey this Sunday (1/17) on our second trip to Texas. We have another full schedule with a head scan, helmet fitting, and post-op meeting with the surgeon. We return on Thursday (1/21). It will just be Pat, myself, Aspen and Elden this time. We are looking forward to come nice family time together in between the hospital visits. I have promised Pat that I won’t bring my computer – so no new updates until we get back.

Thank you God for your grounding and ever-present promises that we are still learning about. What a humble foundation for us. And thank all of you for your continued prayers! See you soon!