Plagio-WHAT?????

The last two days have been full of doctor's appointments and medical jargon.  To make a long story short, Ainsley has to wear a helmet. 

Did you really think I'd leave it at that???  Like my boss once said:  "When you get an email from Trista explaining something, you know it's going to be very detailed."  I tend to over-analyze everything and try not to leave any stones unturned.  The Orthotist at our appointment on Tuesday mentioned during our consultation and we can't overanalyze the helmet.  Of course, Joel rolled his eyes while I laughed and told her I overanalyze everything!

So, back to Ainsley's head....we had an appointment at Hanger Orthotics in Springfield yesterday afternoon.  (I was VERY pleased with the staff there and would highly recommend them to anyone, by the way.)  We didn't really know what to expect going into the appointment, because they're not technically doctors.  The orthotist started out by taking a quick look at Ainsley's head and then explaining a little about the different types of flat heads.  She thought by looking that Ainsley's head would be able to improve with the aid of a helmet, but had to take some measurements to see what they could do. 

She started off by putting this piece of cloth around her head and then a device on the top of her head, which was used in conjunction with the hand held scanner to get the measurements. 

This is what Ainsley looked like at that point....

Then, she put a black cape over her before she scanned her head with the hand held scanner.  Which made her look like this....

At no time did she cry.  I think she was more intrigued by what the Orthotist was doing then worrying about the crazy things on her head.  It was pretty neat to watch as Ainsley's head started to take shape on the computer monitor as she scanned.  After the scan she had to run some quick numbers and told us that she thought we would be able to improve her head with the aid of a helmet at that point.  The helmet is a cosmetic fix, and helps to round out the head.  Ainsley doesn't have anything wrong with her, other than the fact that her head is flat.  It's not restricting brain growth, and flatness of the head hasn't been shown to have any adverse effect on a child later in life.  So, it is really up to the parents to decide if they want to go ahead with the helmet.  Of course, we don't want Ainsley to have a flat/misshapen head for the rest of her life, so we decided to go forward with the helmet. 

The scan showed that Ainsley has both plagiocephaly and brachycephaly.  The brachycephaly is worse than the plagiocephaly, but both can be corrected with the helmet (maybe a more proper term is cranial band, but to me; it's a helmet.)   Plagiocephaly is asymmetric head deformity.  I noticed this probably around 3 months.  The top right corner of her head started sticking out farther than the left side.  Being the paranoid mother that I am, I had everyone feel it to see if they could tell the difference and many just kind of shrugged me off, including the doctor.  One thing I have learned through this entire process is that I really do have a motherly instrinct and from now on, I'm trusting my gut and will get a second or third opinion if I don't think my issue is being addressed.  So, back to Ainsley's plagiocephaly:  they usually start the helmet when the measurements are 6-7 or above and Ainsley's was at 10.4mm. 

Ainsley's main issue is the brachycephaly.  This is disproportionate head deformity, or in my own words:  A very flat head!  In order to figure the cephalic index (CI) of a baby's head, you take the cranial width/cranial length *100.   A "normal" CI is about 80-85%.  Ainsley's CI is at 98.4%.  So, that's pretty much saying that her head is almost as wide as it is long, hence, a flat head in the back because there is no rounding. 

The worry-wart that I am, was concerned that Ainsley may have craniosynostosis, which is where the plates fuse together too soon on a baby's head and requires surgery to correct.  The Orthotist assured me that Ainsley didn't have this, but said that she's not a doctor so if we wanted another opinion from a doctor she understood.  I already had an appointment set up with a neurologist to check on this today, so we went ahead and kept our appointment with her.  The neurologist assured us that she doesn't have craniosynostosis and did developmental tests on her.  She said that she is developing just fine and doesn't think that anything is wrong.  Of course, at the end of the appointment, she had to mention something about the back of her brain not being able to develop properly, but that could only be confirmed with a MRI, but she didn't think we had anything to worry about because everything checked out good.  She wants us to come back for a follow up appointment in three months to make sure she's still developing properly, but doesn't see any reason why she wouldn't be.  She said that she usually doesn't recommond a helmet, but she would recommend it for Ainsley because her head is so flat.  It made me feel better knowing that the flatness is purely a cosmetic issue and the neurologist also agreed with getting a helmet on her.

I called this afternoon and placed the order for the helmet.  It should be here next week and we go Wednesday for the fitting appointment.  They have to cut it down once it comes in for the ear holes, etc.  The Orthotist said that the helmet will never put pressure on her head and there will pretty much be a big empty spot at the back of it so her head can grow out.  We'll have to go every week to make sure it's still fitting properly, etc.  This is going to be a huge committment, but I'm certain that we'll love the results at the end.

I know that we're going to get lots of stares in the coming months, and I'm glad that Ainsley's young.  She'll just think that everyone is giving her extra attention, and won't have a clue that they're really just staring at her because she has a helmet on her head!  I wanted to get some decals to put on her helmet, such as:  "Caution:  the longer you stare, the cuter I look", "You should have seen the other guy", "Do I have helmet hair?", "My parents are over-protective", or "Does this helmet make me look fat?"  But, I refrained from getting them.  I picked out a couple of different decals for the helmet, but you'll just have to wait to see them.

So, this is the last week to put ribbons, hats, etc. on her for the next 3-4 months.  She'll have to wear the helmet 23 hours a day for around 3 months, starting next Wednesday.  I'm taking suggestions now for Halloween ideas that involve a helmet.  Football player is OUT.  Joel's already mad at me because I didn't order the helmet or decals for it to look like a Green Bay Packers helmet.  When I say mad, I mean:  Don't even bring it up to him, because he'll probably go off about it!  If Ainsley was a little boy, I wouldn't have had a problem with it, but she needs a pink helmet!

I got a sneak peek of Ainsley's 6 month pictures tonight.  I know I'm partial, but isn't she just the cutest thing you've ever seen?!?!

A much needed relaxing weekend

The past weekend was wonderful.  We only had one thing on our calendar all weekend and that was Ainsley's 6 month pictures Saturday morning.  We headed to Washington Park in Springfield for those and the sun came out just as we got there.  I think we got a few good shots and can't wait to see them.  Of course we needed diapers so I ran into Babies R Us and then we went to Bob Evans (Joel's choice) to grab something to eat.  We took her bumbo seat in with us and everyone around us just watched her while she played in her seat while we ate.  A couple stopped by our booth on their way out to let us know how good and cute she was.  She really is a good baby and isn't one that cries in public (not yet anyway!)  She's too nosey to be in a bad mood and restaurants are just the place for her with all the hustle and bustle going on. 

The rest of the weekend consisted of laying around the house.  We rented a few movies and grilled out.  Saturday night we went down to the basement, which we don't do very often now that Ainsley is here, and watched a movie.  Those are the nights that I dreamed of for so many years!  Ainsley fell asleep on my lap while we watched the movie and was completely limp.  Her little body didn't move when I got up from the couch to carry her upstairs to her crib.  She snuggled a little tighter when I got to the top of the stairs and didn't wake up when I gave her kisses good night.  That hour of relaxing and not worrying about a thing was probably the highlight of my month.  It was needed!

We've had trouble getting Ainsley to eat and Friday night she finally started taking her bottle.  She loves baby food and I think she would eat it all day if I would let her, but she hasn't cared for her bottle for the last month or so.  She's back to taking 6-8 ounces at a time and I couldn't be happier.  Check out this video and you'll be able to see how much she enjoys her baby food!  She's always "mmmmm'ing" while she eats.  Of course, it would probably help if I put the tray on the highchair, but she reclines back while she eats and has to have her legs propped up.

Ainsley's been really into Joel for the last week or so.  If he's in the room, she has to stare at him.  She waits for him to look at her and will smile when he finally does.  She loves it when he gives her his attention, but me on the other hand, not so much!  She's definately Daddy's Little Girl!  Here's a few videos from the past week of Daddy and Ainsley playing.  I caught the tail end of this giggle session one night, and she loves it when Joel gets her belly as you can see here.

She's starting to notice everything around her.  If there is anything within arms reach, she has it in her hands.  We've tried to get her to roll over by putting toys just outside of her reach, but she'll twist her body around and reach for them without rolling over.  I'm thinking she'll be rolling over in the next few weeks, but we'll have to wait and see!

Anniversary weekend at the lake

Last weekend was our 6th anniversary.  It seems a lot longer than 6 years ago that I walked down the aisle.  Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?  

Before celebrating our 6th anniversary

We went to the lake for the weekend with Jennifer, Brian, Jeremy, and Kathleen.  I got a little too much sun the first day and had to take some ibuprofen and lay down for a while that afternoon.  I applied spf85 sunscreen all weekend, and re-applied, and re-applied.  Of course, everyone made fun of me, but I didn't get a sun burn.  Well, maybe I did.  My scalp was a little burnt where my part it, but it wasn't too bad.  Next time we go, I'll be sporting a hat along with my spf85!



Sister-in-laws getting ready for a day of boating

My sexy husband!

We had a good time and it was nice to get away, even if it was just for a few days.  Of course, I missed Ainsley like crazy but it helped that I had some pictures and videos on my phone of her so I could look at her whenever I wanted!  She stayed with Mom for a few nights and then went to Grandma Rita's and stayed Saturday night.  I know my Mom was wore out from the few days she kept her and said she needed a few weeks to recover.  I think Jim and Rita felt the same way.  They ran a day care for a few days while they kept Drake for a night, and then Jack and Lani for 2 or 3 days and Ainsley Saturday night. 


What a goof!

Saturday night we went to The Duck, which is a nice restaurant on the lake.  It was nice enough outside to sit on the deck and overlook the lake while we ate.  Jennifer only embarrassed Brian once while we ate, but I think she might of embarrassed all of us walking out.  Let's just say that Jeremy was fast enough to get his camera out for a picture, so he has black mail on her if he ever needs it!  Let's hope that one never ends up on Facebook! 

Speaking of ducks, we had stopped the boat for a while and four ducks came floating up to the boat.  What does my husband do when he sees them?  Well, he decides to try to cannon ball into them.  Of couse, the ducks saw him before he jumped, but Jennifer got his shot of him!


Those ducks weren't dumb...they saw him coming!



I still can't believe I got in the water, but it was SO HOT that day!

All in all, it was a nice weekend.  I even learned quite a few things....imagine that!  We both were glad to get home to our baby and cuddle with her.  She didn't seem too phased when I walked in, but she gave Joel lots of smiles.  She's such a stinker!

6 months

Ainsley was 6 months old on Monday.  We had her checkup Monday afternoon, which also meant shots.  Once again, I think the shots were worse for Mommy than Ainsley.  She cried for quite a while this time.  When I say she cried, I mean she had the big alligator tears streaming down her face.  It takes a lot to get those out of her.  She's been very fussy this time with her shots and ran a fever for the first time.  She ran a low fever Monday night and all Tuesday.  She's done much better today, which makes me feel a lot better!
 

Ainsley-6 months

She weighed 18 pounds 14 ounces (95th percentile), was 26 inches long (75th percentile) and her head measured 41 (25th percentile).  She hasn't gained much weight over the past month, but she hasn't been eating very good either.  I can tell she's slowing down and not gaining weight as fast as she did from 2-5 months.  She's out of the 6-9 month clothes and is in 12 or 18 months now.  I bought her some 12 month pajamas over the weekend and put a pair on her tonight and she's not going to be in them for long!


These pajamas are a little snug!

Her back was still looking pretty bad, so the doctor prescribed her with yet another cream for the eczema.  I have applied it 5 times now and the eczema on her back, arms, and neck is gone!  She still has some on her cheeks, but I'm continuing with the cream there.  We also were told to switch our laundry detergent and only give her a bath 2-3 times a week.  Hopefully we have it under control and it doesn't come back.

I had the doctor look at her head once again on Monday.  I've been asking about it since Ainsley was 5 or 6 weeks old because it's very flat in the back.  The doctor and nurse practionener both told me every time that it would correct itself and she would be fine.  After the doctor looked at her head on Monday, she decided that it looks like it's getting worse (what I've been trying to tell them for months) and that she wants us to get Ainsley's head measured to see if we need a helmet.  We go on Tuesday to Springfield to get measurements done and should know pretty quickly if we're going to need a helmet.  I'm almost positive she's going to need one, and have thought that she's needed one for months now.  I'm so mad at myself for not going months ago to get a second opionon. 

You can see the 'indention" on the back of her head.



You can see that the back of her head is very flat.


She's still not rolling over, but she's trying.  She can get her upper body to one side, but can't get her hips and legs over.  She can roll over in our bed, but that's only when someone is laying beside her and making a slant in the bed with their body weight.  She can "tripod" sitting up by herself and we've been using the Boppy pillow with her to try to get her to sit up more on her own.

She loves to play with her "highchair toy" while I get supper ready at night.  It sticks to her highchair tray by suction cups.   She also has some rattles, a book, and burp rags that she loves.  She's started turning around if she sees a toy and tries to grab it if it's behind her.



Give me the camera, Mommy!



White Trash Bash

Yep, you read that title right.  Jeremy and Kathleen had a "White Trash Bash" on Saturday where they had a 100 foot slip n slide and you were to wear your "White Trash" finest to the event.  Joel and Thomas dressed the part and went over that afternoon to have a good time.  I had a bridal shower in Bethalto, so Ainsley and I only made it to the bash for an hour or so.  Everyone that went down the slip n slide had scratches all over their stomachs, and I'm sure most were pretty sore the next day.  It's too bad I didn't get a picture of Thom's tattoos that he did himself on his arm, in a Sharpie I might add.  Darlean was the first name and it was crossed out (notice the spelling), Shanequa was the second name and it was crossed out, and then Willy was in a heart with an arrow going through it. 

Brianna and her White Trash Daddy-Brian

Yep, his butt said "JUICY"



My lovely White Trash husband



White Trash baby Ainsley with Uncle Thom's fake mustache as eyebrows



Let's just say that the party ended white trash style!

Ainsley and I went to Bethalto for Micah's fiance's bridal shower Saturday afternoon.  She did really good considering it was a long day in the car for her.  She only cried a few times, and I think that was when Aunt Royce was pinching her.  (kidding!) 

Ready for the shower



Kisses for my baby!  She opens her mouth everytime you try too kiss her now.



Aunt Di, Ainsley, Delaney, and Aunt Roycelyn at the shower



BEAUTIFUL cupcakes, and they were yummy too!

Sunday morning Ainsley looked through the newspaper ads with Mommy.  She loves the paper, but she likes shopping in the ads more!

Jack turned 9 on Sunday went over to celebrate!  It's hard to believe he'll be in the double digits next year.

All of our nieces and nephews plus Ainsley!

Ainsley is getting stronger every day.  If she's sitting on our lap, she will usually try to pull her body away from ours instead of leaning on it.   I tell Joel that she's working her tummy muscles already.   She is still in love with her feet and tongue.  Her tongue is constantly out and if it is possible with the way she's sitting/laying, she'll grab her feet. 



She's giving me the bird!  I guess she didn't like her headband!

I know it's a terrible habit, but she's been really hard to put down for bed at night or for her naps.  She fights sleep, so we've been laying her in our bed until she falls asleep and then moving her to her crib.  I'm sure we're going to regret it, but it works for now. 

 

Playing with her sing-a-ma-jig

Drake came over last night to spend a few hours with us.  He usually ignores Ainsley, but he took a special interest in her bath time.  He wanted to watch, so I pulled a chair over so he could see her in the bathtub.  He wanted me to pull the chair over to the island after her bath so he could watch me lotion her and put her pajamas on.  Of course, he had a million questions....what's the white thing in the bottom of her tub (the drain), how did the water get in her tub, where does the water go, could he watch the water go down the drain, etc. etc. etc.   

Bath time!

Ainsley enjoyed having an audience at bath time!



Such a little cheeser!



Ainsley will be 6 months on Monday, which unfortunately means more shots.   

Abby's Bridal Shower

Sunday, Ainsley and I headed down to Lone Oak for Abby's bridal shower.  The shower lastest about an hour and Abby got lots of nice gifts.  Of course, she didn't like being in front of everyone opening gifts.  Can you believe that one????  Abby, shy?  Were those two words really in the same sentence? (Is that even considered a sentence?  Aunt Peg?)  

Ainsley's ready for the shower

Ainsley was needing her afternoon nap as the shower was starting, and I'm glad Jamie and Aunt Sudi was there to take care of her.  Aunt Sudi got her to sleep right as the shower was ending, and of course, the little stinker woke up a few minutes after falling asleep.


Aunt Jamie and Ainsley

I still can't believe Abby's going to be getting married in less than two months.  I know for a fact that I'm more stressed over her wedding than she is.  I'm too much of a planner, and she's too go-with-the flow.


Abby with bridesmaids

Abby, me, and Ainsley

Ainsley is now able to grab both of her feet.  For the last few weeks, she could only grab her right foot, but now she can get both of them.  Last night she also was able to get one of her rattles up to her mouth and chew on it for awhile.  Her tongue is constantly out now.  Here's a video of her laughing and of course, she's playing with her feet and tongue!

Her appetite is finally coming back.  She took 4 ounces for me in less than 5 minutes last night and screamed until I made her more.  I made another 4 ounces and she took it in less than 10 minutes and probably would have taken more if I would have fixed it.  She's only been taking 3-5 ounces at a time for a couple weeks and it usually takes her 20-30 minutes to get that down.  She also ate a lot of oatmeal cereal, half a container of pears, and half a container of carrots last night.  Maybe she's just growing again, but it makes Mommy feel better when she eats!


Her usual "deer in headlights look"



She loves sticking her tongue out!