Quick update on your head!

Hi Max!

You are doing so well with the helmet. We had a doctor's appointment yesterday and you went from a 19 (not good) to a 16 in a matter of 10-12 days! We can SEE the difference (especially at the front). I've been so proud of you with your smile and laugh. The helmet doesn't bother you. You've slept and kept your schedule. That helps mommy and daddy tremendously. 

You are getting much more mobile. I heard the cabinet doors open and close this morning. You are active in your walker, but still getting used to moving around. Sometimes you just like to sit in the walker and play with the toys. You're doing awesome, I'm so happy you are my son and I love you. 

To Your Success, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

Your head is rounding! Your head is rounding!

Hi Max!

I wish you could talk. :) My mom said, "You try for the longest time to get them (kids) to sit up and speak up and then you spend the next several years telling them to sit down and shut up." My mom, the humorist. :) She doesn't mean that negatively. But she raised five very active kids so I'm sure there is some truth there. Remember, there is always some level of truth behind every person's joking. 

Your head is ALREADY rounding into shape! The front left forehead area was protruding a little bit and now that is already back to round (and matches your right side). Incredible. The difference is incredible. It's only been 10 days! The back of your head still is irregular with some denting and some lumps, but we are encouraged with the results from the front. The helmet slides on now rather than being a struggle as it was earlier. It's working. For any parent who has considered a helmet to cure plagiocephaly or misshapen head syndrome, I HIGHLY suggest it. Plus, in case of crashes, he has protection. :) I'm impressed with the speed and results of the helmet. 

To Your Success, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

Why was I even worried? :)

Hi Max!

We put the helmet on you today at the appointment and I was so worried that you would cry. After all, the pictures I saw on the Interent always had the child crying. We put it on and you cracked up laughing. It was so funny. It was like you knew how nervous Sheri and I were about the helmet and you wanted to set us at ease. Too funny. 

You are so resilient and patient. 

The helmet definitely shows the deformity in your head. You have space at the front left of your head and a lot of space at the right back of your head. You measured an 18 when we started. They say under 12 mm is "normal", 12 - 20 is "Acceptable/possible helmet" and over 20 is "Helmet/potential problems". You've been everywhere from 16 to 18 over the last three measurements. We got the helmet without even thinking about it. We want to do whatever we can. 

Affordability of such a expensive item was an issue at first, but thank God for insurance. Sheri discussed it with them and convinced them that this was prescribed and should be covered. After several discussions, she made it happen. Chalk one up for Supermom. :) We got donations from Sheri's family (thanks Anna and Michele) and my family (thanks Jim and Linda). They fortunately were returned. We love that people were willing to help regardless of what they thought about our financial situation. They just wanted to help. 

My dad said that it's always better to give people the opportunity to help and that if anyone ever asks to help, say, "Yes." He said that you can always control how much or how little you use that help, but that you should always give people the chance to help. I love that. Somebody says, "Can I help you with that?" or "Want a hand with that?" You say, "Yes." You don't see that much any more. Everybody says, "No." Even when they have their hands full. We are "independent" and prideful. I'm glad my dad gave me this advice because I've made friends and probably saved dozens of accidents by accepting help. But it is a two-way street. 

My father and mother helped make me a natural-born giver as well. I give without thoughts of retribution or a motive. Give and give and give. What I have found in life is that it comes back ten-fold. You never know who or where the help or positive will come from and it isn't always tit for tat or directly from the person you helped. But is does come back. Just keep helping Max. Be helpful and your attitude of servitude will serve you well. 

You're my beautiful baby boy and I love you. 

To Your Success, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

Mother's Day Weekend...

Hi Max!

We have a big weekend here! Today, Friday, we go to the doctor's office to have a mold created for your helmet. We're going to conquer your plagiocephaly this summer! That appointment is at 3 p.m. today. I'm a little bittersweet about that appointment. I'm bummed that you have to do it and adjust to the helmet, but I'm more enthused because your head is going to be rounded and symmetrical. I see it being like braces. It's temporary, non life-threatening, and the result is positive. It's braces for your head. :)

Also, it is Sheri's first Mother's Day! Yeah!

Going to be a great weekend!

To Your Success, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

Plagiocephaly...

<-- This is not Max, but he will have to do the molding. 

Hi Max!

You are such a beautiful baby boy! You are so photogenic and happy. You are a blessing in my life. This past month, I learned a word I could have lived a lifetime without learning. Plagiocephaly is also called misshapen head and flat-head syndrome. It is caused by repeated sleeping on the same spot. It is becoming much more common now that parents are encouraged to have their babies sleep on their backs to prevent SIDS. 

On Friday afternoon, Sheri and I took you to Children's Mercy Hospital for a follow-up check-up. You had measured at 16 mm at the previous appointment. If you are under 10 mm misshapen, they call it average. If you are over 20 mm misshapen, you are prescribed a helmet. You fell in the mid-range at the first appointment and we decided to see how it was in 3 weeks. Well, on Friday, we found out you are at a 20 mm. It's getting worse. 

My heart sank for a moment upon hearing the news. I am the eternal optimist. I am the "everything happens for a reason" person. Yet, here I was, feeling down at this news. They say it is mostly curable. They say it isn't causing any brain damage at this point. They say. They say. They say. They were trying to be kind. This is a problem. It isn't normal. Luckily, they have a tool to help with correcting the mis-shapen head. It is a fitted, fiberglass helmet.  It is a molded, orthotic device to re-shape the head. 

When we were at the doctor's I put a model into your hands. You are so great. You played with it, lifted it up and down, and then looked at me and smiled. It was almost as if you were saying, "Don't worry, Daddy, I'm okay with it." I hugged you. I squeezed you tight. You are so lovable. 

This is an expensive endeavor for us. Insurance will not pay for the doctor's appointments or helmet (altogether estimated to be around $4000). That's a dent for anyone. We've had our share of medical bills over the last two years (some we're still paying on), but this is your head. I will work 24 hours per day every day of the year if that is what it takes to help you through this. If my part is to earn the money for this helmet, then I take on that challenge. I accept the challenge and will do what it takes. After all, you are going to be a fiberglass helmet model before it is all said and done. :) 

I love you my little one and this is going to be the best thing for you. 

To Your Success, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

Nurture over Nature...

Hi Max!

You are a baby of beauty, my little boy. :) You are playing with rattles. You are becoming more of a little human every day. It's incredible to watch. Being self-analytical, it's been interesting to watch my progression as a human as well. I am more sentimental, emotional (coming from a 0 to a 3 or 4), and outwardly loving (key word is outwardly). It's a good feeling. For example, you were recently diagnosed with plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). 

Plagiocephaly is caused by too many nights sleeping on the same spot. It causes a flat spot on the back of your head. The issue has become more common due to SIDS research that shows that a baby should sleep on their back until at least 6 months. We've had you sleep on your back every night without any type of cushions to have you sleep at a slightly different angle each night. You've developed a flat spot on your right side. Since it is asymmetrical, the doctor is concerned.

We are looking into helmets, because as I told Sheri, "Whatever it takes to make it right, we're going to do." With the news that you may have to get a helmet and that you had a "syndrome," I was more upset than I would have guessed. I want to provide you with every opportunity possible and the environment necessary to allow you to reach your potential. I'm sure every parent feels the same way. 

That is where reality meets ideal. The reality is that these helmets are VERY expensive. I'm sure many parents have faced this with braces. Cosmetic issues aren't covered by insurance. Rest assured, we'll find a way to make sure your head is round, but what a dilemma. I'm going to work night and day so that money is not a limiting factor to your achieving your potential. I have a talent for selling houses, helping people buy the right home, speaking and writing, and helping people. That is what I will do to conquer any issues necessary to raise you as well as I can. 

Also, I have committed to writing a "Parenting For Dummies" book after my Seven Levels of Communication book is finished. There is no reason that preventable issues can't be prevented. How many other parents didn't know to have their child sleep in slightly different positions every night? How many are just glad the baby is sleeping and not worrying about his or her head? Where's the baby manual?! I read Parenting magazine, Baby Whisperer, and more, but no simple, quick-to-read manuals exist that I have found. Readers, if you have one, please let me know!

Max, you are making the world a better place just by your influence on me and your mom. You are already starting to make an impact and I'm proud you are my son. Together, we'll conquer the world. :)

To Your Success, 

Max's Dad (Michael)