Changes

Spring is here, and so is Spring Break!  It's been a fun two weeks spending everyday with my boy, well boys to be exact.  Jeremiah took some time off last week for us to visit his mom and dad, Nana and Big Pappy, in Illinois.  We decided to leave around Braddock's bed time in hopes he would sleep in his car seat as if it were his crib.  And he did great!  We joked that he went to bed in Texas and woke up in Illinois!  Including traveling out of Texas for the first time, Braddock has had an eventful week.  On Wednesday we woke up with his first tooth.  It seems like that tooth was a LONG time coming!  He's been a slobbery mess since the first of January.  I tried to take a picture of the tiny white bump, but each time I was attacked by a crazy tongue and the flood waters of slobber.  Yuck.

Last Friday BJ was five months old.  He's been a part of our family for five whole months.  Memories of our married life without him are starting to get fuzzy.  We are creeping into the sweet spot of babyhood, or the sweet spot for this baby at least.  He laughs at us so often now, and it seems like he is beginning to recognize that momma and daddy are special people, different from all the others.  He grins ear to ear for Jeremiah every evening when he comes home.  He's beginning to squeal with delight and grab for toys.  He can sit by himself but is still a little wobbly.  He carefully watches me eat with curiosity and interest.

 

At his two month appointment I mentioned to the doctor that I thought his head was a little flat on the right side.  She agreed and showed us some repositioning techniques to try so he wouldn't continue to sleep on the flat spot.  The fourth month appointment came and I felt it was better.  The doctor disagreed.  She referred us to a clinic in Dallas for a consultation.  After his evaluation we were told he would need a Doc Band (baby helmet) to fix his worsening condition, plagiocephaly.  Apparently, while growing in the womb he ran out of space.  When the lady explained that part to me, I wanted to sarcastically respond with, "Really?  It didn't seem tight in there for him at all."  But I didn't.  Anyway, it became difficult for him to turn his neck in utero, and he began to favor laying to one side which caused the flattening to begin.  Later, the problem was only exacerbated from sleeping on his back. We understood the situation and decided to proceed with treatment.  He got the band yesterday, and he's been gradually wearing it for longer periods throughout the day.  He isn't a fan yet.  At all.

First, he was exhausted during the long fitting appointment.

Then he tried to explain how much he did not, in fact, like white foam things on his head. 

 

Finally, he came around after a distracting, refreshing walk with mommy.

 

Today wasn't particularly fun, either.  He doesn't enjoy laying down with the band on yet, but we hear after a couple of days babies get used to it.  It's mom who is really having the hard time right now.  It's hard to see him get so hot and be uncomfortable.  But, one of these days, right around middle school he'll thank us for reshaping that noggin!

After all, we need a beautiful head to match this beautiful face.