tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10641069588712946952024-03-04T19:59:35.476-08:00Finley's Brachycephaly JourneyMy name is Sarah, mother of two sons: Jack 3 and Finley. Finley was one on 24th January 2007 has been diagnosed with severe brachycephaly (a widening of the skull with a flat back of head) This blog is here to create awareness of his condition and for us to keep a record of his progress.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-16482440774146696692010-07-09T10:20:00.000-07:002010-07-12T11:32:04.095-07:00A theory about why it happenedThere has been some developments in my own health. I've been diagnosed with MS. I'm actually fine, all symptoms that I had preceding diagnosis have gone and I think I'm a bit in denial.<br /><br />As a bit of a net nerd I've been researching it like hell. I discovered that MS patients usually have a vitamin D deficiency (Northern hemisphere countries like Scotland and Canada have a much higher prevelance of MS due to less availibilty to quality sunlight)<br /><br />I discovered that I have a deficiency in Vitamin D and in my research on this I came across a website that showed the signs of Vitamin D deficiency in children and babies.<br /><br /><ul><li>SOFT SKULL is a sign of deficiency. Also, rickets which is not relevant in Finley's case.</li><li>Growth issues in height more than weight. This is not relevant for Finley but he is not tall.</li><li>Late arrival of baby teeth is a sign of deficiency. Finley had his first tooth at fifteen and half months and his canines didn't appear til nearly 3.</li><li>Late walking (bone development). Finley didn't start walking until he was 14 months. (not too late but not early)</li><li>Increased infections especially respiratory. Finley had countless chest infections in his first two years. On one occasion he was hospitalised.</li></ul><p>For me this is too much of a coincidence. I'm figuring that I was probably Vitamin D deficient when I was carrying him and passed the deficiency onto him. Pregnant mothers who are D deficient cannot supply Vitamin D to their unborn child.</p><p>I googled Vitamin D and plagiocephaly and found other mothers who have been told there children maybe Vitamin D deficient and their children have mishapen heads.</p><p>MS is not genetic but MS is more prelevant in families. What if their mother was Vit D deficient throughout all the pregnancies? Which would account for siblings being more at risk if one has MS.</p><p>I'm supplementing myself with a high dose. I'm hoping it's not too late for me to maybe see a continued remission. But for my son, I'm getting him tested - if he is deficient I'll get my other boy done too. </p><p>I would love to hear what you visitors think about my theory!!</p><p>Will post again when I get Finley's blood test results.</p><p></p><p></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-49482774327358817112009-10-12T09:20:00.000-07:002009-10-12T09:40:34.022-07:00Pictures, 18 months on<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlbDj-4N1wjj2-q_ADSxUais1KRfG_5ZGyrrXePBMDn4aZRXkhnATTmBCACgCohS84mzQ00AYGQtU99Q9Zn6jZsGuGZEkfd8y84tFIe3lHd30q82ruS9NEOBskqI2sjCXRAoXMCZWVo0/s1600-h/fin+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391749412978309346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlbDj-4N1wjj2-q_ADSxUais1KRfG_5ZGyrrXePBMDn4aZRXkhnATTmBCACgCohS84mzQ00AYGQtU99Q9Zn6jZsGuGZEkfd8y84tFIe3lHd30q82ruS9NEOBskqI2sjCXRAoXMCZWVo0/s320/fin+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFkk0-Xv60CKSlJxBAXmMUScJLA7tRsbIbvkD6N_gHhPh4Vlt7iuJZb1qCPGb5HKixlloqInoefXj5kd4V_fuEuRq21OuOoMit4qbdRIwqi9HNPGCdYnPNCddFJyJPQXaeKjdeNVUqLk/s1600-h/P1000271+-+Copy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391749705042761202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFkk0-Xv60CKSlJxBAXmMUScJLA7tRsbIbvkD6N_gHhPh4Vlt7iuJZb1qCPGb5HKixlloqInoefXj5kd4V_fuEuRq21OuOoMit4qbdRIwqi9HNPGCdYnPNCddFJyJPQXaeKjdeNVUqLk/s320/P1000271+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIk5_S8jQNgJmdC1B5YAD-S-fbY_9rTxUfWxL7hgxvyb5NkZEjpZmtG-CdiYR2KCjSlhd0viC68DF4lMyq5WaUohVbvKqdxwiJSOjfZ71xKCpiHIzTSh3immS26XtRJ_9YWlSVOQROo8/s1600-h/P1000144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391750337454467746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIk5_S8jQNgJmdC1B5YAD-S-fbY_9rTxUfWxL7hgxvyb5NkZEjpZmtG-CdiYR2KCjSlhd0viC68DF4lMyq5WaUohVbvKqdxwiJSOjfZ71xKCpiHIzTSh3immS26XtRJ_9YWlSVOQROo8/s320/P1000144.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtv9V4HB8xUSBweGZ9b3urEHhqYwx207ptlDLZTLq6pQoPnIIEeb66lu26Bh73fjrhY9YAGQ3wRJlW76BR5-I7nR4qxNwionPQPf6Wwo7DicpCV_-cuJvW9IzQNn-7zYmpHVaZZs9KhOs/s1600-h/fin+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391749276043255106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtv9V4HB8xUSBweGZ9b3urEHhqYwx207ptlDLZTLq6pQoPnIIEeb66lu26Bh73fjrhY9YAGQ3wRJlW76BR5-I7nR4qxNwionPQPf6Wwo7DicpCV_-cuJvW9IzQNn-7zYmpHVaZZs9KhOs/s320/fin+1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Interesting, top and back look odd still but front and sides are great in my opinion. Like I say, seeing him day to day it's not something I notice. Although his cycle helmet is still an adults one as his head is as wide as mine!!</div></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-91152470676256486052009-10-11T13:49:00.000-07:002009-10-12T09:07:17.673-07:0018 months onI've been meaning to update my blog to where we are today with Finley. I'm going to add some pictures when I get a chance.<br /><br />Its important for all would be helmeters to see and hear what has happened to Finley in the time after we stopped treatment. Remember that Finley was over 1 year old when we started. I was looking for reassurance that it would've made a difference to start so late.<br /><br />I think that there has been a marked change for the better in his head shape as time has gone on. Whether that is because I'm getting used to it being the shape it is, or with his hair sytle it makes it look better I don't know. Its difficult to tell on a day to day basis. That's why pictures are important and I'll post them up soon. A friend who I don't often see said only last week, she was amazed at the improvement in his head shape which was encouraging.<br /><br />My gut feel is that it was probably not effective to have had treatment. It was such a hard thing to decide to do and such a horrible thing to have to go through but, knowing what I know now, I would not have gone through with it. If we had caught it earlier when growth was more rapid we may have had a more successful conclusion but that was not what happened so we will never know.<br /><br />It is my opinion that parents must consider the severity of the head shape before embarking on treatment which has been so controversial with the NHS advice.<br /><br />Next time I pass Kingston I'm planning to pop in and hope to get some new measurements. It will be interesting for us but also useful for this blog.<br /><br />Thanks to you all for your lovely comments. Good luck to anyone who reads this blog hoping to find some answers. I really hope that I've helped you in some small way.<br /><br />Watch this space for more photos and when I get round to it, some updated measurements.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-27799271500847791562008-01-09T12:19:00.000-08:002008-01-09T12:39:40.829-08:00Final Figures and PicturesFinley had his final measurements on 3rd January.<br /><br />His head had only grown 1mm in width and 1mm front to back since the last measurements in October. With such little growth I am so pleased we decided to stop when we did.<br /><br />Finley's final severity percentage is 97% which for some would be where they would start. I was quite disappointed with these results but today the before and after pictures arrived in the post and we are now quite pleased with the results! I can see how much progress we have made. Finley has lost the point to his head and you can really see the difference.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153575882497227618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 403px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="255" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5X5YEJGAljvYwTBO8V4ApybS1bKcUr_VYrXIUp6YMDQgut-i8eVNz2oyXOB0M_wE0SJF6iDVnngvChHscD7dF_IyVmfJSXnNnCmrSYjTto0_GjRzCfmOg7iXD80_Ee3CxreXg4Hd9UA/s400/fin+head+pics+compressed.jpg" width="412" border="0" />I think the last picure above really shows how much his head has changed. Here are the before and after scan pictures:</p><br /><br /><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153576333468793714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL81uu7D6l46K6PV8jloDw_b_J-Rh2gFVuToBL4NCsQHaNKgyuTjZCFlBCJWRyzzKQoNyylk6gW7eRzZh3bL-odqUQxAqhe6TEvMSbvDN4eVzQ4tk8PYsSY3_2_SZ12DMfq5_SJPjq7bs/s400/fin+scan+compressed.jpg" border="0" />Interestingly and unbeknown to LOC we stopped putting the helmet on Finley during the day from the end of July. I am pleased to see that it did not have any detrimental effect to the figures and his head has only grown out 1 mm in the last 6 weeks when he has been completely helmetless. </p><p>I am hoping that in about 6 months I can ask LOC to remeasure Finley's head to see what natural change is made. I would've found this useful and maybe anyone who comes across this blog may find it useful too.</p><p>So there you have it. Here is all the information you may need to see an example of the results of helmet treatment on an older baby. I hope some of you have and will find the journey diary useful when considering what to do with your own children. </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-36976549720576077112007-12-06T05:10:00.000-08:002007-12-06T05:16:58.030-08:00Deciding to stopAfter our last review Finley had a series of illnesses including a chest infection with high temperature. I just couldn't face putting it on him when he was ill even when his temperature went back to normal. So we have stopped. We have a review on 3rd January to rescan for the final results so we will see whether the hand measurements were accurate and if there has been any change since we stopped.<br /><br />I dont feel we achieved much of a result. I guess that's why some providers refuse to helmet older babies. The results are often not worth the money or time for the paying customer.<br /><br />Will report back in January with final figures.<br /><br />Merry Christmas to all Finley's blog readers!!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-27681834326434539992007-10-19T07:35:00.000-07:002007-10-19T07:42:13.122-07:00Decided to keep goingWell we had another review yesterday. According to the measurements there was a further 2mm at the back which now shows a percentage severity of 97.45%. I got the impression that Saeed thought we should stop but that it was our decision. I figure that if we've got room and we've paid our money we may as well get the most out of it. I think, compared to others, we've got our money's worth out of LOC but I am not sure we have the results!<br /><br />I think we should continue until he outgrows the helmet.<br /><br />In the waiting room at LOC Finley came across another little boy with the exact same design helmet. They came face to face and stared at each other in disbelief for a few seconds. Quite amusing.<br /><br />Next review in 6 weeks. 29th NovemberSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-61767303437282536922007-09-25T13:19:00.000-07:002007-09-25T13:36:29.830-07:00Some picturesHere are some pictures I took tonight while Finley was in the bath. Such a darling sweet thing. I'm so thankful he is a happy healthy boy after all we went through ante-nataley (for those of you who don't know, we were only given a 5% chance of having a normal baby after a very high nuchal fold measurement at 12 weeks) but I do think we have failed him head shape wise. I don't think its improved that much at all.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgTUSlVWYQuZDbuM-Ulc6ZEMM1l5SNZXOiHt2-V_ZujBS8Roop5DvOsVaaFQc3tjG8X6ry7AyZFeSDwymGuEYVOcH40ZN1a0xWbOHrkhdRniTUy3faaDfuBi22s9BQUiwMn0NZufmZ8o/s1600-h/DSC02388.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114240956818158674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgTUSlVWYQuZDbuM-Ulc6ZEMM1l5SNZXOiHt2-V_ZujBS8Roop5DvOsVaaFQc3tjG8X6ry7AyZFeSDwymGuEYVOcH40ZN1a0xWbOHrkhdRniTUy3faaDfuBi22s9BQUiwMn0NZufmZ8o/s320/DSC02388.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Excuse the snot - what a cherub!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmLb5wfUVWovom6M7Fh3ZEuMBzWUAE6R-D2hyphenhyphenrlRZbAm1OvMQaGwzEJl6sDyHs8XIYelyrtNCePwcGFa5ZUH2MtUqrJINLSGHxfS6zutcKInWfL7ebJOVahqJV9zOSY26mwblV-3PUQE/s1600-h/DSC02395.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114240278213325890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmLb5wfUVWovom6M7Fh3ZEuMBzWUAE6R-D2hyphenhyphenrlRZbAm1OvMQaGwzEJl6sDyHs8XIYelyrtNCePwcGFa5ZUH2MtUqrJINLSGHxfS6zutcKInWfL7ebJOVahqJV9zOSY26mwblV-3PUQE/s320/DSC02395.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnAKzlsyKSgWEwOcEKKApdYqbk0VwXdMfI5wGcUywDfhWqp2GctD1h6qFkYgRrqCfJqQKgKM8nLg9NWaQhfB3MH7hpXZDPT8Wf7PS2Q1HAet53uh3BD_LXZ-hZARfWpiFFvDKMtTqkvk/s1600-h/DSC02403.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114240011925353522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnAKzlsyKSgWEwOcEKKApdYqbk0VwXdMfI5wGcUywDfhWqp2GctD1h6qFkYgRrqCfJqQKgKM8nLg9NWaQhfB3MH7hpXZDPT8Wf7PS2Q1HAet53uh3BD_LXZ-hZARfWpiFFvDKMtTqkvk/s320/DSC02403.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-24202643747882347592007-09-10T03:45:00.000-07:002007-09-10T03:45:10.262-07:00No change againAlthough Fin's head circumference has increased by 2 mm there was no change to the width and depth measurements. So he remains at 98.7%. Saeed said there was very little movement left in the skull. He said we should continue on for another 6 weeks and if there is no change then we might have to make the decision to stop. So our next appointment is on 18th October.<br /><br />My feel is that if there is room in the helmet we should carry on. But we'll see what happens in OctoberSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-74283709640942696532007-08-03T06:21:00.000-07:002007-08-05T01:31:38.770-07:00Small ChangeJust a 1mm growth at the back this time brings severity down to 98.7%. Slowly but surely....<br /><br />Saeed said he could see more growth very low down at the base of Fin's neck which the calipers wouldnt catch. He said there was a marked difference from last time. He sees so many heads in a month I'mnot quite sure how he would remember them all, sometimes I think he is trying to humour me. He made some adjustments at the base of the helmet to ensure the new growth would not be obstructed.<br /><br />Fin was unwell yesterday and didnt sleep with his hat on. We were worried about him getting a fever as he has a chest infection and is on anti-biotics.<br /><br />Next appointment 7th September.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-21588983556455062302007-06-28T11:34:00.000-07:002007-06-28T03:34:24.059-07:00No ChangeUp again at LOC yesterday and for the first time there was no change. Saeed reckons the sutures are closing and I cannot feel the fontanelle on the top of his head anymore. This means that while we could still see progress it's going to be very slow. Fin does not seem to be bothered by the hat at all so we are going to carry on for a while longer. There is still plenty of room at the back of the helmet to allow for further growth. Appointments have been changed to leave a longer gap in between.<br /><br />Our next appointment is now 1st August in 5 weeks time.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-26060644784533148272007-06-07T04:08:00.000-07:002007-06-07T04:40:51.890-07:00More growthWe have cause for celebration as now Finley's head is below 100% severity. There has been another 2 mm growth at the back which makes the percentage 99.35%. This is 9mm growth in all. I can see that at the bottom of the neck there is now a slight curve out whereas before it was just flat from the neck right up to the top. I've added a picture at the side.<br /><br />Here are the stats:<br /><br />Age months 16.5<br />Head Circumference (cm) 50.1<br />Head Width mm 153<br />Head Depth mm 154<br />Severity 99.35%<br /><br />I asked Saeed about going to night wear only. I think with the warm weather coming Finley is really going to suffer. Even in these milder days his head is really sweating. His growth is so slow I can't see it would make much difference. Saeed said the head is growing all the time, day and night and we would only get half the benefit. We will persevere but I'm going to be really disturbed if I see him suffering with the heat.<br /><br />Next review in 3 weeks time.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-30401973184728020392007-05-16T13:07:00.000-07:002007-05-16T05:09:20.368-07:00Another 2mm at the backAnother LOC visit today. Finley has grown a further 2 mm at the back although no increase in head circumference. This is a 7mm growth at the back in total which we are really pleased about. His severity percentage is now 100.66% . I think we may have to celebrate when he gets below 100% and his head becomes longer in depth to its width!<br /><br />Here are the stats:<br /><br />Age months 15.75<br />Head Circumference (cm) 50.1<br />Head Width mm 153<br />Head Depth mm 152<br />Severity 100.66%<br /><br />Friends who see Fin helmetless have been able to see the difference. Someone said we should stop because it looks normal which is great. I am still extremely critical of it. I think the length of his hair is exactly right to disguise it. When it is wet in the bath it is still really flat.<br /><br />Next review is in 3 weeks on 6th June.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-3080688684626791112007-05-04T20:38:00.000-07:002007-05-04T12:39:42.771-07:00A fine example of successful repositioningBelow are some pictures of Eli whose Mum, Jessica, has kindly let me use to show how repositioning CAN work. I think the results are spectacular in such a short space of time (7 weeks). Congratulations Jessica and Eli, all your hard work has been rewarded.<br /><br /><div align="center">Here he is at 18 weeks</div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4Nwp9XAdBhmk4obpeEKmpYkuS4y_h7_4b8bD7Z6GdUxUVRfanqtY69XpsG0wYQXlWJvKjkvGz1SX3xs8MbXwm14CNqPxHt9HdJUxh82IWlIIr8WaPFaCF9LC5zHBEFC0SXqbVEK376k/s1600-h/Eli+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060788688673360354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4Nwp9XAdBhmk4obpeEKmpYkuS4y_h7_4b8bD7Z6GdUxUVRfanqtY69XpsG0wYQXlWJvKjkvGz1SX3xs8MbXwm14CNqPxHt9HdJUxh82IWlIIr8WaPFaCF9LC5zHBEFC0SXqbVEK376k/s320/Eli+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><div align="center">Here he is again at 25 weeks</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUQxeOjE_I6wCSr-hEz4Aj0d2Z8qLPKgcHGSNCUMnyb1uGTZh1RLPEHhcqHAq9TMkQf3XWyIu_z0YPBYqUM3mw2C2yuB1TPGukwnfJoUww0NXKt6933AhkHAA8DIg2UaVkWZxE47g0G8/s1600-h/Eli+25+weeks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060789143939893746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUQxeOjE_I6wCSr-hEz4Aj0d2Z8qLPKgcHGSNCUMnyb1uGTZh1RLPEHhcqHAq9TMkQf3XWyIu_z0YPBYqUM3mw2C2yuB1TPGukwnfJoUww0NXKt6933AhkHAA8DIg2UaVkWZxE47g0G8/s320/Eli+25+weeks.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br />Jessica is using several techniques: A sleep positioner at night, head supports for the car seat, bouncer, highchair, swing and playmat as well as a bumbo, exersaucer and jumperoo. She also tries to hold Eli as much as possible.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-77539984547772204182007-05-03T18:00:00.000-07:002007-05-04T12:16:26.504-07:00FINALLY a tooth!!!After 15 and half months Finley's bottom two teeth are finally growing through. We can see the top ones through the top of the gum as well so I don't think they will be far behind. Thank goodness - Hopefully mealtimes can take a little less time now!!!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-31832885138959522342007-05-02T12:13:00.000-07:002007-05-04T12:40:55.213-07:00Visit to the Doctors<div align="justify">We went to the Doctors today on an unrelated matter. The GP gave us a bit of a funny look when we walked in. After talking about why we were there the GP said "And the helmet is to stop him hurting his head?" I was a bit shocked that she had no idea what it was for, but when I told her she was really interested. She made notes and said that she wasn't aware that this treatment was available and that she will be updating the other GPs in the surgery about it. I took off the helmet and showed her the back of Finley's head and also the inside of the helmet where we were expecting the growth. I was glad to be able to show her an example of one that didn't grow out. Perhaps they will change what they say to concerned parents.</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-52522393214135032412007-04-25T20:29:00.000-07:002007-05-04T12:59:05.787-07:00More great results!!<div>We were up at LOC today and to my surprise there was another 2 mm measured at the back and quizically a 1mm reduction at the sides (?) making a new severity percentage of 102%. I was convinced there was not going to be a change so this has really cheered me up today.<br /><br />Here are the statistics:<br /><br />Age months 15<br />Head Circumference (cm) 50.1<br />Head Width mm 153<br />Head Depth mm 150<br />Severity 102.00% </div><br /><br />A few pictures for the record taken today:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060797068154554882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XvmxduogFFpd7CgIJ6QMJA-IL4acQcsQ7LcewjrSng0AoSfMPhXfEym7QApM852JIyDGB7VSizsq6BO1UzCCyrvrpaLNkLyj8pTXOBN7kVBtRnhovWa1rp6IpvQtqq982cOPACfxPRU/s320/25042007.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060797072449522194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-HRJqxI0VjR9WB58AJaLBAwysff7qEVBHw6mTAHk6-VyKlq4hk6ssknDnqZeWvv-v5ktv2iSR8242ViXJ9Dqk3LM-iYJp3Obc9zcq5s3rvxguPBQBYroy5AuaWvsODHZf9mK0t87AE0/s320/250420072.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060797076744489506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ3kSrCaqaXJ4pSuC5dJKSV7M_M-Fl2Bsp-tImmXuxybQfTqT4F19iIkZ9QYn5AN51pV8_bFBDMPUG_3eyrl8MUbDu__we6C5wGvNFJa22DCISBVbukBtMHVOdop3nJq_c5KEa_oqNso/s320/250420073.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div></div>Next review in 3 weeks on16th May. </div><br /><div></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-67064690538409375042007-04-24T12:30:00.000-07:002007-04-24T04:25:38.991-07:00Finley's singing<p><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TY87oyxGz_E" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed><br /><br />He can't walk, talk and he has no teeth but he can hum a tune!! Or "da" a tune should I say.</p><p>Do we have a gifted child? Is it 12345, once I caught a fish alive this week and Beethoven's 5th next???<br /></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-68585850611391334062007-04-24T12:17:00.000-07:002007-04-24T04:19:08.191-07:00Another review tomorrowWe are up at LOC again tomorrow - I don't think there will be any change as I measured his head with a tape measure and it is still only around 50 cm. <br /><br />We've had a couple of issues. We have had great weather here, lots of lovely warm sunny spring days. Finley's head got a bit pink where there is a gap in the helmet. Normally we would have put a sun hat on him but this is just impossible. I'm spraying factor 30 on the exposed part of his head and rubbing it in his hair. Not ideal.<br /><br />Finley has had a helmet free 24 hours due to temperature and sickness. I think he has had more trouble sleeping without it actually!<br /><br />I dont know how anyone can get used to it. I hate it already. I cannot kiss or stroke Finley when he needs consoling and I really miss that. In the lovely weather it just seems a bit cruel for him to sweating underneath it. He gets quite a lot of attention but most people think that I am some over protective mother who doesnt want him to bash his head on anything.<br /><br />I've been lurking on an American message board for older kids with this problem It seems that children older than 2 can be fitted with a helmet, albeit after a long struggle with health professionals. Then they just wear it at night. I would love that to be the case with Fin. I cant see them agreeing to this at LOC though - Peter thinks we would only get 50% of the benefit.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-27089355774889186352007-04-04T16:05:00.000-07:002007-04-04T08:08:00.104-07:00LOC review - progress at last.We had an LOC review today and Finley's head has grown 2mm ALL AT THE BACK!! Hurray we have some progress at last. Saeed said that the growth normally starts at the bottom of the neck and rises and his calipers may not catch the growth that is right at the bottom. I was pretty sure there would be a change as you can see it.<br /><br />Here are the stats:<br /><br />Age months 14.5<br />Head Circumference (cm) 50.1<br />Head Width mm 154<br />Head Depth mm 148<br />Severity 104.05%<br /><br />So everything is moving in the right direction - we've just got to keep going now.<br />It's not really a problem for us, Finley sleeps through the night in it and with his walking and climbing antics I actually feel he is safer with it on. When we take it off for cleaning there always seems to be an incident and his head ends up with some kind of bruise on it!<br /><br />Next review at LOC is in 3 weeks time on 25th April.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-77191769767627071682007-04-04T07:56:00.001-07:002007-04-04T08:08:59.092-07:00Video of Finley walkingIf you want to see Finley's first steps please scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click the arrow to play. Oh and also his new trick - clapping hands!!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-26367641820743378672007-03-29T20:31:00.000-07:002007-03-29T12:35:08.428-07:00DepressingWe are going away this weekend and are going to do a lot of cycling. Finley will be on the back of Peter's bike in Jack's old bike chair. I was pondering on whether Finley's helmet would protect him. I think not, the helmet is not designed for crashes. So I dug out Jack's old first helmet. Not a chance, it didnt fit around the sides, so then I tried his 8 year old sister's hat, oh my god - this just about fits and looks absolutely ridiculous it's so huge on his head. <br /><br />I cried this afternoon - this has been the first practical thing that has given us problems. Up until now its just been what he looks like.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-25325285848109718292007-03-27T21:52:00.000-07:002007-03-27T13:56:41.904-07:00Finley's first stepsFinley took his first steps today at our music group, he has been balancing on his feet for a while now but not putting one foot in front of the other until today. <br /><br />Helmet is going really well, he is sleeping beautifully in it and I am so happy that it appears to be a better fit. I took it off the other day when we had friends round and they said they can already see a difference. We thought so too but were wondering whether it was just our imagination.<br /><br />I'm really pleased - I've had my first comment on this blog!! Thanks Jessica from Seattle.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-89795593459132411802007-03-23T09:50:00.000-07:002007-03-23T02:50:29.470-07:00First OvernightFinley had his first overnight with helmet last night. Usually I need to settle him a couple of times before he drops off in the evening but he went out like a light first time! Then he slept all the way through until 6am. <br /><br />What a darling little boy we have!!!!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-5867960700723446532007-03-21T19:25:00.000-07:002007-03-21T12:26:40.941-07:00Feeling positiveWent up to LOC this morning. Fin had worn his hat for 4 hours by the time we got in to see Saeed. It was weird because after the lipstick test (putting red lipstick on the sore patch and the putting helmet on shows the exact place it is rubbing inside) it didnt show up as rubbing anywhere, just a little tiny bit at the bottom. <br /><br />Saeed made some adjustments and said to put it on once the redness had gone down later today. I put it on for the afternoon 1.30-5.30. When it came off it was looking really good - still a bit red but a much smaller area than usual. So tomorrow's plan is on all day with a quick check half way through to make sure its not going horribly wrong then first overnight tomorrow night if all goes well during the day.<br /><br />Finley is becoming a bit of a climber: He has worked out how to climb on the sofa and from there up the back to the windowsill behind - of course no idea about how to get down. I have had to put cushions under the sofa seat to make it too high for him to climb onto. But the worst - he climbed out of the bath yesterday, I had my back turned for a few seconds and looked round just in time to see his head hit the floor. He's ok but there were lots of tears. Peter reckons he won't do it again!!<br /><br />I think with all these antics its probably safer that he does wear something to protect his head.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1064106958871294695.post-9515290585299521222007-03-20T11:48:00.000-07:002007-03-20T04:50:04.469-07:00Pictures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpz_UOHjGKh6IRSA1MYpHONXJ5lmUnqhdjcj9i1NKos6d57ORbL1ZbgOD3kdiIygBFXYroEkNfrQy4Dy7tbrk7rfQYPoDNa21tviWazKDuzh1SQ2RSafv3-HtvnTbfb-Tn0rr6hK2iuA/s1600-h/2007_0320mar0026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043970583814219778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpz_UOHjGKh6IRSA1MYpHONXJ5lmUnqhdjcj9i1NKos6d57ORbL1ZbgOD3kdiIygBFXYroEkNfrQy4Dy7tbrk7rfQYPoDNa21tviWazKDuzh1SQ2RSafv3-HtvnTbfb-Tn0rr6hK2iuA/s320/2007_0320mar0026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My new haircut!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CttkimGf9GZiLgjTtI9JOZMhJ_vNNOwhlqTjDtHpGIhe2bjlWXMvLUKvFD4qX0yrApqW8OesE1HkuJBcUdC1dB3U_AykYJ_DnKLBJtlN5ms2PkUxenQ5VsoBfyR8rKPN4THtuM1BmQc/s1600-h/2007_0320mar0028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043970583814219794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CttkimGf9GZiLgjTtI9JOZMhJ_vNNOwhlqTjDtHpGIhe2bjlWXMvLUKvFD4qX0yrApqW8OesE1HkuJBcUdC1dB3U_AykYJ_DnKLBJtlN5ms2PkUxenQ5VsoBfyR8rKPN4THtuM1BmQc/s320/2007_0320mar0028.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The dreaded sore patch - this is after 12 hours off overnight<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkhnALWb9jWBRM7V6gx9ffmnMJtFRDdklZA7i7yiyCdia_L1AC4BYifxHCL-2PyeQnzgsCU_vkAHPZLZfoUOxqa7I2izitM9j2JeYjiIscrq6_jnERCZHiLIhLt18Kf5XTqUhskyxJmM/s1600-h/2007_0320mar0047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043970588109187106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkhnALWb9jWBRM7V6gx9ffmnMJtFRDdklZA7i7yiyCdia_L1AC4BYifxHCL-2PyeQnzgsCU_vkAHPZLZfoUOxqa7I2izitM9j2JeYjiIscrq6_jnERCZHiLIhLt18Kf5XTqUhskyxJmM/s320/2007_0320mar0047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My head shape - no change since the last pictures although I think it doesn't look so bad with my hair short.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01787084769262663275noreply@blogger.com0