My little helmet-head

Wyatt was born with torticollis, a condition of tightened neck muscles from his in utero position. This tightening of neck muscles causes him to have a right head tilt and also not to be able to turn his head all the way to his left. Due to this, he developed a flat spot on the side of his head, because when he lies down, he lies on that one side, causing his skull to grow in other places and creating a flat spot. Yes, we did and do ample tummy time, it turns out that babies born with torticollis are likely to develop this flattening because of the amount of they now spend on their backs for sleeping. While sleeping on their back has greatly reduced death from SIDS, it has also increased the kiddos with flat spots like Wyatt's.

I mentioned Wyatt's "oddly-shaped" head to his pediatrician at his 4 month appointment and she recommended we visit Cranial Technologies to see if he's a candidate for a cranial band ( like a helmet you may have seen on babies). It turns out he definitely is a candidate with how severe his torticollis and flat spot are, so beginning next Monday, my sweet Wyatt will be a "helmet head" for a while. I was very anxious when I first learned he may need to do this, I felt guilty of doing something wrong to my baby boy, and nervous about him needing this corrective helmet. Now that we've been in twice to the Cranial Tech place, my guilt has subsided (some) as I now know it isn't something I did or did not do. I'm feeling still a little nervous about the process, but very hopeful that Wyatt will only wear it for a short time and that it will benefit him. If we were to not treat, it could be something that affects his facial alignment, which could then cAuse inner ear problems (affecting balance etc) and even airway compression making it difficult for him to breathe. So, if you were wondering, it's not simply cosmetic-if it were just looks, I don't know that we would change anything as he's perfect, flat spot and all. But knowing this could be something that impacts his health, we are glad to be able to help him. Next week, look forward to a picture of the cutest baby you've ever seen in a helmet!!! Until then, here's some pictures of him at the doc waiting for his photo shoot to measure his precious head....

Just one kid this weekend...

Zanna is visiting Mimi this weekend in Dallas for some good spoiling! They're going to go see the Little Mermaid play at her school and z has been telling everyone about it for weeks! I hope it lives up to her expectations. While she's gone, cam and I are trying to work in our jungle of a backyard so we can plant grass. I spent the better part of this morning moving the homemade irrigation system (huge bricks and PVC pipe) so Cam could use his new favorite toy, the tiller, to till up the earth. This project is LONG overdue, and if you have ever seen what passes as a backyard at our house, you know I'm not kidding when I say it's a DUMP! I can't wait to have grass and a playscape back there! I secretly wish we could be on one of those backyard transformation shows... It's definitely ugly enough to qualify :)
Anywho, the point of this blog was to say we only have Wyatt this weekend and its interesting noticing that he misses his sister. He is usually surrounded by the noises of a busy little girl, and typically pretty content to let her do the noise-making. Without her here, he's finding his voice :) he's been talking up a storm and then when it's too quiet, he looks around like " wait, where's my sister?!" It's pretty cute! I enjoyed getting to dote only on him this morning the way I used to with Zanna. We had some good giggles while he played on his mat this morning.. He even called Elmo (or maybe Zanna). I miss my punkin but know she's having a ball soaking up the undivided attention of her Mimi!!

Sibling love

Today, when I picked Wy up from school, he was SO excited to see Zanna-she walked into the room, and he lit up with a huge smile!!! I love to see them interact, and as I was putting stuff into the car, I happened to catch this amazing moment of love...I just LOVE these pictures!

Rolling!!

Wyatt had started rolling!!! :) I keep trying to catch a video or picture of him doing so, but I haven't been fast enough.... But, here's what he looked like just after self-propelling from tummy to back in his crib the other day.... He still doesn't do it very often, but its so cute when he does it!!! :)

Playtime!

Wednesday mornings are officially my favorite. We have Lift (church dinner) and Stephen ministry training till 9 on Wednesday nights, so the kids and I take time Wednesday morning to just play together. Today, we walked down to the park and "drove" to California to see Zannas new house, drove to Dallas to see Mimi, and to Florida to visit Mickey. Then, we went swinging after all of our travels.... I love being a part of Zannas imaginative play! And Wyatt loved swinging so that was a treat to have him enjoying the park too!

Fancy Nancy goes tricycle riding

Tonight we went on a family walk after dinner. Just before leaving, Zanna decided she just HAD to wear her fanciest church dress for this walk (with her sneakers). She also was insistent that she carry her sparkle-pink purse which housed her all-important princess phone. Cam and I couldnt contain our laughter when while riding down the sidewalk, Zanna declared "oh, Cinderella's calling" and dug her pink phone out of her purse and proceeded to continue down the sidewalk while talking with Cinderella. I quickly threw Cam my phone and had him jog up in front of her to catch a picture. We'll teach her not to talk and ride another day... Today, it was just cute!

Four month pictures and stats!

Wy had his four month "birthday" yesterday, and we went in for his check-up. He continues to fill out and now weighs 14 lbs 9 oz and is 26.75" long (which is the 95%, so he takes after his tall granddaddies!
He is such a sweet pumpkin and did beautifully at his appointment. Here are pics of him on his four-month birthday.,.and of course some of his doting sister!