The Blue Helmet

Today was the BIG day! Nolan received his helmet to help correct the "flat spot" on the left side of his head.  We left home a little early, so we could go to The Loop and grab something to eat.  Bill and I decided on Fitz's restaurant.  An ice cold root beer sounded great!!

The boys trying to figure out what to order.

After we finished our lunch, we zipped on over to the Orthotic & Prosthetic Lab. The doctor placed the helmet on Nolan's head for the first time and Nolan didn't mind at all!!  The doctor made a few marks on the helmet, so he knew where to make adjustments.  After one time of adjusting the helmet, it fit perfectly!

The doctor went over a list of instructions with us on how to take care of the helmet, directions on when Nolan has to wear the helmet, and how to keep Nolan comfortable for the first couple of days.  The visit only took about twenty minutes and then we were out the door with a new man on our hands! 

 Leaving the Lab

 On our way back home....

I know Nolan only has to wear his helmet for a few months and he doesn't have any major health issue, but it really makes a parent defensive when others stare at your child.  As we were leaving the hospital, little kids would  stare at Nolan and adults would smile and have looks on their faces as if to say, "I'm Sorry."  I wanted to look at them and say, "He only has a flat spot, so what's the big deal?"  I am a very defensive person when it comes to someone I love.  I'm sure no one meant any harm in their looks, but it really makes one think twice about the looks he/she gives parents of children with disabilities.

For the first day, Nolan only has to wear the helmet for a total of 3 times for an hour each time.  The second day, 3 times for 2 hours each time.  The third day, 3 times with 3 hours each time and a nap should be taken with the helmet on.  On the fourth day, Nolan needs to wear the helmet 20 hours a day with half hour breaks throughout the day because it is so hot outside, and he will sleep in his helmet every night.  This will continue to be our normal schedule until we go back to the doctor and he says, Nolan no longer needs to wear the helmet.  Our first check up is in a couple of weeks and once a month after the initial post op visit.

Nolan is all smiles and laughs, exactly like he always has!  It makes it a lot easier to know Nolan is comfortable while wearing the helmet.  We are still deciding on how to decorate the helmet.  Bill being the minimalist he is, doesn't want to decorate.  I think we should at least put his name on it.  I played around with my photo editor to see what different fonts look good, so the picture with his name was edited; no stickers as of yet!!

 Front

 Left Side

 Back

 Right Side

Happy Baby

Here is a little video I made to prove Nolan is happy as a lark in his helmet.