Helmet or no helmet!?

Ethan and Dakota - best of pals...

(I started this post a couple of days ago, but midway through my post Ethan woke up, so I am finishing it today). 

Just an update from us - since I am off today and Ethan is sleeping. I have plenty of other things that I should be doing right now - but I enjoy posting on here and updating (mostly for myself) on my sweet baby boy. :) 

Well, today we went to The University of Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Center to get another opinion on Ethan's flat side of his head. Our original primary care physician didn't think that we needed to worry about it. However, at the last appointment our regular doctor was out on maternity leave, and the covering doctor mentioned that we might want to look into a helmet for Ethan. I immediately disregarded the advice - as I didn't want Ethan wearing a helmet! However, the more James and I thought about it - we decided we would go and see the specialist and see what his opinion was. 

So, today was the day. After some measurements and talking with the dr, we decided to wait. The doctor seemed to think that Ethan's head WILL correct itself on its own. A helmet would speed up the process - but I figure if it probably will get better on its own - then why do the helmet? If we did decide to get the helmet, they recommend wearing it for 23 hours a day for 3-4 months! That sounds like torture to me! They do say that the babies get used to wearing it - but I am not sure if I want to get used to seeing him in a helmet for the next four months. :) 

So, we decided to come back in 3 - 4 weeks and have his head measured again. We will see if his head is improving any on its own. Let's hope! 

On another note, Ethan finally seems to be feeling better! His cough is almost gone and we are not longer doing breathing treatments. Hip Hip Hooray! He is a very happy boy! He is still on antibiotics from his last ear infection, but it seems that he is feeling better....so I am hoping that his ear infection is gone.

I have been trying to teach Ethan how to kiss his Momma. He hasn't been doing it back, but today he seemed to be trying. However, instead of kissing he was BITING my chin! He sure thought it was funny - but it actually was hurting! I guess I better be careful what I am encouraging him to do. :) 

Lately Ethan has been making the "Mamamama" sound. I don't think he is referring to me, but it is fun to hear him say. ;) James is trying to work on Dada with him. ;)

That is about it from us! Until next time...a couple quick clips...

7 months (almost) and still sick!

Here is the Valentines that Ethan "made" for Mommy and Daddy with the help of his teachers at school. :) So cute!

Here, Ethan is reading his Elmo book WITH elmo. Apparently, I was interrupting. ;o) 

Well, our little trooper has been through a lot of sickness this past month. In my last post (last month) he had just gotten RSV. Unfortunately he has been dealing with the after effects of that for the past month...and we still aren't out of the water, yet. He has had ear infection after ear infection and a terrible cough that just isn't going away. We went back to the doctors again today to find out that his ear is infected again and he also has an  eye infection. So, back on another round of antiobiotics...will it ever end? The doctor didn't seem too concerned and made it sound like this happens a lot with little ones. They get that fluid in their ears and then it easily becomes infected. I am just looking forward to a healthy baby. Maybe in the spring?

Otherwise, he is still pretty happy. He is now doing a great job of sitting up on his own and still trying to figure out the scooting thing. He loves when Mommy and Daddy make all of those crazy barking, mooing, clucking, monkey (etc) sounds. So, it sounds like a zoo in here most of the time. He seems to love daycare and is in a little routine of taking two short naps while he is there and then coming home for a longer afternoon/evening nap. Then, we play, play, play until bedtime. 

I took his 7 month pictures a couple of days early since we are off today. I just bought him a Lion's Jersey. So his 7 month picture theme is football. ;)

More Professional PIctures - 6 months