Immunization shots and pre-op paperwork done

Two Month Immunization and Check-up Appointment

On Thursday last week, we visited Dr. Feierstein's (pediatrician) office for Elias' two month appointment. He weighed 12 lbs 8 oz. He got his immunization shots and is hitting all the developmental milestones for his age. Dr. F wasn't concerned about Elias' development.

We were able to take a little time to talk a little about the surgery and expectations of it during Elias' appointment. Dr. F mentioned that Sean and I should talk about who will take care of Nathan while Elias is having surgery as the hospital is not fun for 3 year olds. Fortunately and frankly God's perfect timing, Nathan will be hanging out with my parents and nephews for the week that Elias is having surgery. For the second year in a row, my parents are braving the chaos of having 3 children under 5 camping in a trailer. Nathan has been looking forward to this trip for a long time. Almost every time we call Grandma and Grandpa, Nathan asks when is he going camping with them. He is so excited to go as he has already started to pack his toys that he wants to bring camping!

Before Pictures

I thought I would include a couple of "before" pictures of Elias for those that don't see him very often. I tried to capture the length of head for you. Once you see him in person, it is more obvious.

Side view of Elias' head. The forehead is starting to protrude. If we didn't have the surgery, the forehead would continue to grow. Right now, Elias' cheeks are chubby so the proportion of his head is not as obvious in the picture.

Top view of Elias' head. His head is long and narrow. 

2 month old picture. He is bigger than his bear.

Schedule

Our schedule is getting busier as we approach the surgery date. Here is what we have coming up in the next several weeks.

• June 13th - Eye Exam. I believe this is to check for pain. No one has explained how they can figure out if Elias is in pain by looking into his eyes but they can. 
• June 13th - Star Scan (I was wrong about what this is. It is not an MRI. It is a scan of the exterior of his head. The scan is used for helmet fitting.)
• June 19th - MRI Scan. The MRI is done to help the doctors during surgery.
• June 21st - Anesthesiologist Appointment
• June 25th - Surgery. No time set.

We are waiting to hear from the genetics department as well as child development department. These appointments are not as urgent which may be the reason we haven't heard from them yet.