I'm exhausted

As the title suggests, I very literally feel defeated.  Lately scrounging the energy to do day to day things is just so entirely draining. I'm not sure what is going on with me. I think, personally, I am doing to much for one person, but at the same time, I NEED to do everything. I haven't had a decent night's sleep since before I moved to the Wilmington area. I miss home. I think maybe I am home sick.  

I promised I would update on Danny and his Doc Band, so here goes nothing:

We went to the Cranial Technologies on the 29th. I'm not a fan of the 2.5 hour drive, but because I am a fan of Cranial Technologies and their attention to detail and friendly staff, I'd say the drive is well worth it. Seriously.  If you want to be given the run around, in my town, YOU WILL GET IT. If you even suspect your child may have plagiocephaly, or think their head is misshapen, do yourself a favor and make an appointment with Cranial Technologies. The first visit is completely free, they do the scan and let you know what level of severity your child's head is and if you are a candidate for the Doc Band.

They got the ball rolling.

They took care of business. The pediatrician? Run around.

The neurologist? Run around. The Clinic that initially diagnosed him? Run around.

Cranial Technologies? They took care of my son, and for that matter, they took care of me too. They don't know it, but my mental health may have gone into the happy zone for the time being. (ha ha, no really)..

So we get there and the tech puts the helmet on, then he shaves it down some places so it fits better and then he gives us sometime to check if Danny develops any redness and shaves it down some more.  He took the time to show me how to put it on and remove it and was very helpful and patient with me and my redundant questions.

I forgot his name, because, lately I forget everything.  I blame lack of sleep for the last year. 4 hours a night will do that to you.

The Doc Band pushes down one of his eyes, but we were assured this was normal.  He has to wear it 23 hours a day.  The first day we were told to take it off every 3-4 to check for redness.  Thankfully it was golden. 

VERY THANKFUL, because driving that far again to adjust it would have really been tiring and my older children might have hated me.

So every 3-4 hours I removed it, wiped the sweat out, and wiped his head off and then put it back on.

Now my routine is consistent:

Danny gets up in the morning, he eats breakfast with his bottle and I let him play on the floor.  I then remove the Doc Band and clean it with a cotton swab and alcohol. I then dry it out with the cool setting on the hair dryer.  And give Danny his bath and dry his hair really well and let him play again until he's ready to put it back on within the hour.

It's 5 days later and that think is STINKY. It's not the end of the world, putrid. It definitely has a cast smell, but it doesn't look dirty.  Sometimes it's so bad, that even after I SCRUB Danny's head, his hair STILL smells. I end up rubbing baby powder into his hair before reapplying the Doc Band and it usually helps a TON.  I'm not sure they recommend that, but I'm going with it anyway.

We did purchase some decorative vinyl to apply to it, but I need to find time to put it on.

I can tell his head is already starting to fill out. REALLY?! talk about quick results! I'm praying it continues to do it's job and that the eye thing doesn't mess up his eye.

So far, so good.

I'm not going to get into the strange comments I've gotten while out in public. Generally I just go with it. Although, I must say, my favorite was, "Hims is a clumsy baby, hims has to wear a helmet to protect his little clumsy head".  (insert OM Gosh face here).

I think bug looks adorable in his helmet, but I'm partial. ;)

Christmas Photos

As someone who does photography on the side, I have to once again admit, my own children are possibly the most difficult to photograph. Never the less, I am cheap and kept up with the tradition of doing my own photos. Again. I'm just glad my editing has gotten better over the years. I will try to take more of Danny in the hopes that he will actually look at the camera, but if not, I love these regardless. :)

I've finished my holiday shopping with out even purchasing a single thing in the stores. THANK YOU to, amazon, kohl's and toys r us. I'm just not the kind of woman that enjoys shopping in public, unless it MUST be done. Wrangling a fussy baby is not my forte.

I'm pleased with the photos. :) I only wish I had the patience to take more. (haha)...

Plagiocephaly Journey Part II

It's getting increasingly harder to find the time to actually sit at the desk top and update. I need to make time though. I find sometimes, that I am entirely overwhelmed, and being able to type on my blog makes me feel like I have a little more connection to others.  I have tried to update from an iPad, but for some reason it doesn't allow me to upload photos. So, that being said, I am going to share Danny's scans from cranial technologies in this blog.

If you read my last blog, you know a little about the long wait to get to the point we are at today. Danny will be 8 months on the 12th of December, so he's a little in the older range for correcting the plagiocephaly.

Anyway, I love that cranial technologies has been so thorough with everything.  We did finally have the CAT scan done and are STILL waiting on word of the premature closing of his sutures in the back. I will call the neurologist tomorrow since we were told we'd be contacted in a few days.  I am going to figure that since Thanksgiving was last week, that is the cause for delay.  Here are the scans from our visit earlier in November that show you the levels of severity in his particular case:

 Below: I love that Cranial Technologies emails you the report, where as when you try 

to get copies of medical documents from most places it's 

a hassle, they charge you money and it could take weeks.

Tomorrow, we head back to get his cranial Doc Band placed. They say that we will have a lengthier visit this time, because they will need to shave the helmet down if it causes any pressure marks on his head. They also want to ensure that we are comfortable in removing and re placing the helmet.  He will be wearing this 23 hours a day for four months.  The cost is not cheap at 4 thousand, but thankfully our insurance is eating the cost (as of now).

I think I may try to search later for some decals to decorate his cranial band. Cranial Technologies releases a DOC BAND babies calendar yearly, and how cool would that be for Danny to be in it? - Making lemonade out of lemons. :D

I'll update more once he actually has the helmet on how it's going. Wish him luck!

This, that and plagiocephaly

Danny is now 7 months old. He's sweet, his smile melts my heart and the fact that for the time being, he thinks I'm the best thing in the world, leaves my world a lot more desirable. At 4 months, I noticed that Danny's head had a slope. His back right head was flattened while the back left protruded.

Being the medical nerd (and over involved mom) that I am, I knew right away that it was either craniosynostosis, or some form of plagiocephaly. Craniosynostosis is premature closing of the soft spots (sutures, fontanales). This causes the skull to misshapen. Plagiocephaly, on the other hand is primarily a positional issue. Be it sleeping patterns, or position in the womb.

I mentioned it to his pediatrician who seemed to not know what I was talking about but said it would self correct. Fair enough, he has the degree.

2 months later and trying the techniques of switching sleeping sides and tons of tummy time with no improvement, I grew frustrated. So at his 6 month checkup, we demanded a referral.

After the office losing our referral several times, they finally pushed one through to a neurologist.

Only, one problem - the wait list was 3 months out and correcting either diagnosis would require early treatment for the best outcome. Suddenly I was having flashbacks to fighting with Ethan's pediatrician for his issue and reliving that stress all over. I call the pediatrician and politely express my concern with timing and ask to be sent to another location. They promise to get on it but I later found out that they missed that one too 😡

Good news came when the neurologist office calls a few days later to inform me if a cancellation on Halloween. Needless to say, I snagged it up.

The appointment was short, the neurologist said one soft spot felt as if it were closing early, but since it was still open he would avoid surgery. He went on to say that he would order a referral for a CAT scan to rule out craniosynostosis- but that he would diagnose as plagiocephaly for the time being. He said once that came back it could take months to be referred to a cranio facial specialist. MONTHS?!

Just, no. I'm a mama bear over here and that wasn't going to work.

I tried poking around plagiocephaly support groups for advice but no one seemed interested in conversation. Eventually, however, someone brought up Cranial Technologies and I decided to call. The nearest office was 2 1/2 hours out, but for our child, worth it.

The first visit was free. It included a scan and report. CT decided a DOC BAND helmet would need to be prescribed and so we hounded the pediatrician office to sign off on it. They lost that too. Stephen got annoyed and drove to the pediatrician, while the wonderful staff at CT refaxed the paperwork. In true fed up Dad fashion, he didn't leave until the paperwork was signed and sent back.

Today we wen back to CT for Danny to be fitted for his custom helmet. In two more weeks he will have it and wear it 23 hours a day for 4 months.

As of now, insurance is eating the 4 thousand dollar cost. Thank God, because I wasn't sure what we were going to do.

I should mention we have the CAT scan Thursday.

I don't feel weird about the helmet, I'm thankful it exists to correct the skull. I will have to admit, the first time I saw a baby with one, I was a young teen and wondered, "why the parents put the baby in a helmet, was he falling a lot? Were they over protective?" And, here we are...

He doesn't fall, he barely wants to crawl, but we are definitely overprotective, and he will definitely be okay when it's all over. God is so good!

Guest Bathroom Revamp

Another bathroom, another makeover.  This one was no where near as drastic as the one from my 65 rancher - (the old house), however, it just goes to show what a little paint and accessories can do to brighten things up.

First, let's take a look at the before images.  Let me apologize in advance, for the fact I used my I PHONE for the majority of the photos. I was 35 weeks pregnant when I decided I wanted to sand and paint the bathroom vanity earlier this year. To be honest, I was too lazy to break out my decent camera.

Moving along...

BEFORE: It was a beautiful blue color, but I wanted a calming neutral

 Below: There was just too much going on and it wasn't my personal taste.

I started by painting my bathroom with the left over paint that I used in my bedroom and my kitchen.  It was also a favorite of mine from my old house; Valspar's Lyndhurst Celedon Green. Depending on the lighting this color takes on various shades. The one consistency, is that it is always spa like and calming.

My next step was, replacing the shower curtain and rugs. I purchased a nice ruffle shabby chic shower curtain and rugs from Home Goods. I spent less than $30 on everything. 

 While I like the simple builder grade vanity, I really wanted something brighter. I love white furniture and cabinets, but I've never painted cabinets in my life. I was a little hesitant, even though I have done a number of furniture pieces, this was scary for me...

Below: Before, its nice, but I wanted white

Below: I used a handheld electric sander and took the sheen off the cabinets. I thought about 

using a stripping agent, but I was very pregnant and didn't feel like dealing with the fumes.

I started by priming with Zinnser Primer. I did a total of 

3 coats of primer and I waited a full 24 hours between each coat.

Below: I bought a small can of Glidden paint from Wal Mart that was only $9.

 I picked the whitest paint swatch I could find and had them tint the paint for me.

I ended up doing 2 coats of this paint with 7 days between each coat - I wanted to ensure the paint would adhere and cure properly so that I would not have a messy finished product.  I also allowed 7 days of curing before I placed the doors and drawers back on.  

I found these lovely glass knobs on eBay with hardware included for $3 a pop with free shipping. I've seen similar knobs go for up to $20 a set. I was ecstatic with my find.

The photos below were taken with my actual camera. What a difference that makes, huh?!  I absolutely love the way the new bathroom turned out. It went from a loud and busy bathroom, to a quiet and calm spa like bathroom. I'm pleased that I took the chance and trusted myself enough to do the vanity cabinet painting.  If I could do this in my last trimester of pregnancy, I think ANYONE can. It was a little time consuming, but well worth it.  Stephen even gave me the okay to paint our kitchen cabinets once Danny is a little older and I'm not having to hold him all the time. (haha).

Below: AFTER!! LOVE!!

Below: I also opted for an above toilet storage which I purchased at Wal Mart for $40 on sale.

Cost breakdown of the bathroom revamp:

Note: These items I had on hand. (What they would cost you):

- Bathroom wall paint: Valspar's Lyndhurst Celedon Green in Satin - less than half a gallon 1 coat (about $20)

- Rollers etc - $6 (cheap set from Wal Mart will do).

- Coastal accessories - Free from my old home, but the clear jar was a cookie jar form Wal Mart at $7 I placed starfish inside that you can obtain online or at any coastal shop for dirt cheap, the balls were from Cracker Barrel and cost $4 each

- Above toilet storage - $40

Totals: $ 77

Cabinet Cost:

- Sander - FREE I have this

- Zinnser Primer - $20 with plenty leftover

- Good Paint Brush - $13

- Foam brushes (for sides) $4 for a big bag at Wal Mart

- Glidden paint - $9

- Cabinet pulls $12 for all 4

Total Cabinet Revamp Costs:  $55 (and I have leftover materials for future projects)

Totals For Entire Revamp: $132

I would love to see your DIY cabinet renovations, dear readers! Please feel free to share them with me in the comments :)

Living Room Makeover on a Budget

 When Stephen and I moved in together, the house was yellow. A very ugly yellow. My old house was yellow also (by my own doing). I adored the perfect neutral gray I had painted my old house so much, that I decided I would also paint the new house with the same color. It really opened the room up and it was looking amazing before long. That was back in June of 2015. Last month, after I had finished my tables on a budget, I decided it was time for me to give Rooms to Go in the Wilmington area a shot. I despised the Fayetteville store, but wanted something with great financing, and so I headed that way.  I fell in love with the Lucan Cashmere sofa set.  I also decided, I wanted the oversized chair and ottoman. Then I fell in love with this gorgeous shag rug, so I added that to my bill as well. All in all my furniture came to $2100. Not bad for new furniture at all.  My financing broke it down to an affordable $38 a month for the next 5 years.  I used my DIY Pottery Barn Knock Off mirror that I did a few years back, along with my DIY coat hanger paper wreath and hung it above the love seat. I absolutely LOVE my new living room. Let's take a look, shall we:

BELOW: These were one of the only few before photos I had:

 BEFORE:

BELOW: Waiting on the new furniture to arrive:

BELOW: The new furniture, the rug was another week out..

BELOW: I was so excited when the huge shag rug got here, that I struggled to lay it out.  Let me tell you, this is ONE HEAVY rug. I absolutely LOVE IT! I would recommend it to anyone it's literally so gorgeous in person!

BELOW: Confession - I didn't want to pay $100 for a pad, so I used the old rug, it's seriously so comfy!

BELOW: With the DIY table I did and the DIY mirror and wreath I made

BELOW: DIY craigslist dresser I re did a few years ago is my entertainment center

So, let's do a little cost break down:

* Wall paint and supplies:  Valspar, Oatlands Subtle Taupe, Satin  $25

*  Furniture and Rug $2100 (finances for $37 a month making it super affordable)

* DIY Pottery Ban knock off mirror $30 (as opposed to $699 from Pottery Barn)

* Craigslist refurbished dresser: $35

* Book page wreath - FREE (a coat hanger and book pages)

* Side tables $100

* Coffee table $60

* Stain and clear coat $24 or less

Total Cost of Entire Room Reno:  $2374 

This look could have easily cost a ton more if you purchased the DIY items at full retail. I am absolutely in love with it, but I do plan to take better photos later.  Lately I have only had time to use my I phone. I plan to do some DIY picture frames above the sofa as well.

Enjoy your week, dear readers!