No...I haven't lost my mind...these four, tiny, pieces of what looks like foam is the equivalent of a small car! (That insurance WILL NOT cover!)
Yesterday was our first time trying them out...I could write a whole post, just about that! But the pictures will speak for themselves!!
Hmmm...Savannah not sure what to think, but figures it is a new, beautiful hat and that she is STYLIN with the latest fashion!
Ethan, very curious...but being very laid back, didn't pay it much attention. (My good friend, Liz, came along for the day's festivities! I bet she went home and CRASHED!)
Here's where we get to the fun part...Drew...HATED IT! He hates anything in his face or people messing with his head. He is my independent baby. Poor thing cried and cried and cried. My eyes welled up while I was holding him, just trying to calm him down. (It got better)
And Ben...sheesh....he's doing much better now!
Everytime I look at them, I'm reminded of "Magneto" from the X-Men!
It will take a few days for the babies to get used to them. After that, they won't even know something is on their head. People swear by these bands...and I have to keep reminding myself of that...because the first day (and from what I understand, the next couple of days) are going to be torture. I feel like a terrible mom, but I KNOW that one day, my kids will thank me for the most beautiful, rounded, perfect little heads imagineable! ;)
You can read up on the bands at http://www.cranialtech.com/
Our poor babies had soft, underdeveloped skulls (being born at 30 weeks)..and were smushed in my womb (just not enough room!) which are two of the biggest contributing factors! It could cause major damage down the road, if we didn't fix them now! (cranio-facial surgery, depth-perception problems, etc.) But because they are so young and we are addressing the issue so soon, they will only have to wear these for about 4 to 6 weeks! woo hoo!
Yes, We are going to paint them and put their names on them. Joe has already begged me to do the boys bands in maroon...I replied with an emphatic "NO"...but the verdict is still out! All I know is that Savannah's will have "Princess Savannah"...probably in crystals...Gotta priss up, missy prissy's!
53 comments:
I have been reading your blog for a long time and have never posted!
Your children are so adorable!!
I just wanted to let you know that my oldest had to wear a helmet for several months and after first couple of days, he acted like he never noticed it. He was decorated with the Alphabet/Animals. It was nice to because it kept him from bumping his head as he was crawling around.
Our insurance wouldn't pay for it either!
Hope that won't have to be in them too long.
Thanks for sharing you life with all of us!!
April
Suz and Joe--
Wow--I can't imagine what huge differences these will make. They will be worth 10 cars by the time it's all over I'm sure. I'm praying that over the next few days God will provide you and the quads with the strength and peace you need to make the hurdle:) Can't wait to see the decorated bands!!
God's Peace,
Megann, Birmingham, AL
My daughter wore the Doc Band this past summer as well through Cranial Tech in Dallas. Our therapist was Amy! Everything went so smoothly and we got it off early!! She got hers on later at 8 months though, so we had it a total of 10 weeks since she was older when she got it. I had the same feelings you did about being terrible, we tossed the decision around and went back & forth...and now, we're so happy we went for it! Her flattening was only slight so we were on the fence about getting it. Those "terrible mom" feelings you have now won't even exist once the bands are adjusted to and you see progress...and especially when the bands come off! I had those same feelings, ESPECIALLY during the casting appt, I was so emotional. She didn't like one bit of that!!
I think this is the first time that I have commented and I have no experience with tht bands but I would do anything to help my girls so I can understand you using the bands! I would try to fight the insurance company, then again I am not sure when you could even find the time!
Just wanted to let you know I am praying for you and your family!
Riley in TN
My little guy wore one of these (born at 35 weeks) his head was flat on the back and my family said i needed to talk to a doctor about this...I did and I swear when we would go in public people would call me abusive and stare and my own family had a hard time holding him...but after all was said and done he is beautiful because of the helmet...it was a good decision!
Hi, Triplet mommy here...all 3 of mine wore helmets. Do your babies get early intervention services from your county? If so you should look into them to cover the helmet. Mine did cover but we didn't have to use them.
Good Luck, and you have beautiful children.
Jessica
Chase, Ava and Landon 2years
I hope your fight with insurance goes well! If not, God will provide!
Here's to a quick adjustment for all four of them!
I think they look stunning! :) I know they hate them now, but they will thank you later! You guys are fabulous parents for making this sacrifice!
I already told you how much I loved our helmet. It makes a world of difference the rest of their lives. My little one adjusted really quickly, less than a day. I had a harder time than she did (missed that sweet baby soft head). Keep fighting your insurance, you will win.
I think you guys are doing what any good parents would do. Even if insurance won't help you out. I'll be praying for your babies to adjust smoothly.
God Bless!
I'd say that's "4 wheel drive" right there! Wow, only 4 to 6 weeks? Such a short time to make a world of difference! And what a memorable "piece" of their babyhood for later to show them how small their heads once were. ;) Can't wait to see the finished product...although, how do you have time?
THanks for always being so encouraging! I have been following your blog since I was on bedrest with my twins... I was die one week after you were due but had them on Sept 13th. One of mine - my princess - might have to have one too..
Again- thanks for your blog. You are really a great Christian witness - one with a real voice. It is a pleasure to share in your adventure!
Lisa from Phoenix
leggebrecht@cox.net
My friend's son wore one, but he didn't get it until he was closer to 7 months and then had to wear it for 10 weeks or longer. She told me that people said the craziest things to her when they would see him wearing it in public. Some thought he was a head banger and needed it to protect his head, others thought his skull was exposed or something else equally as crazy. I hope you don't get any weird comments. You're doing the best thing for your kids and they will get so used to it, they will forget they're even wearing them. I hope you get the insurance part worked out. That stinks.
Your babies are looking so grown up now! They definitely look cute in their little bands!
Ethan looks like a little man now! I'm sure the other two boys do too, but they seemed a little preoccupied when picture time rolled around. :) Good luck with the treatment and excellent idea for Savannah's - you've have to make it girly!
I'd love to know why insurance will not cover something so essential? That is horrible! All four of the babies are lucky to have such a wonderful Mommy and Daddy.
Bless their little hearts. I hope they get used to them soon and that everything goes as it should. I know you all are doing what's best for them....and later you will be glad you did. :-)
They are so sweet and precious.
Yes - Savannah's definitely needs some bling! I am sure you will think of something creative for the boys! I have been clicking on your Adsense so I hope it is helping to pay for the new "ride". :)
They look so cute, even with the helmets on they are CUTE CUTE CUTE!
Love, Love, Love that Savannah is the Princess!!!! I am all about the pink...and don't even get me started on the bows! Love Sav big bows!
Can't wait to see their decorated helmets! Praying for a fast transition with them getting used to 'em!
My son is wearing a cranial molding helmet. He just got his last week, and though the first couple of days were hard, he's great now. But watch out for the stink! He didn't have plagio, he had craniosynistosis (required surgery) and his helmet is a full helmet.
You'll be in my thought as you go through it x4!
Kierstyn (friend of Charla)
I can't wait to see the bands all decorated - especially Miss Priss!
Great job! They all look fabulous! It seemed quick from your first post about the bands, to the delivery and demonstration post. The 4-6 week duration will seem like nothing when you look back to it down the road. I am so happy for you guys!
Wow! 4-6 weeks isn't long at all! Not bad!! And like you said, they will thank you for it later. And really, they won't even remember having to wear them much less hating them at first.
I think it's great that you did this for your babies! ....The things we do out of love for our children, right?! :)
I hope everything goes better for you and the babies with the headband adjustment...I can't wait to see them all decorated!! And, you have made such a wise choice to do it so early so that it prevents so many problems later and reduces the amount of time they have to wear them. You and JOe are wonderful parents!
I can not wait to see how you decorate them! Savannah's definetly has to have lots of priss to it!! I bet Joe gets his way with the Maroon!!LOL!!
Deanna
Those pics are definitely for the baby books...love the facial expressions and screaming:) You all are awesome and I'm so happy that everyone is doing well. Can you attach a tiara to Princess Sav's?
I posted earlier, but thought I'd comment again...we never got any strange comments in public. Our experience really was smooth and wonderful!!
They're growing like crazy, Suz! I can't believe this is the same bunch o' babies I saw just a few weeks ago!
You and Joe are doing a fantastic job. Just like with Savannah's brace, the reflux meds, etc. I know all six of you will make it through this stage together! Decorating them will definitely make it fun and memorable, too. Keaton and Kendall both had leg casts at about 13-15 months, and we have the cutest, funniest photos of them with their decked-out casts (his was stars and stripes for July, hers was girly flowers) that they LOVE to look at now. I wonder if they make scrapbook stickers for this occasion? :) ~ Tamie
I forgot to add that I'm clicking like crazy for you. Hope the new car is paid for very soon!
Can't wait to see them all decked out! Good luck with the adjustment time!
i would love to see before and after pictures....
Suz,
From one quad mom to another... you guys are doing an AMAZING job!
They will be out of those "stylin hats" before you know it!
XOXO
Gen
Good for you for doing what is best for your babies. I can't wait to see them all decorated. the crystals are a brilliant idea for Miss Savannah's little hat, love it!
Can't wait to see how cute their little helmets will be once you decorate them! Keep hounding the insurance company...and I'll keep praying that you will get approval. Just remember that God will always provide for those who have given unto him.
My friend's son had to wear the helmet for about 6 weeks as well and it worked great. Hang in there she said it got better. They decorated his like a baylor football helmet. They go to a lot of the games. Just an idea for the boys since you guys are such big aggie fans.
Gig 'Em Ags! Get maroon on all those sweet boys!!
hang in there. i know it's hard to watch your kids cry but i'm sure they'll be used to them in no time. and you know you're doing the right thing. they look so cute in them if that makes it any better.
In eleven or twelve years these beautiful four will have braces on their teeth. You will feel like a meanie then too, but you will do it because it needs to be done. Making these corrections so they will have a better life is part of your job as a parent. Keep up the good work!
Natalie
4-6 weeks will fly by. I would do it in a heart beat if I needed to.
You are doing the right thing in my opinion. Also, I was cracking up at the XMen comment. That is too funny.
Mom's always know best for their kiddos! I would have done it in a heart beat if my two would have needed it! They will look back and thank you!!! Best looking car I've seen in a looong time! :)
I haven't been on your site in awhile. I have heard alot of great things about cranial bands and I was working at Children's when the Ibrahim's came through (the conjoined twins that were on Oprah all the time :) Anyway, I know they wore them and they really raised awareness for those things. They will thank you for their heads in the future :) I loved your comments about your friend's FT baby. You and Joe will be forever turning heads when you see newborns and say "OMG Your baby is HUGE!" :)
HI:
Your babies are beautiful. I don't have quads, but I have 2 sets of twins. My youngest were beorn at 31weeks. Can I ask, do your babies has Craniosynostosis? Or something similar? My youngest have cranio and have both undergone the 7 hour cranio vault repair when they were 9 and 10 months old.
BTW, you and your husband look wonderful for having 4 babies!
Cindy
Hey! Thanks for the comment on my blog.
I am so glad that you guys caught it early! I totally think it's a crime that insuarnce doesn't pay for the bands. What a crock!
I know a lot of insurance companies think the cranio surgery is "cosmetic", and not needed. Luckily, my insurance company wasn't one of them.
I love reading your blog.... Thanks for sharing your family with everyone!!
Our twins just graduated from their doc bands and the results were great. We decorated them with stickers & rub on transfers and covered it with mod podge and that worked really well and made them less medical. To get it off us goo gone, rubbing alcohol, and mr clean magic erasers work great!
Your kids are beautiful!
Suz - fight your insurance! They're supposed to cover it because the bands are for medical, not cosmetic reasons. I had to fight insurance also - 2 of my triplets needed these.
My ped was a big help doing so - I suggest you talk to him about it! You can get these covered!
p.s. - love the picture of Ethan! He's too cute in it!
As an expectant mother of twins i had to share this if you weren't aware of it... It's filled with Free Samples.
http://www.shoppingcartcoverstore.com/freestufftwinsusa.html
I've been following your blog since the beginning of your pregnancy. I am a mother of twins and found your blog through Harding alum. Anyway, my nephew had to wear the bands and their insurance turned them down also. My sister-in-law fought it and kept being turned down. Finally she filed a complaint with the Texas Board of Insurance and finally the insurance company paid for them. Just in case you want to try. Not that you have a lot of spare times on your hands. ha ha
Good luck and they will adjust to them.
Cristy
you certainly don't leave a lot of room for the lord to do any work. baby einstein and headbands... our babes were born week 26, heads all slightly odd, and without helmets they've turned out perfect. of course, it's up to you who to trust.
this sounds a little cynical, i'm generally loving your blog and reading about the quads, especially i love those video clips, reminds me of ours when they were little, but i just had to give you that little piece of my mind. feel free to ignore me ;)
Found your blog through a family friends' blog a few months ago...have loved reading about your family...you and your husband are truly blessed! I have 3 boys (9,8 and 2)and would do whatever I had to do for them...I don't have a medical background (like you do...which has to be a blessing AND a curse sometimes for you! :))...but have a mom who is a nurse and cousins who are doctors who I consult on everything before I even consult my own ped...I say a lot of prayers and do a lot of research...as I am sure you do daily! :) I'm assuming you didn't come by your decision lightly - and the end result will be so beneficial for the children! You ALWAYS need to go with your "mommy instincts"...which the Lord has given us all!! I also agree with everyone telling you to fight your insurance...although I'm guessing it will end up being long and outdrawn and you don't exactly have spare time to pursue that right now....AND one last thing...for what's it worth...BABY EINSTEIN is awesome...LOL...Do I think it's the reason my older two kids began reading at 3??? Probably not.....but still awesome...the music is so soothing...not just for the kids, but for us moms as well!!!!! Keep up the good work with those precious babies...they grow up way too fast and you will have four 10 year olds before you know it! (Our oldest will be 10 in 3 months and I could have sworn he was just born yesterday!) PS ~ Do you get credit every time we log onto your blog or if we actually click on the ads? I've logged on twice a day the last 2 days and clicked on each ad just to be sure.... :) I check every day to see if you had a spare second to blog (and not surprised if you didn't) so I figure I'll just start checking twice a day and click the ads...how much do you actually get? Shoot, I'll log in more than twice a day if you get so much for however many hits...Take care, A reader from Ohio (Who use to live in Texas many moons ago!) :)
ha, I love thinking of Savannah's name in crystals! That would be so girly and so her!
Hope the kiddos are adjusting to them okay by now. They are so cute it hurts!
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