Visit to the ENT

On Thursday, May 21st we took Owen to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist at Children's Hospital. Right around 6 months of age he developed an ear infection and it has been a lingering problem ever since. We tried 4 antibiotics before we were able to get the infection to clear and then the fluid still didn't drain...it was only a matter of time before he would get another infection...and of course, he did.

At the appointment, the first thing Owen did was a hearing test. He sat in a booth with Daddy while they played various sounds and watched for Owen's reaction. The results of the test showed that Owen has some hearing difficulty, mostly with the extreme high and low pitch sounds(anything in between was a bit better).

The ENT doctor had 2 options for Owen... 1. Wait and see if this is something he will grow out of OR 2. tubes. We chose the latter. Tubes should allow his ears to drain, preventing infections and improving his hearing. These will be great results...the only thing now is for us to wait...the first opening wasn't until July.

Crawling

Finally...we've caught some good action on camera! Check out Owen's cool moves :)

MOA - Trip #2

Owen made his second trip to the Mall of America on Sunday, May 3rd. We watched his uncle Mike compete with his "battle bots" (robots).

The arena they fight in...a view from 2nd floor.

Owen & Daddy

Owen & Mommy

Brushing Teeth

We're starting him early...He still doesn't have any teeth!

Our trip to Children’s Specialty Center

Just over a week ago (at one of our multiple check-ups for an on-going ear infection) Owen’s pediatrician suggested that we seek the advice of a Craniofacial Specialist. She had noticed that Owen’s anterior fontanel (soft spot on the top of his head) had closed up significantly since his 6 month wellness exam. In addition to this area closing, there was minor concern with the rear right of his head still being a bit flattened. (Once the fontanel closes, there is not much more for “re-shaping” of the head.) All of this she told us was more of a precautionary and more for us all to get peace of mind…and, I quote, “nothing to lose sleep over.”

Referred to a specialist? Nothing to lose sleep over? I immediately enrolled in the “University of Google”…otherwise known as researching on the Internet. How much could I learn in the 8 days until our appointment…WAY TOO MUCH! :)

Our appointment finally came, and we made our trek to Minneapolis…just a short 45 minute drive really…but it’s fun going to the “big city.” Let me start off by saying…so as not to hold anyone in suspense…the appointment was a HUGE relief.
The doctors walked in…not just 1 or 2…but 5 people entered our room…nurse practitioner, nurse, surgeon, and 2 physical therapists. While the nurses and surgeon talked to me about Owen’s history and development the physical therapists were checking Owen’s neck to see if he favored one side or if there were any neck issues causing him to constantly look one way. Results = GREAT! (Could this be our trips to the chiropractor? Not sure, but I’m happy none the less.) Whew…down to 3 staff in the room. Next, the 3 of them each felt the top of Owen’s head in great detail. They were looking for “ridges”…ridges can result from the fontanel closing too early…and if they exist, we would be looking at surgery. Results = NO ridges! They explained to us that the time frame for the fontanel to close is a bell curve, and that Owen is in the small percentage of babies where their fontanel closes early without a negative outcome. The last part of the exam was in checking the shape of his head and measuring the diameter. They check 2 basic measurements…right front to left rear and left front to right rear. As you know, in a perfect circle these would be the same…Owen had a 1cm difference. This is a borderline measurement for the doctors to recommend a helmet [for shaping]. They explained that the baseline they use is 1.2cm…and told us that they did not expect to see such a difference when measuring Owen. When you look at him straight on or more at eye level, you would never really notice the flatness or difference…birds-eye view is a different story. The decision has been left up to us…wow…how do you make such a decision? Well…2 more staff enter the room…these are the “helmet” specialists. The NP and surgeon both said, “If this were my child, I would not do the helmet in this case.” That said, we have decided to opt to go without the helmet and hope his head rounds out a bit more…but if not…it’s okay. He’s perfect to us! :)

Baptism Day

What an exciting weekend...Owen turned 8 months old on Saturday and was Baptized on Sunday.

The service was wonderful and we feel blessed that many of our family and friends were able to attend. After the service, we had a luncheon back at our house. It was a very busy day and Owen seemed to enjoy every moment.

Here is a picture of us and Owen's Godparents (Dave & Jen Veldhuizen and Mike Rhode).

Owen's 1st Easter