Hello Friends,
Since the last time I met with you we have made a new little friend. Our friend the helmet is now a member of our family. The first few days was quite a transition but now it is like he has been here all along. Here is a little of our journey over the last few weeks.
Day One – We meet our friend for the first time.
My husband was away on business and so that left me alone for most of day one. I was lucky enough to have a long time friend come along with me to the doctor for the pick up. When we walked into the office there was another little girl smiling away in her Daddy’s arms. I was so relieved when I heard she too had just got her helmet. She was so happy that it put my heart at ease. Soon after the doctor brought Jackson’s helmet over and started the fitting process. My first reaction was that it didnt look too bad. Jackson tolerated it really well. We were advised to keep it on a few minutes and then check for areas where it may be rubbing. We did this several times over the next few hours. By the time we left the helmet was a perfect fit. I went to put Jackson in the car for the drive home and realized his head barely fit in his car seat. He had to hold his head one direction but he didnt mind as he slept all the way. When we arrived home I said good-bye to my friend and made my way inside. I could not stop looking at my little Jackson. Just trying to process it all. Bath time rolled around and it was my first time taking off his helmet. It was a bit trickier than I imagined. Once I got it off I looked at him and all at once I exploded in tears. You know the kind of cry that makes it hard to breathe. Seeing him with the helmet all day and then taking it off that first time made me realize how real it all was. For the next six months this is how my little boy would look. It was all too much to think about. I never expected that reaction but I will say it was much better by day 2.
That first night was incredibly tough. Jackson was exhausted and as I layed him down in his crib the first time he wimpered. I gave him my hand to hold and he fell asleep holding my hand. He slept for the first few hours but then woke up every hour and then even every 15 minutes. He just wanted to lay on my chest to sleep. It was a very long night.
Day Two – I think I can.
All the emotion and the exhaustion from not sleeping on day one left day two pretty bare. Jackson kept pulling on his helmet all while trying to figure out his new friend. He didn’ nap all day. He was cranky and it was tough without the help and support of my husband. We had our first outing to the store. I was so exhausted and not quite sure I could handle the reactions of the public to his helmet. As I was walking into the store, the sweetest lady struck up a conversation with me. We talked all about our kids, when they would leave to go to college… a woman I had never met became the best friend I needed to get into that store. People stared but with her by my side it didnt matter. She was definetly my angel. The day ended with a phone call to my dear friend telling her that I didnt think I could do it. That I thought I might just take the helmet off so we could both get some sleep. She encouraged me to hang in there. That Jackson had to be sleepy enough to sleep and if I stopped now I would have to start all over tomorrow. So I did. I kept the helmet on. He slept all night. Phew. I was so glad that I had stayed strong.
Day Three – Week Three
By day three Jackson had slept and we were all getting adjusted. He played happily and every once in a while would reach up and feel the helmet. Every day got better and better. Now he is so used to it. I have to say the CUTEST part is when we take it off for his one hour a day. I always give him a little massage on his head and he makes the sweetest faces. Closes his eyes and just enjoys every second. The stares can be the hardest part. People are just curious and I completely understand that. But it is so obvious. People point, follow us, and even do complete circles to stare as we walk by. My husband joked the other day that he is going to start waving at everyone in a happy way! Just so the realize that we can see them! I told him to just pretend you are looking really great today and everyone just has to see you! The best part. It is only week three and we can see a HUGE difference already! It is working beautifully. So blessed.
Here is a snapshot of Jackson sporting his helmet!
Thanks for coming along on our journey. Next time I will have to show you how much progress he is making!
XO
SN
