mixed bag

We went to see the neurosurgeon today. How often do you consult with someone with an engineering degree from MIT and a MD from Harvard? Even with all that education he still found Isaac challenging to diagnose. So, he didn't.
He said the shape of Isaac's head suggests hydrocephalus. He went on to say there were also signs indicating he doesn't have hydrocephalus. For example, based on Isaac's development/ coordination he appears to have 'a good brain'. He also said the MRI shows his brain to be healthy and not under pressure. He has room in his brain and between his brain and his skull. Based on all of this information, his best guess is Isaac doesn't have hydrocephalus (just a large, oddly shaped head) and we will soon see his head growth plateau and rejoin the normal curve. In the case he is retaining fluid, we should see steep head growth over the next few months. So, we'll be visiting our new pediatrician once a month to have his head measured. Our new pediatrician happens to be the pediatrician of the neurosurgeon's children.
It seems we continue to be in good hands.

lucky me

Sometimes, as Isaac's medical mystery swirls around me, I feel sorry for myself. It's not pleasant but it's true. On other days, I realize how very lucky I am to live in a country with great health care, to have an awesome partner, and to have a happy little boy.

Today is one of those lucky days. In the last week we've learned that a good friend has breast cancer and a colleague lost her partner in a car accident just last night.
So, today I'm holding what I have close and saying lucky me.
I hope you are all lucky too.

MRI: Update Two

Well. Inconclusive is the word of choice. Isaac's MRI is inconclusive when it comes to deciding whether or not he's got too much fluid. The good news is we don't have an obvious problem on our hands. The bad news is it's not over yet. We are heading to a neurosurgeon who will look at the MRI and help us figure out how to proceed. Dr. John has recommended a conservative neurosurgeon who will only recommend surgery if he thinks it's absolutely necessary. Surgery would mean a shunt to drain the extra fluid away from his brain. It appears the fluid has not caused any problems so far because Isaac's meeting milestones and is a pretty happy fellow. So, no real news just yet, but we'll keep you posted along the way.

MRI: Update One

Baby I had his MRI today and is now sleeping off his 'sedation hangover' in his own bed with his puppy dog and bear.
He was a trooper. The tale goes like this:
They had a hard time finding a vein through his chub. Eventually they found a vein and got him all set up. The anesthesiologist was a bit late. When they went to administer the sedative we found that his catheter had slipped out. They hunted for another vein, but to no avail. By then Baby I hadn't eaten for a good twelve hours and was hysterical. They finally decided to give him an oral sedative which took awhile to kick in but when it did they were able to get the pictures they wanted. We're glad this step is over and are grateful for the support we've received. We'll get the results early next week. In the meantime, we're looking forward to a sunny weekend with Grandma and Grandpa.

MRI: Take Two

Baby I did not have an MRI today. We fed him too close to the scheduled sedation and so, armed with the correct information about feeding, we rescheduled for tomorrow morning. We've received sooo many caring phone calls and notes. We really appreciate your thoughts and will carry them with us through tomorrow.
But today, instead of an MRI, Baby I got a new book and a trip to the zoo. A happy accident and a better day then we bargained for.
Until tomorrow...

teeth, mush, spoon, messy

Isaac is getting teeth numbers five and six. He wants to eat mushy foods again. He also wants to be in charge of the spoon. The result is a little bit messy.


Here Isaac is doing his version of the sign for more. And while you're at it, check out the way he crosses his feet. I call it the leprechaun pose.

ready or not, here they come

don't be alarmed...

If your phone rings and all you hear is giggling and heavy breathing on the other end of the line, it's probably just Isaac. He's been a fan of cell phones for awhile, but now he's figured out how to open them, press buttons, and hold the phone like he's ready to make and take calls. He tried to call his Indiana grandma tonight but lost reception. Just so you know, you could be next.

up the stairs and into the bath

Our guy hasn't shown a lot of interest in the stairs. I think this is a blessing. But the other night I set his ball on the step in front of him and he followed it all the way to the top.

Dad acted as spotter along the way.

Here is a picture from last night's bath. The fountain springing from his belly is the detachable shower sprayer. He happily sprayed himself in the face a number of times and sprayed his dad a few times too.

April 16th

Isaac had his last appointment with Dr. John today. Dr. John is moving into a director's position at the clinic and has personally chosen and contacted a doctor at a clinic closer to our home to take over Isaac's care.
The synopsis of today's visit is Isaac is doing really well. He's growing, still hanging out in the tenth percentile, and his development is on track. What's still of some concern is the size and growth of his head. Dr. John has a hunch we've got a fine little guy who happens to have a big head - but it's time to check out this hunch.
So, on April 16th little Isaac is getting an MRI. He has to 'go under' for the procedure and that's the part that scares me. Please keep our family, and especially little Isaac, in your thoughts as the 16th gets closer. We'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

boy eats cheese

That's about as exciting as it gets around here, but grandma wanted pictures.

Boy eats cheese.

Boy sees best friend (notice the top of dog's furry head in the foreground). Boy does the double point.

Mom implores boy, "Don't feed the dog! YOU eat it." By the look on his face, what do you think boy's about to do?


Yep. Boy feeds dog, and laughs, and laughs, and laughs!