We've been having lots of fun on our Italian adventure but we have also been dealing with some medical issues with sweet baby James. Short story, he has craniosynostosis and needs reconstructive surgery on his skull and we are doing it in the states. It's pretty major but not uncommon.
Long story: Ever since his birth we have noticed a bony ridge down the middle of his forehead and we have brought this up repeatedly with doctors. At first we were just told to keep an eye on it because it could be a sign that the sutures in his skull have fused too early. As time went on and we saw different doctors as we were bouncing all over from CA, to UT, to Italy, no one seemed concerned- but me. finally at his 6 month appointment the doctor really listened and looked him over. He told us we would have to get a CT scan and referred us out to an Italian hospital. That was quite the experience in itself. Basically we were at this crazy falling apart hospital for 7 hours for a 30 second procedure. James had to go 8 hours without food and sleep. He was so tired and hungry but he showed just how tough he is. We found out that his skull had fused but it took them a month to get back to us to tell us that for sure he needed surgery. The surgery is needed for 2 purposes: to open the skull back up to allow for brain growth, and for cosmetic purposes. If the surgery is not done, there could be developmental delays and disabilities and painful pressure on the brain. Cosmetically speaking, James has a triangle shaped head. He sure makes it look cute though.
We have been trying to get the surgery done in the states so we can be close to family and so that James (and Charlie) will be well taken care of. We found out Friday night Feb 28th that we had approval to come to the states and then I was on a plane the following Wednesday early in the morning. And yes, I had to fly with the two kids by myself across the world. Miraculously the boys were great. So, life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately.
This is all quite daunting, but we have felt a lot of peace about it too. I met with the surgeons today (Andrew is still out of the country but will be here just in time for the surgery) and know that James will be in good hands. I have been avoiding thinking too much about the surgery because it breaks my heart knowing what James will have to go through. Even reading all the success stories freaks me out a little bit. Hearing all about blood transfusions, eyes swelling shut... is rough. James has his surgery early next week so we will definitely take all the prayers we can. Thank you all for your love and support!
Long story: Ever since his birth we have noticed a bony ridge down the middle of his forehead and we have brought this up repeatedly with doctors. At first we were just told to keep an eye on it because it could be a sign that the sutures in his skull have fused too early. As time went on and we saw different doctors as we were bouncing all over from CA, to UT, to Italy, no one seemed concerned- but me. finally at his 6 month appointment the doctor really listened and looked him over. He told us we would have to get a CT scan and referred us out to an Italian hospital. That was quite the experience in itself. Basically we were at this crazy falling apart hospital for 7 hours for a 30 second procedure. James had to go 8 hours without food and sleep. He was so tired and hungry but he showed just how tough he is. We found out that his skull had fused but it took them a month to get back to us to tell us that for sure he needed surgery. The surgery is needed for 2 purposes: to open the skull back up to allow for brain growth, and for cosmetic purposes. If the surgery is not done, there could be developmental delays and disabilities and painful pressure on the brain. Cosmetically speaking, James has a triangle shaped head. He sure makes it look cute though.
We have been trying to get the surgery done in the states so we can be close to family and so that James (and Charlie) will be well taken care of. We found out Friday night Feb 28th that we had approval to come to the states and then I was on a plane the following Wednesday early in the morning. And yes, I had to fly with the two kids by myself across the world. Miraculously the boys were great. So, life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately.
This is all quite daunting, but we have felt a lot of peace about it too. I met with the surgeons today (Andrew is still out of the country but will be here just in time for the surgery) and know that James will be in good hands. I have been avoiding thinking too much about the surgery because it breaks my heart knowing what James will have to go through. Even reading all the success stories freaks me out a little bit. Hearing all about blood transfusions, eyes swelling shut... is rough. James has his surgery early next week so we will definitely take all the prayers we can. Thank you all for your love and support!
