Ari Has Graduated!!!!

Wow, so it has been quite a while since I last posted. But do you know what?... I was on VACATION from SCHOOL! ; D Yes, I was trying to relax and have a great holiday season, and I succeeded. = D

But now I'm back in school (taking Microbiology.. eeek!) and am ready to blog about important things! Such as.. Ari graduating from his CranioCap treatment!!! That's right ladies and gentlemen. After 16 weeks of wearing the CranioCap, Ari is done.

The appointment on the 4th was not really a normal visit since it was our last. It started out with Janet, the specialist, asking us about how things had gone the last three weeks. They had gone very well, although some of Ari's rash was back. He still didn't mind the helmet though, which I think is amazing. = )

Next, Janet went and got the mold of his "beginning-treatment" shaped head so that we could take it home as a souvenir, which is nice. She took Ari's helmet off, put the mold inside and locked the Velcro; his treatment was OVER!! = D

After that we chatted a bit about how much Ari has grown since he started the treatment, what a sweet and laid-back baby he has been through it all and how much we were going to miss seeing each other now that it's all over. Janet is seriously one of the sweetest ladies ever. Finally, we took a few pictures, said our goodbyes and Ari headed out the door (in stroller) a free man!!


It was really very bittersweet. I am sooo glad the treatment is over. I get to kiss Ari's head all the time, stroke his hair, he won't smell of mildew anymore and hopefully all his rashes will clear up. But, we will miss seeing Janet, the unexpected level of protection the helmet provided, and the rounding-out treatment itself.

Although we started Ari's treatment at over 7 months old (which is on the late end) the end result was that he went from having moderate plagiocephaly to mild plagiocephaly, which is amazing! Janet said that if a baby was brought in with the slight degree of flatness that Ari still has, they would not suggest treatment because it is so mild and will continue to round out as he ages. We absolutely consider Ari's treatment to have been a very great success, and are glad we did it!

Thank you so much for coming along on this journey with us, and providing such awesome encouragement and support. This experience has landed us some new friends, given us the opportunity to provide unique support for others and strengthened our faith in God. Through Him, all things are possible; He is good and in control no matter what happens. = D

Now finally, here is what you've all been waiting for. In progression: Ari's before pics, half-way pics and his AFTER PICS!! Whoo hoo for Ari! = D Let us know what you think!



Oh, here also for your enjoyment is a few fun photos of before and after Ari's first haircut today that he had today! Thanks to Chris at Mes Amis Salon in St. Paul. What a great friend and excellent haircut. = D