Last week, Isabel was fitted for a shiny, new, pink-and-purple-butterflied helmet.
In person, it looks impossibly tiny. It swivels open like a clam shell so that it can be placed carefully on her head, secured with a little chin strap. The helmet is made of a lightweight, plastic outer shell and a contoured foam interior which will be gradually adjusted to accommodate Isabel's head as it grows and changes. With the help of this helmet, Isabel's brain will be encouraged to expand horizontally (side to side) rather than continuing to grow upwards and, with time, the large gaps between her skull plates will fill in with new bone.
Though she is currently wearing the helmet for just a few hours a day, she will eventually wear it for 23 hours a day through the first year of her life.
Adam and Kari report that Isabel seems to be calm and comfortable when wearing the helmet, and they are relieved to have this extra protection for her sweet little head. (Isabel confidentially told me that, yes, she likes the helmet, but mostly because it keeps the NICU nurses from pasting that pink bow to her head. I hear you, girlfriend.)
We'll try to report back later with updated news on Isabel's breathing situation.
Warmest regards,
Melanie
