Annalee's Craniosysnostosis Journey

7 months old today and am in the waiting room at Children's Memorial Hermann
Hospital waiting to have Surgery to correct Craniosynotosis diagnosed at 3 months.
Craniosynostosis is the premature closure of one of more sutures in the infant’s skull.
This involves an ear-to-ear incision in the scalp. The affected suture is removed,
and the surrounding bones are correctly positioned using small absorb-able plates and screws

That's our anesthesiologist in the orange head wrap, what a nice lady.
They wheeled Annalee off to surgery at 8:37am.
We prayed and kissed her good bye.
See you on the other side sweet Annalee

Surgery was completed and she was in recovery before 1:00pm

Lots of anxious grandparents waiting on the status reports
and for the chance to see their baby girl.

First picture post surgery.

This one was taken about midnight. 12 Hours post surgery.

18 Hours post surgery, substantial swelling and
both her eyes are bruised and blue.

Dr. John F. Teichgraeber cut loose the bandage all around
the head to release the pressure from swelling.

24 hours post surgery

Day 2
Head bandage came off and reveals 120+ stitches

Swiss Therapy Eye Mask Compress

Compress soothes and helps reduce swelling.  She gets scared when placed on her face,
but quickly she is calmed by the relief.  We are applying it every 30 minutes, glad she is mostly sleeping and allowing it to stay on.

Day 3
less than 48 hours post surgery,
doctors are very pleased with her progress.

She likes to be held and hear familiar voices.

One can only imagined how she feels not to be able to open her eyes,
daddy sings her a lullaby.

Grandma gets her turn feeding Annalee

like father like son, grandpa sings Jesus Loves You to the baby,
she is smiling :)

Day 3
Swelling is still there but thankfully bruising is less apparent

She is turning in her bed, a sign things are getting better

Side view of her incision.

Day 4
She begins to sit up today and wants to play.

Angle reveals swelling in eyes

She is so awake, but thankfully not upset with eyes being closed.

Big Sis visits, excitement fills the air.

Day 5
We get news that even though her eyes are still swollen shut,
we are going home and it is received very well

Home Sweet Home

Happy to see Abuelo

Laughter is the best medicine, they sent us home with Tylenol
but only had to use it the first day.

Day 6
Her right eye is starting to peak open, it is Saturday.

She is super happy to see

Both eyes begin to open

This Missy is easily amused.

Everyone is taking turns, she is non stop giggling

Grandpa Tim and Annalee say cheese

Abuelita Mercedes and Annalee smile for the camera

Abuela makes it all better. So glad to be home!

Day 7
Follow up at the doctors office.
This is Ms. D the most awesomest doctors assistant/surgical coordinator we ever met.

This is our angel on a mission from God, Dr. John F. Teichgraeber

Day 8
Doctor says she is poster child for pediatric Craniosysnostosis surgical recovery.
Everyone is delighted with the progress of her recovery. Next step, helmet sizing

Getting measured for Helmet

The digital scan rendered of her head at TMC Orthopedic in Houston will be used to make the helmet.
She will wear it for 3 months and will need to have it fitted every couple weeks.

Healing very nicely, its been 17 days since surgery. Helmet will be ready in 5 days

Getting helmet fitted, adjusted and customized to fit correctly.

Next four days will be challenging as we break her into wearing the helmet.  
We have a 4 day ramp up period that will ultimately get her accustomed to 
wearing this helmet 23 hours a day.

2 Weeks of therapy down and 2.5 months to go, a visit from Grandma makes it all more fun.

This is the life, sleeping in grandpaw's arms.  Ah!

I love my auntie Aidee.  Thanks for visiting and making me smile.  

Treatment for the helmet is going well and she is making good progress.  
Looks like she may only have to wear it for 3 months.  

We got her helmet wrapped at Chameleon Wraps and Graphics (281) 858-8568

She is 1
Happy Birthday Sweet Baby!