New Specs

When Cael was almost eight months old we noticed he was developing a lazy eye. It hadn't corrected itself by the time we went to his nine month well child visit, so I told his NP even though it was obvious. 

Since his four month well child visit, the NP had noticed that Cael's head circumference was larger in proportion to his body and was keeping a watch on it. His percentile continued up the charts at his six and nine month check ups...at this appointment he was 10%-height, 45%-weight, and 98%-head circumference. His head size combined with lazy eye called for further evaluation. After his appointment on friday, the NP wanted to get him scheduled with a neurologist asap. Monday morning finally rolled around and I was told to have him in for his neurology appointment early the next day. Up until his appointment, it was hard not to think about what could be wrong; Jeremy had to tell me to stop looking at the internet as I was trying to familiarize myself with any of the possibilities. I even became overly cautious about his head getting bumped. I don't know how I avoided developing an ulcer!

eight months old

After a very thorough appointment with the neurologist (which might I add, he complimented me on how well I was holding it together), he told me that based off of the referral he was 60% concerned about Cael; which is why they wanted to get him in asap. After his evaluation he was only 10% concerned mostly since Cael's development is right on track and had to rule out any unseen issues with a CT scan. He opted for the CT over MRI because he wanted to avoid using sedation; Cael would only have to hold still for a short period of time. When I layed Cael down on the table, I knew he wouldn't hold still for even two seconds. I asked the tech if I could try to rock him to sleep and she told me that would be perfect; otherwise, they'd have to use sedation anyways or risk needing to repeat the scan if he moves (the less exposure the better). Cael fell right to sleep and stayed asleep for the 45 second scan (there was no way he would have held still that long). The doctors pretty much scheduled their whole day for Cael so they looked at the readings as soon as it was in. He is PERFECTLY fine! I was so relieved to hear those words. fyi his head doesn't appear large IMHO but his head protrudes out the back further than it does with our other kids which is where, I'm guessing, the extra size comes from.

eight months old - socks are for chewing

The neuro doctor then referred Cael to see an ophthalmologist for his eye. Of course he was completely booked for the next six weeks but because Cael had the lazy eye for a few months already, they squeezed him into the scheduled; luckily for the monday just after we got back from our Idaho Spring Break visit.  I was 99% sure Cael would need to wear an eye patch for a while to strengthen his weak eye and we'd be set. After his initial eye exam, before dilation, the ophthalmologist said that there's a possibility he could be really far sighted, though it's pretty uncommon at his age and is usually diagnosed around two years old. Once his eyes were dilated and the Dr. took a look, he said that Cael is really farsighted. I am nearsighted enough that I wear contacts or glasses everyday, my prescription strength is -1.5. Cael is farsighted, his eyes are 6.5 and 6.0 which is why his weaker eye would cross inwards from trying to focus. The dr. said glasses could possibly correct his vision in time, but after all the worry about Cael's brain I can handle him having poor vision; easily corrected!

I found these three behind our couch the day we got Cael's glasses. The picture doesn't really go with the story but I couldn't resist.

The first day wearing his new specs, Cael would pull them down if we weren't keeping him distracted enough but after the first day he has LOVED them! Jer and I looked through the glasses and can't believe how blurry everything has been for Cael, his prescription is strong! He seems to be more interested and curious now that he can see and his eye no longer turns in when he wears his glasses. He only takes them off for naps and though we have to clean the lenses 100x a day, our babers can see!

Exploring the Park with Fresh Eyes

Probably pointing at an ant. He can see that well, ya know!

Cael has turned into a bit of a BOSS now that he can see. He points and hollers well.