GroshLink

Eden's had a big week this week. On Monday she had her 6 month birthday (!) and celebrated by going to the doctor for her 6 month check-up. She's 24.5 in. long and 11lbs 11oz. Which means she has fallen off the weight chart so we're pumping her full of formula after she nurses.

Wednesday, she had her first serving of rice cereal. She seemed to like it and didn't have any trouble eating it. In fact, I think she did better than Hayley or Ellen when I fed them for the first time. Also today she got her "cervical collar" which is a soft collar, a lot like the kind one would wear if one had a mild case of whiplash. The purpose of the collar is to passively stretch the muscles on the right side of her neck. The collar comes up higher on the right side and lower on the left to allow her to bend her neck to the left. The physical therapy we are doing will actively strengthen the muscles on the left side. Together the goal is to give her complete and balanced control of her head.

The PT comes later today and I'll find out how much Eden should wear the collar. She doesn't like it when I put it on, but soon stops being bothered by it. The good news is that she's easier to hold when she's wearing the collar--not as floppy :-)

Next up for Eden is a visit to the plastic surgeon next Tuesday. I'm eager for him to see the progress she has made this summer regarding facial muscles. Her mouth is nearly symmetrical now and her cheek puckers when she sucks.