Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would b Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would be fun for Valentine's Day dinner with your kids. 

In full transparency, I wanted to make quesadilla uncrustables, but bought the wrong kind of tortilla. If you want to make those definitely get flour tortillas not corn. 

These are easy to make though, just use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut your tortillas, then fill and grill on the stove! 

#easymealsforbusypeople #easyrecipesformoms #valentinesideas #valentinesdinner #recipereel #galentinesbrunch
Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in your closet! Use a magazine! Roll it up and stick it inside for your boots to stand tall! 

After organizing all weekend, I didn't want to purchase ANYTHING else to organize. I wanted something cheap that I already had lying around.

I like the pool noodle hack but did not have time to go acquire a pool noodle in January.

Try the magazine hack and let me know how you like it? What's your favorite organizational hack?

#organizationhacks #closetmakeover #homehacks #closethacks #widecalfboots #organizationideas #homeorganizationtips
A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺 A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺

As a boy mom, I have to work a little harder for matching ensembles, but this little floral wrap dress and button down for spring are just too cute! 

Linking our outfits here: https://liketk.it/40B4p

#ltkfamily #shopltk #ltkunder50 #boymomclub #familymatchingoutfits #familymatching #ltkkids #boyclothes #oldnavybaby #oldnavykids #oldnavystyle #floralsforspring
I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holiday I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holidays and loved it so much I bought one for my sister. The rotating barrel makes getting ready so darn easy! 

Use my code HELENWAVE for 10% off!

#beachwaver #beachwaverpartner #hairstylingtutorial #hairstylingtips #hairstylereels #curlingirons #curlingiron #curltransformation #igotbeached
Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blank Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blanket for your super bowl party. 

-First, roll out crescent dough and slice each of the triangles into thirds. 
-Then spread a little boursin herb and garlic cheese onto each of the triangles. 
-Add a lil smokie and roll it up. 
-Bake for 12-15 minutes on 375. 
-Serve and enjoy!

Do you add anything extra to your pigs in a blanket? 

#superbowlsnacks #superbowlsnack #superbowlappetizers #easyappetizer #easyappetizers #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesathome #recipereel
You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen a peanut butter board? 

Today we are making one for Valentine's Day. 

-First take a board and spread peanut butter all over it. 
-Then top with chocolate chips, valentine's day sprinkles, bananas, nutella and strawberries. I cut mine to look like hearts. 
-Then serve with graham crackers, pretzels or fruit and enjoy! 

Are you doing anything fun for Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day? Have you tried the peanut butter board yet?

#valentinesdays #valentinesdaydessert #galentinesparty #butterboard #peanutbutterrecipe #peanutbutterdessert #recipereel #valentinesdayideas #easyrecipesformoms
Today we're making jalapeno cheese dip in a bread Today we're making jalapeno cheese dip in a bread bowl. This is a great party snack and would be awesome at an upcoming super bowl party. 

-First, cut the top off a round loaf of bread and remove the middle. 
-Cut all of the pieces removed into cubes and set aside. 
-Then take a jalapeno queso block and cut it into cubes. Place in a pan. 
-Then add two cans of drained green chiles and a splash of milk. 
-Heat over medium high heat on the stove stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Trust me nobody wants that cleanup. 
-Then immediately pour into your bread bowl and serve hot with the cubed bread pieces. Enjoy!

Easy, and tasty! Are you having or going to a Super Bowl party this year? What's on the menu?

#partysnacks #partysnack #easyappetizers #easyappetizer #cheesedip #recipereel #superbowlsnacks #superbowlfood
My baby is finally feeling better, thank goodness! My baby is finally feeling better, thank goodness! I'm going to be honest, I am exhausted. The emotional toll this week has taken on me has just made me a new level of tired. 

I saw something the other day and it really stuck with me. 

Nobody talks about this when you are thinking about having kids. They talk about the financial piece and the how it's going to change your life piece. But nobody talks about the risk you take by having something you love so much and all the worry that comes with it. 

It's a risk every day to have your whole heart walking around, and going to school and picking up illnesses. There is so much worry and stress that comes with it.

But on the other hand, what a privilege it is to have something you love that much. I have never loved anything the way I love this little boy.

While sometimes the emotions, intrusive thoughts, worry and stress get the best of me, I am grateful every second of every day that I get to be this perfect, beautiful tiny human's mom.

Thanks for all the sweet messages of encouragement this week. It's so nice to know I'm not alone. I'm very grateful for all of you! 

#momthoughts #dailymotherhood #workingmomstruggles #toddlermom
Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? I love a holi Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? I love a holiday that is all about pink and red. 💕 

Decided to update my little kitchen island tray this year with Valentine's Day decor! ❤️

Do you decorate for Valentine's Day?

#valentinesdaydecor #valentinesdayideas #valentinesdaydecorations #galentinesdaydecor #galentinesdayparty #valentinesdayparty #holidayhomedecor
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Helen G. Bailey

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Family · February 3, 2022

Our Baby Helmet Journey

My baby has a cranial remolding helmet. He officially got it the day before Thanksgiving and now we have two weeks left until he can get it off! Today, I’m finally sharing our journey in hopes that other potential helmet families will find it and maybe find some comfort and resources in this post.

If I’m being honest, this post has taken me a while to write. I originally intended to share our experience when Ben received the helmet, but every time I sat down to write I got overwhelmed. It hasn’t been a terrible journey. Ben is such a good sport and just goes with the flow. We also love our Orthotics and Prosthetics specialist and our Physical Therapist. They have been such incredible teammates through this process. It’s not even the mom-guilt that overwhelms me (I’ll get to this in a second.)

I get overwhelmed because I’m sad.

I feel so sad that my beautiful boy has to go through any kind of pain or discomfort. As his mom, it’s in my nature to want to make everything better for him. Easier. The thought of him being even a little bit uncomfortable just breaks my heart. The fact that he has been in this helmet for 23 hours a day, 7 days a week for 3 months just stings a little every time I think about it.

He has been incredibly brave. He doesn’t let the helmet slow him down or affect his mood. However, I know it itches because I watch him figure out how to hold the helmet steady so he can move his head around inside. I know he is hot because every day when we take it off, he has a sweaty, stinky head. I also know that it’s heavy. I know how much he weighs with it on vs. with it off and I watch him just kind of collapse when it’s too much.

He plays in the helmet, he eats in the helmet, he sleeps in the helmet. It’s has been his normal for three months and that thought overwhelms me and makes me sad. I just want wonderful things for my baby. I know life isn’t always wonderful and this is the first of many things he will have to endure in his lifetime, but he’s a baby, so I just feel the sadness.

With that said, there is a light at the end of the tunnel! He has his final head scan in two weeks and we will be out of the helmet! So today, I finally feel a little lighter and was able to finish this post. I want to share a little bit about our journey so that current and future helmet families might be able to use this post as a resource. I also want you to know that you are not alone and any feelings you have about the situation are valid.

Also, I want you to know you are a good parent. If you are reading this and wondering if you are doing the right thing, you are making the right choices for your baby and you are a good parent.

Ok, let’s do it.

Why We Have a Helmet

I have a full post on Ben’s birth story, but the short version is that Ben was a surprise c-section baby. When I was eleven years old, I had to have an emergency appendectomy. The surgery left a lot of scar tissue that I didn’t know about until we were in the c-section surgery. Unfortunately, Ben got stuck on the scar tissue and couldn’t drop.

I was induced and on Pitocin for 20 hours. That entire time Ben was pressed against the scar tissue and so he had a small hematoma on his head when he was born. Totally fine, we had two ultrasounds on his head at the hospital to make sure everything was fine, but it did leave a little bump on the back right side of his head.

Because he was pressed against the scar tissue for so long, he also has torticollis which is the twisting of the neck that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle. So basically if you look straight at Ben he leans a little to the right rather than looking at you straight on.

Finally, he is a good sleeper. Safe sleep means babies sleep on their backs. Good sleepers like Ben spend a lot of time on their back and that will flatten out the back of their heads. With the torticollis and the hematoma bump, Ben slept with the back-left side of his head pressed against the mattress and developed a flat spot in that area.

ALL of these things combined led us to physical therapy and then ultimately the helmet. Our specialist says big babies who are good sleepers with torticollis are the main recipients of a helmet. That definition is Ben in a nutshell.

Read Benjamin’s Birth Story Here

What Treatment Has Looked Like

We knew Ben had a tight neck since his first pediatrician appointment. We knew it was something we needed to keep an eye on and monitor. We were doing stretches recommended by our pediatrician and we got it checked by our doctor at all of our wellness check-ups.

At his 6-month appointment, we were referred to a physical therapist because it was time to do something about the torticollis. We started going to weekly appointments to accomplish a few goals. We had to work on strengthening his right arm and encouraging him to use it, we worked on meeting in the middle with both his hands and having him look in the middle rather than with the tilt. We had to work on getting the rotation and degree of difference on each side symmetrical. So we have done all these things and graduated to bi-weekly appointments.

Now our main focus is on keeping the shoulder loose and continuing to train Ben to look in the middle. Ben will probably be in physical therapy until he can walk just to make sure we don’t have any regressions with his new developmental milestones.  He does an awesome job though. It’s really fun to watch him in therapy now that he is a little older and crawling around. In the beginning, he was just kind of laying around getting stretched, but now he’s actively participating in therapy and it’s so fun to see.

After our first initial visit to physical therapy, we were also referred to the Orthotics and Prosthetics specialist to see if we needed a helmet. Our first appointment for this was at the beginning of October. We went and had Ben’s head scanned. It’s a simple process, we just laid him down on his back in this flat scanner and kept him still. Then the machine scanned his head in less than a few seconds and we were done.

There are two numbers that determine if your child needs a helmet. Without getting too into the weeds, one number needs to be below a six and one number needs to be below a 90. Ben was a 2 on the scale below 6, so that was great news. On the scale to be below 90, he was a 92. So he was right on the border for needing a helmet.

With this information, we were kind of confused about what we should do. So our specialist said we still have some time (if your baby is getting a helmet, they need to complete treatment before they are one) and we can wait a month and do another scan.

We went back in early November and had another scan. His numbers were exactly the same. At this point, we had to make a decision. Since there is no way to determine what his head will look like as he grows up, we decided to go with the helmet. We want all the best things in life for Ben and that includes giving him a round head. If he decides to play sports, he won’t have helmet issues later. His risk for his head growing asymmetrically will lower. I joked that if he decides to become the next Justin Bieber and all the teenage girls have him on their wall, he will need a round head. So anyway, we decided to do the helmet.

Two weeks after that second scan, we were fitted for the helmet, made a few adjustments and then took our baby home in the helmet. There was a break-in period to get him used to wearing it so it wasn’t just a sudden change that he had to be in the helmet all the time. After that period, he started wearing it 23 hours a day, 7 days a week. We got our helmet the day before Thanksgiving.

He went in for a 2-week, 4-week and 6-week adjustment to make sure everything was still fitting correctly. Then he had his first scan at 8 weeks. He had made some good progress, but there was still a little room for improvement, so we found out we would be in the helmet for six more weeks.

We had another fitting three weeks after that scan. At these fittings, our specialist just checks to make sure that there aren’t any red or irritated areas and that he has room to grow in the areas that need it. Our specialist makes little minor adjustments every time we go.

Now it is February and we are two weeks away from getting it off!

I feel an incredible amount of mom guilt that we “woulda, coulda, shoulda” done more at the beginning, but when I’m being rational, I also know that we did what we could and a lot of it was a waiting game to see how he grew. So when I mentioned the mom-guilt at the beginning of this post, I try not to let the guilt overwhelm me.

 

The Best and Worst Parts of the Helmet

We’ll start with the worst and end on a positive note. The worst part for me is anytime I see he is uncomfortable. I can tell when his head itches or he is just kind of over it. He doesn’t let the helmet slow him down, but I can tell he always gets a little happier when it’s off.

Also, it stinks. Literally. Every night when we take it off he has been sweating inside the helmet all day and it smells like a Middle School boy’s locker room. We clean it every night during the break hour and he gets a bath every night, but it still stinks.

I definitely miss kissing his little head. I can’t wait to do that anytime I want. Oh, and he will crack a tooth if he headbutts you, so we have to be careful.

Ok, for the best part. I can already see what a difference the helmet is making. During our little hour break every day, I can tell that his head is rounding out and that the helmet is making such a difference.

Products We Use

Figured I would also share some of the things we use. Please talk to your specialist before using these. I’m not a professional or a doctor. We talked to our specialist about all of this before we did anything.

Honest Wipes – We use these to wipe down the helmet before we wash it. We also use this to wipe it down when he gets food on it. It happens lol.

Honest baby shampoo – We were already using sensitive shampoo, but we had to switch to the ultra-sensitive kind once we got the helmet. He was just getting more irritated from being in the helmet all day with the extra sweat. We also use this to wash the helmet with a washcloth during the break.

Decals and application kit – We got Ben’s helmet decals here. The back says “I asked for a Phillips but got a flathead instead.” Get it? You have to laugh, you know?

Baby wipes – We use the Honest wipes for the helmet, but we use just regular baby wipes to wipe down Ben’s head right when we take the helmet off. It just helps clean up some of the sweat and relieves some itch before he has a bath.

If you are a helmet family and you have any questions about our helmet journey, please reach out. My email is helen@helengbailey.com.

In: Family

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Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would b Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would be fun for Valentine's Day dinner with your kids. 

In full transparency, I wanted to make quesadilla uncrustables, but bought the wrong kind of tortilla. If you want to make those definitely get flour tortillas not corn. 

These are easy to make though, just use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut your tortillas, then fill and grill on the stove! 

#easymealsforbusypeople #easyrecipesformoms #valentinesideas #valentinesdinner #recipereel #galentinesbrunch
Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in your closet! Use a magazine! Roll it up and stick it inside for your boots to stand tall! 

After organizing all weekend, I didn't want to purchase ANYTHING else to organize. I wanted something cheap that I already had lying around.

I like the pool noodle hack but did not have time to go acquire a pool noodle in January.

Try the magazine hack and let me know how you like it? What's your favorite organizational hack?

#organizationhacks #closetmakeover #homehacks #closethacks #widecalfboots #organizationideas #homeorganizationtips
A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺 A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺

As a boy mom, I have to work a little harder for matching ensembles, but this little floral wrap dress and button down for spring are just too cute! 

Linking our outfits here: https://liketk.it/40B4p

#ltkfamily #shopltk #ltkunder50 #boymomclub #familymatchingoutfits #familymatching #ltkkids #boyclothes #oldnavybaby #oldnavykids #oldnavystyle #floralsforspring
I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holiday I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holidays and loved it so much I bought one for my sister. The rotating barrel makes getting ready so darn easy! 

Use my code HELENWAVE for 10% off!

#beachwaver #beachwaverpartner #hairstylingtutorial #hairstylingtips #hairstylereels #curlingirons #curlingiron #curltransformation #igotbeached
Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blank Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blanket for your super bowl party. 

-First, roll out crescent dough and slice each of the triangles into thirds. 
-Then spread a little boursin herb and garlic cheese onto each of the triangles. 
-Add a lil smokie and roll it up. 
-Bake for 12-15 minutes on 375. 
-Serve and enjoy!

Do you add anything extra to your pigs in a blanket? 

#superbowlsnacks #superbowlsnack #superbowlappetizers #easyappetizer #easyappetizers #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesathome #recipereel
You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen a peanut butter board? 

Today we are making one for Valentine's Day. 

-First take a board and spread peanut butter all over it. 
-Then top with chocolate chips, valentine's day sprinkles, bananas, nutella and strawberries. I cut mine to look like hearts. 
-Then serve with graham crackers, pretzels or fruit and enjoy! 

Are you doing anything fun for Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day? Have you tried the peanut butter board yet?

#valentinesdays #valentinesdaydessert #galentinesparty #butterboard #peanutbutterrecipe #peanutbutterdessert #recipereel #valentinesdayideas #easyrecipesformoms
Today we're making jalapeno cheese dip in a bread Today we're making jalapeno cheese dip in a bread bowl. This is a great party snack and would be awesome at an upcoming super bowl party. 

-First, cut the top off a round loaf of bread and remove the middle. 
-Cut all of the pieces removed into cubes and set aside. 
-Then take a jalapeno queso block and cut it into cubes. Place in a pan. 
-Then add two cans of drained green chiles and a splash of milk. 
-Heat over medium high heat on the stove stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Trust me nobody wants that cleanup. 
-Then immediately pour into your bread bowl and serve hot with the cubed bread pieces. Enjoy!

Easy, and tasty! Are you having or going to a Super Bowl party this year? What's on the menu?

#partysnacks #partysnack #easyappetizers #easyappetizer #cheesedip #recipereel #superbowlsnacks #superbowlfood
My baby is finally feeling better, thank goodness! My baby is finally feeling better, thank goodness! I'm going to be honest, I am exhausted. The emotional toll this week has taken on me has just made me a new level of tired. 

I saw something the other day and it really stuck with me. 

Nobody talks about this when you are thinking about having kids. They talk about the financial piece and the how it's going to change your life piece. But nobody talks about the risk you take by having something you love so much and all the worry that comes with it. 

It's a risk every day to have your whole heart walking around, and going to school and picking up illnesses. There is so much worry and stress that comes with it.

But on the other hand, what a privilege it is to have something you love that much. I have never loved anything the way I love this little boy.

While sometimes the emotions, intrusive thoughts, worry and stress get the best of me, I am grateful every second of every day that I get to be this perfect, beautiful tiny human's mom.

Thanks for all the sweet messages of encouragement this week. It's so nice to know I'm not alone. I'm very grateful for all of you! 

#momthoughts #dailymotherhood #workingmomstruggles #toddlermom
Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? I love a holi Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? I love a holiday that is all about pink and red. 💕 

Decided to update my little kitchen island tray this year with Valentine's Day decor! ❤️

Do you decorate for Valentine's Day?

#valentinesdaydecor #valentinesdayideas #valentinesdaydecorations #galentinesdaydecor #galentinesdayparty #valentinesdayparty #holidayhomedecor
Today we are making a Valentine's Day waffle platt Today we are making a Valentine's Day waffle platter with nutella filled uncrustable waffles. I do realize waffles don't have crusts, but it helps keep the Nutella inside! 

How to make them:
-First, mix your batter and dye it pink with a little bit of food coloring. 
-Then make your waffles, I found this cute @bydash mini waffle maker for Valentine's Day!
-Once they are done, spread a little nutella on a waffle.
-Add a second waffle to the top and use a heart shaped uncrustable cutter to make an uncrustable waffle. 
-Arrange these on a cute plate, add some strawberries, serve and enjoy!

What's your vote on Nutella? Delicious or overrated? 

#waffleboard #breakfastboard #valentinesbreakfast #breakfastrecipe #nutellapancakes #nutellawaffle #recipereel #breakfastreels #valentinesdaybreakfast #valentinesstrawberries

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