It’s on.

The helmet, that is.

Gus is officially a helmet-wearin’ dude. So far he’s adjusting remarkably well. We have been easing him into wearing the helmet over the course of a few hours here and there. By this week he should be up to full-time (23 hours a day).  It’s a little hard getting used to how the helmet changes his face so much.  But, let’s be honest – this kid is pretty stinkin’ cute no matter what.

The only other gripe I have is that feeling hard plastic where his fuzzy little head used to be makes nursing slightly less cozy.  But  - I know we’ll both get used to it in time.  And since this thing is going to be Gussy’s go-to accessory for the next several months, I figured we’d start snazzing it up with some decoration.  I picked up some cute woodland themed stickers today at JoAnn.  I think Jamie was hoping for something a bit more masculine (read: Packers helmet).  Gussy also seems to think my choice was a bit lame.

Jamie is taking Gus to the orthodist this week at which time he will be asking a multitude of important questions, not the least of which being, “Can I paint this thing green and gold.”

The helmet certainly has its perks.  Namely, added protection against a slightly aggressive big sister.  Though Gus seems to be holding his own, lately.

We’re thinking of attaching a face mask to guard against other potential hazards.  Like string cheese.All told, we’re feeling like we made the right decision to go with the helmet.  Torticollis and plagiocephaly sound like such terrible things. But really, they’re not. And because of that, part of me feels like I need to explain myself every time someone asks, “Does he really need that thing?”  But I’ve come to realize that I’m my own worst critic when it comes to parenting (and, really, pretty much everything), and no one else is worrying about the parenting decisions we make quite as much as I am (including Jamie – not because he doesn’t care, but because he trusts himself in a way that I don’t trust myself. The good news is that were in this together. And I’m taking notes.).

So – thus begins the “helmet phase” of Gussy’s infancy. I hope it’s not as traumatic as my own “‘permed mullet phase.”  At least his pictures are a lot less embarrassing.

Click to read parts one and two of the Helmet Trilogy.

 

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