Thanksgiving

Ethan did not enjoy turkey with us, but this picture sure looks like he did! (I promise this was not posed at all--he just happened to lift his shirt and rub his belly) We had a great time in Augusta. Uncle Matty was home from UGA, Chad and his new wife Pam drove over from Thomson, and GrandMartha and Grandpop (Ethan's great-grandparents) dropped by, too! It was a wonderful time with family.

Family Fun

Reading with Mum
Fun times with Stacie and Gavin

Reading the paper with Daddy


We went to Durham again a couple weekends ago. Dennis went for work recruiting and we got to see some old friends and have some time to walk around campus. Ethan is starting out with strong Duke influences from his parents--can you tell?

Ethan and Mommy also took a quick trip to Augusta last week. It was so fun to see Mum and Papi along with some friends. We also got to have lunch with Uncle Chad and Aunt Pam.

Helmet Update!

Ethan at his appointment today--big sitting boy! Top 'o his head!

Ethan has his first measuring appointment today, and we got to see his amazing progress! He has been going through a major growth spurt--I could tell because he was eating a lot (of mostly mommy-made food...what an adventure!) and growing out of his clothes. This helps because the helmet is made to direct growth--the helmet leaves room for growth on the flat side and is flush with the protruded side. Most of his growth is filling in the flatter side of the head, which is a great thing!

For number crunchers, Ethan started with a cranial vault asymmetry of 13mm before the band and now has one of only 5mm! Cranial vault asymmetry is basically the difference between the measurements of the two diagonals of the skull. His cephalic index (width divided by length) was 93.1% and now it's 86.8%, so he is doing really well. His orthotist said today that Ethan will definitely have the cranial band completely off by Christmas and we'll start tapering before that. I'm so excited! It's so rewarding to see the progress.

Halloween!

The bride, the bridesmaid (a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty), and Superman
The two big boy cousins!

For really the first time in my (Liz speaking, just always assume it's me because Dennis claims he didn't even know we had a blog until a couple weeks ago :)...) adult life, I live in a neighborhood where kids actually trick or treat! It was so fun to see the parade of kids (young and maybe too old??). Ethan had a quick photo shoot with his cousins before heading home to help me answer the door. Dennis even came home early to help us out, which was super fun. Somehow I convinced him not to give out congee as a trick...

daddy-o

Ethan and Dennis have lots of fun together. I think Dennis enjoys getting his silly side out with Ethan. Yes, this is Ethan helping Daddy compose a message on his Blackberry one sunny Saturday morning. :)

"Scooter"

Dennis calls Ethan "Scooter" now because he looks like he's ready for a ride with his helmet! After a *very* rough beginning (it was too tight for the first 3 days) and several adjustments, Ethan is a happy boy who barely knows he's wearing his bright blue helmet. I knew it was going to be a difficult time for me as his mommy, but I was very unprepared for how hard it would be for him at first. I had never heard of a helmet making a baby cry like this, and it was heart-wrenching for Dennis and me to try to figure out if he just didn't like it or if it didn't fit correctly. We've gotten the expected stares and lack of eye contact, and I believe I've gotten a taste of what it's like to have a child with a disability. People just don't know what to do, and they don't know what's wrong, so they just look away. Some are great and just smile back at Ethan, which makes my day. I do believe this will be a long three months, but I'm getting used to my sweet boy in his helmet!

D-U-K-E!!!

Zonked...tired of being a happy fan!


Ethan visited Duke for the first time last weekend for Homecoming! The annual McClure family tradition of enduring a Duke football game (at least the weather is always gorgeous) continues, and Ethan cheered up all of the disgruntled fans with his very own custom-made blue devil outfit from his grandmother Mum. (also a tradition in the McClure family--we all grew up with these little blue capes, horns, and pointy tails!) He really did steal the show and was a very happy mascot.

Keep on smiling

Ethan smiles all the time--unless he is sleepy or hungry. Even then he usually just whimpers a bit. Rocky (our little fluffy white dog) provides endless entertainment for Ethan, and he even reached out to pet Rocky this week! When Rocky barks, Ethan giggles. When Rocky tries to jump between us (the dog can be a bit jealous!), Ethan thinks it is hilarious. Last week Rocky barked incessantly when I came home without Ethan--he was so confused and concerned about his little friend!

Our little football player...

I'm struggling a bit as a mother at the moment. Yesterday Dennis and I decided to move ahead with the cranial band for Ethan. These pictures were taken during his head scan that they will use to fit the helmet perfectly to his head. Basically, Ethan has a pretty severe case of flat head. It's not uncommon with preemies because their skulls are so soft, and it was even worse for Ethan because he had to stay in the hospital so long. His Nai Nai (Grandma Chen) noticed it very early on and we tried repositioning, but to no avail. Basically there is a 13mm difference in the diagonals of his head, and one ear is shifting forward. If we don't treat it, Ethan could have jaw problems, etc...so it's not just a cosmetic thing. So, while I want what is best for Ethan, I'm sad that the next few months will not include kisses on his head and other snuggles. I'm also worried that people will no longer smile and talk to him in public because they won't know what is wrong with him. Hopefully he'll only need it for the minimum time (3 months), but they said it could take up to FIVE MONTHS to fully correct the problem. I don't want my little baby to spend half of his first year of life in a helmet. :( But, at least the helmet will be Duke blue. Go Blue Devils! Maybe people will just think he's an aspiring football star...

New skills, new toys...

His new favorite toy--the exersaucer!

One of his first attempts to roll from his back to his belly--



Ethan has had a busy month! I (Liz) can't believe he's 5 1/2 months old, but at the same time I can't remember life without him. Tonight when I was giving him a bath I realized my face hurt from smiling with him so much. He is so happy! He's grabbing things (including his own feet!), loves to stand with assistance, and thinks he is such a big boy when he rolls over. He seems to know what he's saying to me when he babbles on and on...

Beach Trip #2

Nap time with Daddy!



This time Dennis got to join us for 5 days at Hilton Head! It started out very rainy and cloudy, but the last 3 1/2 days were gorgeous. Ethan wasn't a super fan of the tent this time, but he was a trooper. Unfortunately the pool was a bit chilly for our little man. He really enjoyed time with his cousins, aunt, uncle, and grandparents, but mostly his daddy.

Ethan loves to eat...can you tell??

Ethan started eating solids (rice cereal and a different veggie or fruit every 3 days) on August 25. He LOVES it--so much so that he doesn't like his afternoon bottle anymore. It's a little messy but he's a fabulous eater. He hasn't totally rejected anything yet! His current faves are carrots and prunes. Yum Yum!!

Ethan's growing!

his favorite "exercise" mat (with cousin Liam)

It has been amazing to watch Ethan grow physically, as well as to see his personality shine. He loves to flirt (he especially likes women, seriously!) and has a killer smile. Dennis is already saying how difficult it will be to discipline him. :) He can hold his head up pretty well now and is definitely trying to roll over. He spends a lot of time kicking and giggling, and makes the most adorable sounds.

At his four month appointment yesterday, Ethan performed very well! Dr. Satterfield said he's just "perfect" and absolutely growing. Ethan (as of yesterday) is 14 lb 4 oz (50%), 15 1/2 inches (75%--who would have guessed that Dennis and I would have a "tall" 4 month old?), and his head circumference is 17 1/4 inches (90%--yes, big head means big brains!).

Visits with Family and Friends

Auntie MargaretGreat Grand-Martha McClure
Uncle Marcus and Auntie Anna
Cousin Larry

Sorry for the delay...it's been a busy month!! Ethan has attracted many friends and family to our new home, and we've had a great time!! Ethan and I have also made several trips to Augusta to prepare for Uncle Chad's wedding. We saw the great grandparents in the mountains--Catie, the kids, and I put up 209 ears of corn from the farm! After some major traveling weeks, we are ready to settle in Charlotte for a bit.

Adventures in traveling

Last week was full of traveling and "firsts" for us as a family. Ethan's first 4+ hour car ride alone with mommy, Ethan's first time at the beach, our first pair of flights as a family, and Ethan's first wedding! The first half of the week was spent at Hilton Head with Liz's parents and brother Matthew. The second half took us to Denver for Dennis' brother Albert's wedding. Ethan was an amazing little guy and is a natural traveler! He really enjoyed seeing both sides of the family, and meeting many of Dennis' relatives for the first time. (including the bride and groom--Uncle Albert and Aunt Abby!)

Ethan is FULL of smiles these days...it's such a joy to play with him and just watch him giggle at himself.

Daddy moments...

Ethan loves it when Daddy is home to hold him, bathe him, and take care of him. (Mommy likes it, too! :)) Dennis is a fabulous father and it is so fun to watch him and his son together. For a special treat, we spent Father's Day on the golf course!