Matthew graduated today! Yes, he graduated for the 2nd time in less than 1 year. His first graduation was at exactly 2 months old when he left the NICU and then today he leaves Hope Orthotics behind and is helmet free. He received a t-shirt that says "I am well rounded because of Hope Orthotics." He was a trooper for the 4 1/2 months that he wore his Super Dave helmet.
Matthew was fitted with the helmet because he had plagiocephaly, which is characterized by an asymmetrical distortion ( flattening of one side) of the skull. This is common in multiples and in preemies. Luckily, there is a solution in the form of a little Starband helmet. Matthew went for monthly checkups to follow his progress. Today he went for the final scan and was discharged.
Over the 4 1/2 months, Matthew wore the helmet for 23 hours a day. David painted and taped it with the letters SM for "Super Matt." Many people would comment on how cool his helmet was and kids would say that he was a football player. When we would remove the helmet for his 1 hour break, Matthew would rub his head like "yay, I am free!" and now he finally is free!! Now we can kiss his head any time we want to!!