Elli's Yearly Eval

I mentioned before how Elli is part of a study group for craniosynostosis. This year we took along Saydee in hopes the girls would entertain eachother during the down time. Lucky for us there wasn't much of that this year. We were in and out in 3 1/2 hrs.
Much to the girls delight the study group hired clown doctors to entertain all the children in our waiting room.

Elli was tested for hearing, speech, psych and seen by the craniofacial doc and a nurse. The dentist and eye dr weren't in which was too bad. We saw our wonderful Pediatrician yesterday who was concerned about Elli's left eye. So we're hoping to see a specialist in the next week or two.

Apparently there are correlations with craniosynostosis, even after correction, and possible learning disabilities, speech, hearing and/or some behavioral problems. However their findings are a little inaccurate due to so many uncontrolled variables. Thus, this new study going on nationwide. So if we move we'll join another group.

So far Elli hasn't suffered delays in any of these areas. Her hearing test came back borderline normal because of her chronic ear infections. In fact she just had one last week but its the first in 5 months. So we might consider tubes if she gets any more. And her left eye may be lazy, also consistent with craniosynostosis patients. Last year a specialist told us she had a pseudo-lazy eye, meaning it just appears lazy because of her eye shape. Our pediatrician is very skeptical, so we'll go in for a second opinion.

Other than that Elli is doing great. In fact her speech doctors said she is really advanced for her age. And the cranial doctor said her head looks great. And as for behavioral problems, well she's a normal sweet two yr old, with the usual 2 yr old symptoms ;) But even for 2 she is very even tempered.

So not too many worries then with little Elliana. And some of specialists tested Saydee right along with Elli to make her feel equally special. So for 31/2 hrs in a hospital, both girls were great, much credit due to those doctor clowns. Yep, we're blessed with three happy healthy little kids.