yesterday was a big day for the shmulevich family. we removed noa's helmet for the last time. she put in the time and graduated. we celebrated at our favorite italian eatery called sinapis. noa sampled tiramasu for the first time. she wore the doc band or helmet for nearly four months. we are happy we chose this route of treatment, and we are very proud of noa as she was so brave and patient throughout the entire treatment. she also wore it well, and we will miss how cute she looked with it on. we are, however, happy to see her entire face and her pretty hair, which has grown so much since she started wearing the helmet. i am also happy she now has unobstructed vision, and she doesn't need to raise her head to see things. we drive out to clinton on friday, weather permitting, and officially graduate from the helmet. as much as we have not enjoyed the long drive to clinton, the office has always greeted us so warmly that noa and i will miss them all, especially lynn and cathy.