What a fun week! Noah and I baked a cake on Thursday afternoon for his sister Kendras 2nd birthday :) Yumm, chocolate per Noahs request. We celebrated it being her actual birth day by having a little cake and ice cream after nap, making homemade pizza and topped it off with some popcorn and cuddle time before bed. Kendra had a WONDERFUL day! While Matt was playing "Hide and Go Mystery" (Noah's version of hide and go seek, coupled with Scooby Doo mystery characters) Kendra was trying to keep up with the boys. I was rolling out pizza dough in the kitchen when I heard Kendra say "one-two-three-four!!!" WOW!! She was listening to the boys do their countdown to go 'seek' the other and she picked that up. Definitely won't forget that she first started counting on her 2nd birthday :)
Saturday, were looking forward to having the family over for some cake, food and celebration time as we do a co-birthday party for Miles and Kendra. With their birthdays being just a couple weeks apart, we figured it would be easiest on the family members that have to travel to see us.
I had the pleasure of starting my week off with a really great message at church, then I went home to prepare some meals for a friend who had a baby last week (anyone who knows me, knows I enjoy cooking and creating in the kitchen ;)) Then, another friend had a baby and I got to snuggle that little one. Next, I spent a day with my sister.. hanging out and catching up. Followed that with a magnificent (and maybe overdue) phone conversation with an awesome friend! After that, I enjoyed an extra day with my hubby (eventhough it mostly consisted of preparing for an upcoming birthday party.. just being able to enjoy my hubbys presence is a gift!). That night I was able to go to a friends house and catch up with LOTS of friends, make some new and get to know some old better. AmAzInG!!
The only thing I can think to complain about... nah, not worth it ;) Maybe that is even a blessing. My phone is broken and I get a new one!!! :) :) :)
Well, I got to thinking last night. After I got home from my MUMS bash.. which was a great time, I was thinking about how I would want people to look at our family from the outside. First of all, I welcome you all in :) What I find interesting, is the fact that few people have ever asked me about our kids and their hearing loss or cochlear implants. At the same time, I completely understand. Who knows if I'm struggling with it, denying there are any issues at all or sensitive to their differences. Last night, I had a small laugh with a couple of lovely ladies over their lack of hearing. That might seem a bit odd, but it was entirely appropriate (in my eyes). We were talking about the 3 sweeeeeet little children belonging to the host of our MUMS party, that were supposed to be trying to shut their eyes and sleep amidst the cackling, laughter and giggle outbursts that were happening just through their bedroom doors. I joked, we should have these gatherings at my house because my kids wouldn't be bothered a bit by the noise :) It's true, an advantage on life that people might not recognize!
That is the truth, and it doesn't hurt my feelings. Ask all the questions you can think of. A sweet little girl at church on Sunday.. she just turned 10. She is always very very very kind to our family and adores our little ones. She asked about Miles' hearing aids (which if you've seen before are pretty small). She was wondering if he would have to get a cochlear implant and I just told her the truth. I said, not as of now because his hearing is better than his brother and sisters. She just smiled and said, "Thats okay if he can't hear too good, he is perfect just the way God made him". That sweet, sweet girl hit it right on the nose. At just 10 years old, she has had one of the most in depth conversations, regarding the kids' hearing loss, anyone has attempted with me in a long time!
If I'm being honest, when I start to feel bad about their hearing loss it usually stems around the fact that it's a genetic issue. Typically, I don't go to that ugly place of blame on myself. I look at Noah and I see a very sociable, smart, thriving individual. It's hard to feel bad for him at this point, because he has no delay as far as his speech and academic abilities go. When I think about Kendra, while she is still catching up.. considering her hearing age is 12 months and she recently counted to 4 and has expanded her vocabulary to around 50 words -- How can I feel bad about that? Miles who is approaching 12 months old is reaching a lot of his developmental milestones and language is coming! He does babble and say mama, dada and baba.. which is something that none of my other kids could murmur at 11 months old! Sometimes, I think I just need a swift kick and a reminder.. maybe even a pat on the back! I need to reject feelings of discouragement and rejoice in the fact that I GOT HERE!! My kids are on track and feeling the love!! Not to toot my own horn, but the language that has been acquired by my children is not the result of a couple sessions of hearing therapy! While I love the opportunity to get more ideas on how to find those breakthroughs, I'm still the one who is putting the time and energy into my kids development at this point. Which reminds me, why would I want to blame myself because of 'my genetic' issues that I have placed upon my children. Because.... I'm basically amazing right?? Haha, well I won't go that far ;)
I have the GREAT joy of being able to connect with other families that are experiencing the same facts that I had when Noah came out of a failed newborn hearing screening. A lot of times I get asked questions and I know they are coming from a place where I have been.. hurt, disbelief and blame. A mom asked me once, how do I know that cochlear implant is the right decision? How do I know my child won't hate me later for doing this. That is a question that I asked myself! There is still a chance that my kids will decide later in life that they don't want to use a hearing device. What I know though, for right now, is that my kids laugh, sing along and dance to music. They adore their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and have no strains on their relationships or language barriers. And this might be selfish, but when Noah says "Mommy, I love you, your my best friend" my whole world shines!! When Kendra hears someone laugh and mimics it until it turns into a down right giggle fit, my world shines again!! And when Miles turns to me and smiles upon his name being called.. my WHOLE WORLD SHINES!! Praise GOD!!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Hearing loss schmearing loss..
What a day! I always tell myself I am going to ask for more help on days like today. Kendra and Miles each had appointments in Mankato today. I am SOOOOO greatful for the staff there! Usually, I try to schedule the kids' appointments on different days, but whenever they try to add any additional appts to existing I get a burst of SuperMom energy and think it will all be just fine :) The kids were pretty well behaved, considering the amount of time we were all confined to a small hearing aid room. Miles is up and running with two fully functioning and fitting ear molds!! Kendra had her cochlear implants "mapped".. basically meaning they were adjusted to better suit her needs. With a small amount of bribery, in the form of Rice Krispie treats and Suckers.... Everyone left the clinic with a smile on their face (including Mom). Days like today are hard on me, and while I wish Matt could have been there I'm appreciative that he has work. Tuesdays happen to be his one day of the week that work is a must (meetings etc.) and it's also the day we most frequently have appointments.
This morning, as I was searching for all the necessary equipment to make our appointments a success.. I was feeling sorry for myself and disappointed in my lack of organization. It's a lot of equipment and at some point, I will learn my lesson and build shelves upon shelves of nicely labeled organized space.
Before our appointment, I braved Taco Johns with the two babies. It was actually a pretty good experience :) After buckling Miles into his high chair seat, I stepped over to the beverage bar and started filling up my drink and proceded to get ketchup. Meanwhile, a nice gentleman brought our tray to our table. I finished getting entirely too much ketchup and Kendra apparently could not wait any longer. She folded her hands and mumbled something that made ZERO sense. When she finished, she through her hands in the air and yelled "ank-oooh Zezus!" It was clear to me, at that point, she had finished her meal-time prayer. After that, I decided it was going to be a good day! I was letting my feelings dictate my mood. Prior to Taco Johns, I was already defeated about the way our appointments were going to go. Why do I do that to myself?
When I got to the clinic, I realized I did not have the stroller with me. Bummer. However, Kendra was just as proud as could be as she waltzed her way through the automatic spinning doors. Miles, hugged my hip tightly as I followed Kendra in. She knew right where to go, all the way to the elevator. If you have seen Miles lately, you know that carrying him all the way through the clinic, to the elevator, while the elevator goes down a floor and back through another lobby.. counts as intense aerobic excercise for today :) Twice actually, because I had to make the same trip back out when we were all done!
Kendra babbled today. A lot of times she is as shy as can be.. not showing her true colors. She is actually a very vibrant speaking motor mouth. I mean that in the best way possible! It's miraculous how technology (the cochlear implant) has transformed her verbal life. Just because things don't always go how I plan them, doesn't mean they aren't going right.
As Kendra approaches age 2 and Miles 1.. I'm reminded of all my anxieties of pregnancy and delivery. I remember praying for health and praying for hearing. What I should have been praying for was my own hearts healing. Sometimes I become bitter about the challenges that are before us. When I had Miles, our pastor visited us in the hospital. He might have known how Miles' at birth hearing screening went, he might not have. Miles had failed, which made us 3 for 3 on the kids. Pastor brought in a piece of paper that had Proverbs 3:5-6 on it. It said "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." I guess sometimes its not for me to fully understand.
So who said that life wasn't going to be full of challenging days? In fact, sometimes I am too afraid to be outspoken about our challenges because I don't want the judgement that comes with it. I know that there are several people who have wondered why we would have a third child after have 2 deaf ones! It's sad really. One of the couples that I look up to the most has 7 children. They have a wonderful marriage and are raising magnificent individuals. I'm not saying that I want to have 7 children (maybe she is WAY more women than I am ;)) but would it really be that tragic if I wanted to have 4th child? Yet again, I am reminded that it really is not for ANYONE to fully understand.
Just to be clear, I'm not expecting number 4. Nor are we contemplating the conception of him/her :) Someday, maybe :) Reminding myself... Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
This morning, as I was searching for all the necessary equipment to make our appointments a success.. I was feeling sorry for myself and disappointed in my lack of organization. It's a lot of equipment and at some point, I will learn my lesson and build shelves upon shelves of nicely labeled organized space.
Before our appointment, I braved Taco Johns with the two babies. It was actually a pretty good experience :) After buckling Miles into his high chair seat, I stepped over to the beverage bar and started filling up my drink and proceded to get ketchup. Meanwhile, a nice gentleman brought our tray to our table. I finished getting entirely too much ketchup and Kendra apparently could not wait any longer. She folded her hands and mumbled something that made ZERO sense. When she finished, she through her hands in the air and yelled "ank-oooh Zezus!" It was clear to me, at that point, she had finished her meal-time prayer. After that, I decided it was going to be a good day! I was letting my feelings dictate my mood. Prior to Taco Johns, I was already defeated about the way our appointments were going to go. Why do I do that to myself?
When I got to the clinic, I realized I did not have the stroller with me. Bummer. However, Kendra was just as proud as could be as she waltzed her way through the automatic spinning doors. Miles, hugged my hip tightly as I followed Kendra in. She knew right where to go, all the way to the elevator. If you have seen Miles lately, you know that carrying him all the way through the clinic, to the elevator, while the elevator goes down a floor and back through another lobby.. counts as intense aerobic excercise for today :) Twice actually, because I had to make the same trip back out when we were all done!
Kendra babbled today. A lot of times she is as shy as can be.. not showing her true colors. She is actually a very vibrant speaking motor mouth. I mean that in the best way possible! It's miraculous how technology (the cochlear implant) has transformed her verbal life. Just because things don't always go how I plan them, doesn't mean they aren't going right.
As Kendra approaches age 2 and Miles 1.. I'm reminded of all my anxieties of pregnancy and delivery. I remember praying for health and praying for hearing. What I should have been praying for was my own hearts healing. Sometimes I become bitter about the challenges that are before us. When I had Miles, our pastor visited us in the hospital. He might have known how Miles' at birth hearing screening went, he might not have. Miles had failed, which made us 3 for 3 on the kids. Pastor brought in a piece of paper that had Proverbs 3:5-6 on it. It said "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." I guess sometimes its not for me to fully understand.
So who said that life wasn't going to be full of challenging days? In fact, sometimes I am too afraid to be outspoken about our challenges because I don't want the judgement that comes with it. I know that there are several people who have wondered why we would have a third child after have 2 deaf ones! It's sad really. One of the couples that I look up to the most has 7 children. They have a wonderful marriage and are raising magnificent individuals. I'm not saying that I want to have 7 children (maybe she is WAY more women than I am ;)) but would it really be that tragic if I wanted to have 4th child? Yet again, I am reminded that it really is not for ANYONE to fully understand.
Just to be clear, I'm not expecting number 4. Nor are we contemplating the conception of him/her :) Someday, maybe :) Reminding myself... Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Everyone has a story..
Sometimes I get wrapped up in myself and my day to day routine. I'm fortunate to stay home with my little ones, I'm pretty blessed :) But sometimes, they drive me NUTS!! I used to feel awful for feeling this way. As if I was not a good mom because I felt that I needed to get away every now and then. Don't get me wrong, I love all three of my kids! Sometimes, when I've been searching for Kendras cochlear implant for over an hour after I've just got off the phone with the insurance company disputing something they should have covered without my needing to call....... I GET FRUSTRATED!! There is always something to be done and sometimes I forget to enjoy my rugrats!
We've been working with all of our kids, but especially Kendra because she is at an age where language is about to explode. The other day, Kendra repeated after Noah when he said "I love you Mommy". It was like music to my ears :) It's break throughs like that, that enable me to keep on keepin on!!
We have really great help in our life. When I do work, I have a SUPER AMAZING daycare lady that loves her job. She takes my kids as drop ins whenever she can. My kids love her, so its just like dropping them off with family. When I first moved to St. James I didn't know anybody. When I found out I was expecting, I got right on the daycare search. I knew that infant care wasn't always easy to come by.. not to mention my work schedule along with my husbands was cRaZy!!!! Before bringing Noah to daycare, I spoke with my daycare provider about the possibility of a hearing loss. She didn't think twice about it.. and wouldn't you know, her mother-in-law also had a severe hearing loss, and a cochlear implant! I had never even heard of what that was and she gave me a lot of inside scoop about hearing losses. It was as if God had it all lined up for me.. and she was one of my angels along the way.
I also have 2 younger brothers and a younger sister (and a pretty wonderful big brother too). My baby sister Ashley (not so much a baby.. at the ripe age of 19, but she will always be 'my baby sister') has a really special bond with my Kendra. Kendra has a bit of a 'tude :) Ashley keeps her in shape and yet Kendra adores her. We had the privilege of having Ashley live with us for a little over a year. She was fresh out of highschool and on a mission! We sent her through Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" (check it out, amazing stuff). While Ashley stayed with us, she was able to save up a ton of money, buy a very reliable vehicle (no payments people!!), and start fully contributing to a ROTH IRA plan. While we felt amazing to be able to give her a head start financially in life, she blessed us with a sense of family that was out of this world.
Ashley is the type of girl who had a HUGE heart. She helped watch our kids every once in a while. It was amazing having her right in the house to be an extra helper with the kids. I remember taking Kendra home from the hospital after her first implant surgery. Ashley was right there. She took Noah to McDonalds that day and treated him to some playland time :) He didn't in the least feel left out, he had special auntie time. Kendra was woozie, and I'm a bit of a weanie when it comes to blood.. stitches..yuck! Not Ashley, she gets right up in there nurse style!
My two younger brothers are the BIGGEST helpers! Nick, 14 soon to be 15 does an outstanding job with our kids. Miles just loves him!! He watches my kids when I sneak off to work with my hubby on Saturdays :) You see, I still have a passion for the business. It might seem silly to some, its just McDonalds you might think. But I love the speed! I love the ability to be in other peoples lives. I love having a work ethic that makes people look twice! GOALS!! You can set a goal and guide yourself to the prize with hard work :) Nick enjoys the money I pay him, but you know what? Our family is just the kind of family that is there, whenever you need it. Dylin who is the real baby of my family is a firecracker. He is the type of kid who can pass the hours away just riding bike with Noah.
My Mom is always there for me. I check in with her often!! She loves my kids with an intensity that I can't even describe. You know its special when the kids want to go to Grandmas and never come home :) My mom has been through so much in her life, and I admire her for the person she is today. My dad became very ill when I was just a couple of months pregnant with Noah. It turns out the Good Lord decided he needed him more than we did in 2007 and he called him home. My mom really struggled for a while, with the sudden loss of my Dad. He ended up with Acute Mylogenous Leukemia (hopefully I spelled that right). The nurses were training my Mom how to take care of my dads medecine port, as if my dad was on track to go home when things suddenly took a turn for the worse. Scheduled to go home on Thursday I believe... But passed away later that week, in the hospital. He was surrounded by lots of love that night :) We were all in his room, talking about the good ol' days. After my dad passed, my Mom and I said some goodbyes. I remember telling my dad that I needed him. I needed him to help me be a good Mom. One thing is for sure, he is still in my heart and certainly helping me!
When Noah finally came later that year, my Mom had new life. She was blessed with a beautiful granddaughter shortly after Dad passed, and Noah came a few months later. Our family is just close. Sometimes so close that we annoy the ba-jeebers out of eachother! We love hard and we fight hard :) But, weere always there for eachother! I have an uncle who has been staying at my moms since dad got sick. You would never even be able to imagine the things that he would do for my family! He loves my kids and they love him right back! He has definitely help fill a spot in their lives that I'd always hoped my Dad would have. I'm just greatful for his patience and love for us all.
Matts mom has been a blessing for us. She lives in Mankato where the kids Doctor and its nice to be able to provide each kid with their own individual time. Noah especially enjoys his grandma. She gets right down there and rolls on the floor with them. Crafts, baking and lots of hugs.
Our help doesn't stop there... We have hearing therapists and audiologist and ENT that know us by name and call us friend. They are even on our Christmas mailing list (don't feel bad.. no one got a Christmas card this year... whoops!).
I'm so blessed! I also have friends that are there for me, a church family that I adore and I have trust in an awesome God!! It's not always easy to count your blessings. Sometimes I still get caught up in ugliness. Frustration easily takes over if you allow your attitude to roll with it. This year, I'm challenging myself to keep my attitude in check ;)
Thanks family and friends! My life is full of love.. and after all, isn't that was God calls us to do? Love on another, with all our hearts! And I leave you with this..
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
We've been working with all of our kids, but especially Kendra because she is at an age where language is about to explode. The other day, Kendra repeated after Noah when he said "I love you Mommy". It was like music to my ears :) It's break throughs like that, that enable me to keep on keepin on!!
We have really great help in our life. When I do work, I have a SUPER AMAZING daycare lady that loves her job. She takes my kids as drop ins whenever she can. My kids love her, so its just like dropping them off with family. When I first moved to St. James I didn't know anybody. When I found out I was expecting, I got right on the daycare search. I knew that infant care wasn't always easy to come by.. not to mention my work schedule along with my husbands was cRaZy!!!! Before bringing Noah to daycare, I spoke with my daycare provider about the possibility of a hearing loss. She didn't think twice about it.. and wouldn't you know, her mother-in-law also had a severe hearing loss, and a cochlear implant! I had never even heard of what that was and she gave me a lot of inside scoop about hearing losses. It was as if God had it all lined up for me.. and she was one of my angels along the way.
I also have 2 younger brothers and a younger sister (and a pretty wonderful big brother too). My baby sister Ashley (not so much a baby.. at the ripe age of 19, but she will always be 'my baby sister') has a really special bond with my Kendra. Kendra has a bit of a 'tude :) Ashley keeps her in shape and yet Kendra adores her. We had the privilege of having Ashley live with us for a little over a year. She was fresh out of highschool and on a mission! We sent her through Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" (check it out, amazing stuff). While Ashley stayed with us, she was able to save up a ton of money, buy a very reliable vehicle (no payments people!!), and start fully contributing to a ROTH IRA plan. While we felt amazing to be able to give her a head start financially in life, she blessed us with a sense of family that was out of this world.
Ashley is the type of girl who had a HUGE heart. She helped watch our kids every once in a while. It was amazing having her right in the house to be an extra helper with the kids. I remember taking Kendra home from the hospital after her first implant surgery. Ashley was right there. She took Noah to McDonalds that day and treated him to some playland time :) He didn't in the least feel left out, he had special auntie time. Kendra was woozie, and I'm a bit of a weanie when it comes to blood.. stitches..yuck! Not Ashley, she gets right up in there nurse style!
My two younger brothers are the BIGGEST helpers! Nick, 14 soon to be 15 does an outstanding job with our kids. Miles just loves him!! He watches my kids when I sneak off to work with my hubby on Saturdays :) You see, I still have a passion for the business. It might seem silly to some, its just McDonalds you might think. But I love the speed! I love the ability to be in other peoples lives. I love having a work ethic that makes people look twice! GOALS!! You can set a goal and guide yourself to the prize with hard work :) Nick enjoys the money I pay him, but you know what? Our family is just the kind of family that is there, whenever you need it. Dylin who is the real baby of my family is a firecracker. He is the type of kid who can pass the hours away just riding bike with Noah.
My Mom is always there for me. I check in with her often!! She loves my kids with an intensity that I can't even describe. You know its special when the kids want to go to Grandmas and never come home :) My mom has been through so much in her life, and I admire her for the person she is today. My dad became very ill when I was just a couple of months pregnant with Noah. It turns out the Good Lord decided he needed him more than we did in 2007 and he called him home. My mom really struggled for a while, with the sudden loss of my Dad. He ended up with Acute Mylogenous Leukemia (hopefully I spelled that right). The nurses were training my Mom how to take care of my dads medecine port, as if my dad was on track to go home when things suddenly took a turn for the worse. Scheduled to go home on Thursday I believe... But passed away later that week, in the hospital. He was surrounded by lots of love that night :) We were all in his room, talking about the good ol' days. After my dad passed, my Mom and I said some goodbyes. I remember telling my dad that I needed him. I needed him to help me be a good Mom. One thing is for sure, he is still in my heart and certainly helping me!
When Noah finally came later that year, my Mom had new life. She was blessed with a beautiful granddaughter shortly after Dad passed, and Noah came a few months later. Our family is just close. Sometimes so close that we annoy the ba-jeebers out of eachother! We love hard and we fight hard :) But, weere always there for eachother! I have an uncle who has been staying at my moms since dad got sick. You would never even be able to imagine the things that he would do for my family! He loves my kids and they love him right back! He has definitely help fill a spot in their lives that I'd always hoped my Dad would have. I'm just greatful for his patience and love for us all.
Matts mom has been a blessing for us. She lives in Mankato where the kids Doctor and its nice to be able to provide each kid with their own individual time. Noah especially enjoys his grandma. She gets right down there and rolls on the floor with them. Crafts, baking and lots of hugs.
Our help doesn't stop there... We have hearing therapists and audiologist and ENT that know us by name and call us friend. They are even on our Christmas mailing list (don't feel bad.. no one got a Christmas card this year... whoops!).
I'm so blessed! I also have friends that are there for me, a church family that I adore and I have trust in an awesome God!! It's not always easy to count your blessings. Sometimes I still get caught up in ugliness. Frustration easily takes over if you allow your attitude to roll with it. This year, I'm challenging myself to keep my attitude in check ;)
Thanks family and friends! My life is full of love.. and after all, isn't that was God calls us to do? Love on another, with all our hearts! And I leave you with this..
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
Monday, January 2, 2012
Day one!
For those of you who know me, you probably know that I have an amazing and loving husband.. not to mention those 3 beautiful children! Some of you may know that I'm on a journey in life trying to make sure that I life life to the fullest while giving all the glory to GOD!!
I'm starting this blog to see if I really have it in me to be honest with myself and everyone else in my life. My life is full of ups and downs, smiles and frowns. Take this journey with me as it is intended to be the "prequel" to a book I have not begun writing :) I've been dreaming of writing an impactful book about perserverance, defying odds, overcoming negativity and living a full life despite any obstacles that might come along the way.
Back to my 3 beautiful babies (well practically babies..). Noah is 4 1/2 years old and was born in the dead heat of a July summer. He was perfect, especially since he was no longer affecting my ability to breathe. I had no idea the significant changes being pregnant had on expecting mothers!! It was hard work! When Noah was born, he was 9 lbs. 5 oz. and full of hair. He was born via c-section and came out holloring. My husband and I were overcome with joy!! I spent 3 days in the hospital, and silly me.. could NOT wait to get home to put my precious little Noah in all of the baby equipment that was set up in our home. The day before being sent home, Noah had his at birth hearing screening. This was a new standard at the hospital where I delivered. I had no idea that this test would and the results of the test would have such an impact on our lives.
It turns out that Noah had a severe to profound hearing loss. Fourteen months after Noahs birth, he would undergo surgery to recieve a cochlear implant. Cochlear implant is just fancy terminology for "the ear thingy that is magnetically attached to my sons head which sends messages to his brain and allows him to hear".
Upon testing, it was determined that my Noah had been passed 2 'bad' genes by his lovely parents. Everyone has two connexion 26 genes. It just so happens that my husband and I each have a mutated gene and we're also pretty good at passing them along during conception. With my husband and I carrying these mutated genes, it means that there is a 25% chance that any of our children would get the mutated genes. You have to have two mutated connexion 26 genes in order for it to effect your hearing. My husband and I hear fine, as we each have one mutated and one normal connexion 26 gene.
25% odds..... that's not that bad.. Right?!
At 2 1/2 years old, Noah welcomed baby sister Kendra to the world. She was a delightful baby, full of hair just like her big brother. Kendra is going to be 2 in a couple of weeks, and she adds sooooo much life to our household!! Kendra, at just 11 months old recieved her first cochlear implant. Two weeks after the first one, she recieved a second. Kendras hearing loss was more significant in both ears than her brother Noahs.
We tried to concieve Kendra for quite some time without success. It wasn't until we finally gave it up to God and prayed for her that we were blessed with her. After we had her, we were overcome with joy and we knew that we wanted to have another one soon. Knowing that it could take a LOOONG time to concieve again, we started to try for #3 when Kendra was just three months old. Apparently we knew what we were doing the third time around :)
Soon came Mr. Miles Allen. Miles is just a little over 12 months younger than Kendra. You see, Matt has a younger brother who is only 11 months younger than him. They are BEST friends and he always dreamt of having kids that could have the opportunity of having that sort of relationship with their siblings. Well, we certainly got it! Having kids that close together was tough at first, but each day I feel my life getting easier and easier. Their lack of dependance on me is sometimes hard on me as a mommy, but other times I am greatful for the break!
Miles has a little bit of a different story than Noah and Kendra, but nonetheless.. he also has a hearing loss. Miles' loss is more of a moderate range, only requiring hearing aids at this point. It is really tough to keep those tiny little ear buds in his ears!! I think he thinks they are gummy bears or something :)
Maybe this is too much for a first day of blogging.. but boy o boy, our lives are full of interesting stories. Thanks for walking with me on this journey!
I'm starting this blog to see if I really have it in me to be honest with myself and everyone else in my life. My life is full of ups and downs, smiles and frowns. Take this journey with me as it is intended to be the "prequel" to a book I have not begun writing :) I've been dreaming of writing an impactful book about perserverance, defying odds, overcoming negativity and living a full life despite any obstacles that might come along the way.
Back to my 3 beautiful babies (well practically babies..). Noah is 4 1/2 years old and was born in the dead heat of a July summer. He was perfect, especially since he was no longer affecting my ability to breathe. I had no idea the significant changes being pregnant had on expecting mothers!! It was hard work! When Noah was born, he was 9 lbs. 5 oz. and full of hair. He was born via c-section and came out holloring. My husband and I were overcome with joy!! I spent 3 days in the hospital, and silly me.. could NOT wait to get home to put my precious little Noah in all of the baby equipment that was set up in our home. The day before being sent home, Noah had his at birth hearing screening. This was a new standard at the hospital where I delivered. I had no idea that this test would and the results of the test would have such an impact on our lives.
It turns out that Noah had a severe to profound hearing loss. Fourteen months after Noahs birth, he would undergo surgery to recieve a cochlear implant. Cochlear implant is just fancy terminology for "the ear thingy that is magnetically attached to my sons head which sends messages to his brain and allows him to hear".
Upon testing, it was determined that my Noah had been passed 2 'bad' genes by his lovely parents. Everyone has two connexion 26 genes. It just so happens that my husband and I each have a mutated gene and we're also pretty good at passing them along during conception. With my husband and I carrying these mutated genes, it means that there is a 25% chance that any of our children would get the mutated genes. You have to have two mutated connexion 26 genes in order for it to effect your hearing. My husband and I hear fine, as we each have one mutated and one normal connexion 26 gene.
25% odds..... that's not that bad.. Right?!
At 2 1/2 years old, Noah welcomed baby sister Kendra to the world. She was a delightful baby, full of hair just like her big brother. Kendra is going to be 2 in a couple of weeks, and she adds sooooo much life to our household!! Kendra, at just 11 months old recieved her first cochlear implant. Two weeks after the first one, she recieved a second. Kendras hearing loss was more significant in both ears than her brother Noahs.
We tried to concieve Kendra for quite some time without success. It wasn't until we finally gave it up to God and prayed for her that we were blessed with her. After we had her, we were overcome with joy and we knew that we wanted to have another one soon. Knowing that it could take a LOOONG time to concieve again, we started to try for #3 when Kendra was just three months old. Apparently we knew what we were doing the third time around :)
Soon came Mr. Miles Allen. Miles is just a little over 12 months younger than Kendra. You see, Matt has a younger brother who is only 11 months younger than him. They are BEST friends and he always dreamt of having kids that could have the opportunity of having that sort of relationship with their siblings. Well, we certainly got it! Having kids that close together was tough at first, but each day I feel my life getting easier and easier. Their lack of dependance on me is sometimes hard on me as a mommy, but other times I am greatful for the break!
Miles has a little bit of a different story than Noah and Kendra, but nonetheless.. he also has a hearing loss. Miles' loss is more of a moderate range, only requiring hearing aids at this point. It is really tough to keep those tiny little ear buds in his ears!! I think he thinks they are gummy bears or something :)
Maybe this is too much for a first day of blogging.. but boy o boy, our lives are full of interesting stories. Thanks for walking with me on this journey!
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