Just one more day before my sweet little Noah turns into a six year old.. He's such a happy little boy! He melts my heart with his kind actions and amazes me everyday with his wisdom. Last Wednesday I brought Noah to the audiologist and we ordered him a new hearing aid. I love how technology is ever-evolving and how there seems to always be something to look forward to! Sometimes it can be a bit pricy on the pocket-book, but when it comes to the kids it always feels so worth it! Noah is to an age now where he likes to make decisions for himself, so he picked out a deep red colored hearing aid and his ear mold is going to be camouflage. After his appointment, we went to the mall and did a small amount of shopping -- Noah is not the biggest shopper in the house ;). We completed our "date" day with lunch just him and I at his choice of restaurant in Mankato -- The Pizza Ranch :) Fancy!!!!! hahahaha. It was so nice to spend some quality time with him, and as always, he really appreciated his individual mommy time.
On Friday, we had another appointment but this one was for Kendra and Noah. It was a long afternoon, but my kids were honestly rock stars!!!!! The appointment went from 1 till about 4:15ish and both the kids took turns assessing their hearing in the sound booths. They do one ear at a time, so it definitely takes some patience for all involved. Luckily, we have the worlds BEST audiologist! She is so good with out kids, and we always have a great time with her. After both the kids had some sound booth time, they had their CI's "mapped". The last time Kendra had a CI program change, she FREAKED out!! She had such a hard time with it, was exhausted and it was a nightmare. Its almost amazing how much half a year has changed that little girl :) She was agreeable, patient, and sooo cooperative. I never dreamt her doing so well and being so compliant. We were able to get both ears done in the same session!!!!! Luckily, her program did not need to change much so I can't honestly say that we haven't had any growing pains with this adjustment. I think what excited me the most was how well Noah did with his hearing aid! I'm not really sure if its an age thing or if his hearing has improved or what the deal is, but he was able to access information with his hearing aid side that were pretty sure he was not able to get before. You don't always get good news and easy appointments like the ones we had last week, so I'm soaking it up :) :). Miles is the only one who needs to get in yet. It feels absolutely GREAT to be going in for routine maintenance as opposed to repair and S.O.S moments when equipment is failing or broken.
Miles is such a whipper snapper! I am so proud of his language development and his entertaining personality. We brought all the kids to the movie Despicable me 2 last week. We were going to save it for a treat for Noahs birthday this week, but since uncle Jared was home it just felt right to take them then. Miles and Kendra had never been to the theatre before, so it was especially rewarding to see them engaged and make it through the whole movie. There were a few intense parts in the movie, where the music gets a little loud and you can tell something big is about to happen. Watching Miles' reaction to these moments put me over the top with joy. He was sitting on his dads lap, as sitting in the chair alone makes him a little bit short to see over the seat in front of him :) He would say things like, "Dad!! Look, it's a monster" -- in the language world, that's a pretty big deal for a just under 2 1/2 year old hard of hearing boy!
Kendra enjoyed the movie as well. I bear in mind the fact that her hearing is so significantly worse than Miles that without her CI's, sitting an hour and half through a movie would be very un-entertaining. She would giggle at the funny parts, say things like "be careful" when the characters would do something dangerous and she even adopted a new villain laugh from the movie. She is a little jokester, with a sweet little smile that makes all the hard days worth it -- plus some! When I'm not feeling well, or especially tired its like she tunes right in. She definitely wears pink glasses, compared to my boys seeing through their blue ones. She will cover me up, rub my back, bring me my water bottle and whisper to me as if she completely understands the importance of a soft spoken word.
There is no doubt about it, I am one VERY blessed mommy. I can say that even though I have a 2, 3 and 5 year old behind me having not the friendliest dispute over a toy cash register :) They will work it out, they always do :)
I've been pretty open about a situation I was having with a lady who doesn't believe in our use of CI's for the kids. I feel like if there is ever an interesting situation to be in, I seem to find it. She has said some pretty hurtful things about our choices for medical intervention and how that will change the quality of there life. I responded initially to her e-mail, and of course she almost instantly had another comeback that made me feel an inch high. I really don't know how to handle such intense conversation and have not responded. Lately I've been wondering.. do I leave my phone number and call her? Do I meet with her and let her experience the "Steffen" bug :)? Were contagious, I'm sure of it. One dose of us and she will fall in love and be hooked for life, right??? Wishful thinking, maybe. I've agreed to disagree, even though I sent her a picture of all 3 of my happy kids with one of the CI recipients wearing as shirt that says "Music makes me happy"... which I did not realize the shirt said this until hours after sharing the picture with her. I bet she noticed and thought... "wise guy, eh!" I want to leave it alone and avoid it altogether, but that just doesn't feel right. I guess I will just keep doing what I know best, and support my kids through this journey.
I think somehow I will always end up in the line of fire of negativity. It just seems to be the way my life is geared. I mean, who has 5 kids!?! Such a huge family some might say! Who stays home and does not provide income for a family of that size!?! Not financially savvy a critic might argue. Who in their right mind can sanely raise that many deaf/hard of hearing children!?! -- But I guess the answer for the skeptics is: this tough, God-fearing, Jesus-loving, sensitive, emotional, compassionate, hilarious without a doubt woman right here. Me. I can do it, and I'm doing a pretty good job. Despite the obstacles that come along the way, our family has always risen to the occasion and came out on top. I'm not always the most confident person, but it's hard not to look into the face of my "going to be six years old tomorrow", little boy and just be SUPER proud of all that we have accomplished. Its definitely been an interesting ride, but just knowing where I started the mommy journey to where I am today -- makes me one happy mama!
Thank you to all my supporters!! We could not be this happy without the best family and friends a girl could ask for :)
