Cookie cutter

I've actually been trying to think of the right words to say this past week for a blog. Its taken me this long to work myself into writing it. And of course now that I want to. ALL kids are being super clingy. Wanting to sit ON my LAP and me be in their face. Literally making want to rip my own face off lol. Cant mom get just 5 minutes! AHHHHHHH hahhahaha. OK.




I've made it a point for the last year to make sure that I stay tuned to some awesome blogs. Blogs that Can relate to our family and want we want for our family. I've made it a point to also follow different point of views in reguards to having a deaf child. Some blogs are all about the Oral approach and the great benefits of CI's. Others are about ASL, others about Using both ASL and oral. I like to read up on what works for other people, and remind myself that no 2 family are alike.


The Progress that Sophie has made since February in my OPINION, is tremendous. Even in the last Month she has come leaps and bounds. Further than I thought at this point she could be(not that I didnt have faith, and know shes brilliant cuz I do). Not only did she say On the 4th "AH BUG" AND then said "BUG" again later that same evening. BUT shes now also yelling "MOM" when im a ignoring her screams. And Im not kidding. But its not like shes standing there using a low inside voice. She's only using it when YELLING for me. But thats awesome right? So I feel, and will continue to feel thats awesome. But Sophies damn Aural Therapist, begs to differ. Feels that Sophie is no where near where she should be 4 months after implanting. Because shes not using MORE words. Not really puttings beginning sounds together enough, not responding to her name.Or doing task like "sit down" the doll when Rebeccas asks her too. But I ask you..."Did your child respond to their name at 3 or 4 months old?" NO, they reacted to your voice maybe, or smiled to hear you. But if you were behind them calling "Sophie, Ryan, George" or whatever your childs name was, at 4 months they are not going to turn around and look at you. And in retro spec. Sophie's only 4 months old in the hearing world. NOT to mention the fact it had been quit the battle to even get her into wearing her processor full time. Its been just over a month now that she wears it almost all day. That she will ask for it,(sometimes) or tell me it has to be on...due to us being outdoors, or out and about runnning errands.
She is doing well in my opinion again like I said. She bopps to music. She points out helicopters that fly over head. She turns to comfort Ryan when shes crying. Will mimic a Sneeze after she herself does it. AND laughs when you say Ouch, and will want to hurt you again cuz its funny. Will copy someone coughing. Makes an umph sound where you would usually hear something, like taking a picture you hear the click. So in pretend play Sophie "clicks" with a umph. She says "poosh" when Pointing a gun and pulling the trigger (playing of course) She counts to 3 on her hand and then grunts for "go". And During her last therapy, AGAIN when Rebecca and I were speaking and Not paying attention to Sophie, while she played she was making noise "bahs" everytime a chip would land in this cool connect 4 toy. "BAH" = Bounce. HELLO!!!!! and yet again A person who sees Sophie 1x every 2 weeks is grading her low. And Im annoyed and pissed. AND think, how can they judge her in a session, in 45 minutes time, a girl whos not a trained monkey and doesnt want to "perform" for someone she barely knows.
Then theres Sign language. BEAUTIFUL sign language. Our Sophie is finally using it to really get her point across. Now putting 2 and 3 signs together. often its "boy, where, scary" while on my lap telling me that Ryans on his way to scare Sophie. Which they do often, chase eachother from room to room, Ryan roaring like a monster and the girls running and screaming in "fear". Its so cute. But AMAZINGLY just this week, Sophie has FINALLY replaced "boy" sign with Ryans NAME SIGN. Which is the same sign for boy but with your hand making an "R". "Ryan, where,scary" "I want dad" "more milk please" "movie on" "processor off please" "skirt on" "shoes, outside, play". And as I see it all written out, and As I was thinking to myself this morning while Signing with Sophie about eating breakfast sitting dow, or she will have 5 minutes in time out....I realized. How naive I was a year ago about signing. Really till 2 months ago. As Sophie started to really catch on and sign more, and using ASL never using helping words like me. ASL is the way to go. ha. Who knew? All the talk about Speaking when you sign and ultimately you want Sophie to speak, so using S.E.E and words like the, it, is. TO form proper sentences, was the right idea. But really is takes SOOOOOOOO LONG. Sophie is 3, she doesnt have an attention span long enough to wait for my point."where is the ball, go get it please" takes way longer then signing "ball,where? please get" I always knew the difference in S.E.E and ASL. and knew that ASL why it takes so long to learn is because of grammer. Propper deafie sign. :) But long term....its the best to use. It may not make sense when Speaking and signing at the same time. BUT We've always said sign language is Soph's 1st language and we want and need to continue with it. Being a part of the deaf community however we can be is KEY! Even if that only means meeeting up with groups, or attention conferences a few times a year. Even if we do not get a duty station close to a school for the deaf (our biggest hope).

My point is that Sophie isnt your average CI user, ASL speaker, or cookie cutter deaf toddler. She seems to be my little master piece who has been made according to Gods Grace. and is who she is for God's Purpose. Not the purpose that Seattle Childrens Hospital wants to see her as...the cookie cutter patient. She fits in, our family, the quirky, insane, loud, crazy, busy, family we are. Im so thankful for Signing. Im thankful for her communicating things now. Her understanding punishment when shes mean, that she must say Sorry and give kisses when she hurts someone. She knows what a time out is, and that I mean business. She understands bedtime better now. Especially now that she and Emily have separate bedtimes. She knows ALL her colors, counts to 5 in sign. Is learning her letters. NOW finally will sign animals. Signs about Shopping and money like a Little girl always knows best. Is in the 3 year old tattle tale phase, but thankfully its when Something Serious is happening that Im not aware of. AND ALL THRU ASL. Im all for her hearing (obvisouly) speaking and being a part of the hearing world. But Come on People. Shes using language. Her IEP scored her right at her age group for all things but speaking. She knows her shit! Shes Brilliant. And with School right around the corner. I expect By Christmas she will know more then I do.

Im just tired of people putting these expectations on her. Im tired of therapy. So far shes not learning anything of value, that We don't do at home. I want everyone to realize that ASL is just as good as listening, and speaking. LIFE GOES ON! With or without working ears. Saw in a blog today an artistic horse. Where they painted eyes on the Horses ears. Ceramic of course lol. With a sign below it saying MY EYES ARE MY EARS. ANd I love that.
We may live in a hearing world. But there are millions who do not hear. and The World is still rotating. The World still goes on. They still live and florish, and smile, and laugh, and get humor, and fall in love. Live their dreams and write books, give speeches, and win games and pageants. Still play music and sing. have babies and have high powered jobs. Buy houses, give back to the community. Deaf People live! They live life just like a photo I saw this morning as well "LIVE LIFE LIKE SOMEONE LEFT THE GATE OPEN" and a little fluffy dog running so fast with a big smile on its face for the gate! :) If you take hearing out of the situation....You'd never know they wear deaf. In a society where we are all about anit-bullying. We should also be anti-stereo typing as well. Give people chances and stand for whats right. EVEN IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT.
If I can teach my kids anything, besides having compassion, it would be to Give everything a chance, and stand out. Have expectations for yourself and live up to then, not for what people WANT you to be. Because how can that make you happy? Dont people please by letting yourself turn into something you arent and not happy with.

Life is that much Sweeter because of Sophie. And Emily, and Ryan. And who cares what everyone sees. We are who we are. Totally NOT a cookie cutter family.

Heres some photos from July 4th. Dont mind Emily without a top on. COuldnt find her swim suit and she refused to wear a tank. oops! lol.

BASEBALL while waiting for the fireworks. Totally Sophies sport. She squats like that here in this pic when shes ready to pitch too, its so cute. Shes awesome at it. Emily however, her sport is def, track and field. SHES LIKE SUPER FAST. like Just as Fast as Matt already. its amazing. Ryans sport has yet to be determined. Currently he is into being ALL boy, knocking things over and yelling "I DID IT" beating things with the bat when they are all ready down, racing cars and big trucks around the yards. ALL AMERICA KIDS I tell ya!

Thanks for Reading

OOO Therapy

oo, Ah, Sh, S, MM, EE..... Ling Sounds.


Ok so its the first time ive ever heard the term "ling Sounds" and it sounds ODD. But I assume its the Sounds we introduce that LINGER?

Audition. Not exactly sure of this Use but as described by my "homework" for the next 2weeks. Its For Showing Sophie Awareness of sound. OOOOOOOOOO....lol....I got it! ;)

The Banging Game.

IM supposed to have the kids turn their backs to me, and When I bang on something They Should Turn around. Eventually working Sophie up to do it solo and When she Turns after hearing the sound GIVE BIG praises for her great work at listening. For now getting All kids involved will make Sophie WANT to play.

Door knocking Game. Practice the Sound of a Door knock...Is exactly what it sounds like "knock knock" "whos there" "umm Big bird?"

Walk and Listen. Indoors and Outside (on a nice day) Have Sophie point to something and We listen for sound and then she listens to me tell her what it is.

Working up to NAMES

Give or take 3 months Sophie should respond to her own beautiful name being said. Leading into Emily, Ryan, mom and dad, when Spoken, she should be able to point us out. Later, Speaking, will come later. As I told Rebecca (Sophies Aural Therapist) Im not rushing her with any of this. Im not pushing. She will get it on her own time. Just as she has done with potty training, something we were not pushing her to do, shes been wanting it all on her own.


Today went Great with Sophie. She listened. She heard, she responded and Followed the Prompts. Ryan distracted her a tad, as The SIBLING room only allows 3+ and Potty trained. Which I find odd Mostly young young siblings are with their Brother or Sister who needs services. Today I spoke to Emily about Being brave. Shes never stayed in a class room like setting ALONE, with out a sibling or parent. I wanted her there because I knew she'd give problems about what Toys she wanted to play in therapy like last time. AND SHE DID IT. Like I knew she would. She stayed in the room with other kids, Sat and Played and colored and watch a movie. It was only an HR but she did awesome Im so very proud of her. We keep talking about Bravery and How She will be going to kindergarten every day next year. Which If all goes Well After Sophies Therapy on the 14th Registeration for Emilys school opens up. I want to be there asap So that I can get her in a morning Class. That Way her and Sophie are on the same hrs, as Sophies Deaf Pre-school only does Morning hours. Tomorrow is the CYSS meeting and then the 10th Emily goes to the dentist, and then Sophies School evaluation on the 17th. BUSY BUSY next few weeks. Which Im super excited about.

All in All April was kind. it was Fun, we went out with a BANG. And We welcome a wonderful May tomorrow. :)



Heres A few pictures of Sophies First Day with Rebecca, of Seattle Childrens Auditory Center.

Journey to The Moon: Sophies Implant Journey Part 2

Her Journey to the Moon, Began on a very rough note.
Running on about 3 hrs of sleep, for She, I and Emily. Due to Sophies new post surgery habit on 230am wake up calls that last till after 4am.
So her then 615am wake up from me, wasnt too....FRIENDLY. Even though I came in PEACE.
We only were Running 5 minutes behind my set schedule I had planned. BUT Everything after getting in the van just didnt want to work out. I forgot the address and we did a U-E to get it. The bagel line was EXtremely long. and then traffic at a stand still at times, and 30m/h others, made us 45 minutes late to said appointment. I LOATHE being late. I was horrified. Making Our time with the Tech From Seattle Childrens Hospital incomplete, as we were not able to get a reading on the level of frequencies the Lady was setting Sophies Neptune to.
We brought our entire Family, after all what an Adventure. Right? First hearing Experience for Soph. We wanted to be there to support. Matts Notion that Ryan would be the problem child was OUT OF THE WORLD WRONG. He did fantastic, playing With Sophie and the Audiologist. It was Emily that Filled a bucket of tears, with her fits over not playing...I should say NOT liking any of the Toys the Ladies were giving her to play with. Matt had to leave the Room often to Well....Speak with her, in his Daddy tone. At first Sophie took to the Processor on her head.

Then once it came off it was a fight to set it back on her. Eventually she got there. And as it was tested. You can see it in her face and body language how she was feeling about "SOUNDS" as the room was filled with us loud Deckers. Must have been more the Overwhelming for her Im sure. I saw her Cringe...duck...squint...lay her head on the table, after each adjustment to the channels. Then when it was Removed for us to learn how to use this insane EQUIPMENT she went about Playing Nice and quiet.

She Refused to let anyone put it on her again, before our Car ride home. We gave up after about 10 minutes of trying to convince her. But in the car she took it by hand (off) to hold and learn, and Test...as she tried to put it on herself but didnt understand why it wouldnt stay.
She went right down for a nap when we got home, so it wasnt until after that I put it on her for the first time at home. First 5 minutes...went well. I then heard it BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP meaning it was off her implant. But When I put it on again she freaked out SCARED almost like it was hurting her...not so much hurt but the sensation is unfamiliar to her. She was kicking and screaming and rolling and Then jumped in my arms, EVERYTIME I talked she screamed louder then touched it She GOT so up set she threw up on me. ugh....So We try again tonight. And in the morning and so on and so on till its not AS scary.
After all 3 years of utter silence to enter into a crazy world where EVERYTHING makes noise...ID be ripping it off too.


So If you are interested on the Videos from her activation today. They are now up on my Youtube page.
Hopefully this link works. Or you can copy and paste if it doesnt.


http://youtu.be/qoE2Q1NXauA





More Videos from today after this one, just follow the link



Why Call it Journey to The Moon? Well Why not? Its Foreign Right? This is like a whole other World for her. Slow Steady Moon walking Steps toward being able to Communicate in everyway, but ultimately in which ever way she Chooses.

Back on Monday and THursday again for adjustments. Then Should be starting Therapy here in Tacoma Shortly.

Thanks For Taking this Journey with us.

Sophies Implant story Part 1: The Beginning

Ive been holding back this post for days now. Unsure of what I really wanted to share. Unsure if I should share. But of course, Here I am writting. Tho Im sure as today is hectic, Ill be leaving it unfinished for a while and wont post it until later.

Bare with me friends...




As Most of my readers are aware of, Sophie had her Cochlear implant surgery on the left ear. February 16th. It was a Thursday. Done By Dr. Crawford, Pediatrics ENT surgeon at Madigan Army Medical Center, here at Fort Lewis WASHINGTON.
We Opted to go with Advanced Bionics, and two separate processors, The NEW NEPTUNE (Sophia is the first Child in The Seattle Metro Area who will be fitted for this specific Processor,which is kind of cool) as well as the 2nd processor the Much loved Harmony.
We had Pre-op on Feb 13th A Monday early in the morning. Quick and easy minus a Sophie melt down while waiting.
Matt Had taken 2 weeks off of Leave for this surgery and to be here for her healing process, THANK THE LORD. This was his actual FIRST TIME ever taking time off from ANY JOB (besides a few days here and there for Child Births or PCSing with the Army) Hes got this last full week with us, and its been WONDERFUL having him home, truly sad that he will be going back to a regular schedule, cuz Ive been spoiled with him home 24/7.

I had been doing my best to prepare Sophie for her upcoming event but, how do you explain something so serious to a little 3 year old. Showed her the neptune booklet, which eventually that same day got torn to shredds by her...."heres your sign" yeppppp
I also was preparing Emily in the same manner, showing her pictures, explaining whats about to happen, and why wrestling and rough housing will be limited for a few weeks after. Why Sophie would be in pain and so forth.

The day finally came, I actually did sleep a good few hours, just enough to make me get thru the day. The alarm went off at 5am, I was up by 530 lol. Got myself ready in peace, warmed up the van and waited till the very last 10 minutes before we had to leave to make sure, the thought of her morning routine wasnt really in her sleepy mind...aka FOOOOOOOOD~ as of course she wasnt allowed to eat for 12 hours before the surgery. Of course, she woke up easy, perky and ready to get her shoes on. She asked me once to eat while we were driving the 10 minutes to the hospital. So I tried to distract her thoughts with the "face mask" the nurse gave her at Pre-op to make the going to sleep part not as scary...I pointed out cars, and Soldiers running for PT, formations of Soldiers in front of medical companies and had her dancing to some beats in the car...COURSE the beats she can feel. As she LOVES music and LOVES to dance.
We parked in a very empty lot. Close to pediatrics yet far from surgery. PURPOSELY. Text my Jackie as I was enjoying the fact she text me bright and early and was thinking of Sophia on her crazy day.
We made the long walk across the hospital Sophia was a peach, pointing at the photos of water, and ships, birds and such that madigan had hanging in the wall, waving at every worker who walked by. Smiles...SMILES...more SMILES.....That I had a gut feeling were not going to stick around.
And I was right, not even 2 seconds after walking into PRE-OP the same place she pitched a Sophie melt Down 2 days before SHE STARTED TO MELT DOWN AGAIN. Pulling me from exit to exit, throwing pamphlets and Didnt even want to go in the childrens waiting room where more children were watching a Disney Movie. I wasnt allowed to sit, and she now gave the stink EYE to every passer byer. Once her name was called and we had to walk out the exit...she was fine, thinking that was easy, but not realizing we had a new room to enter to dress her in a gown. I walked with her thru that door and again.......MONSTER SOPHIE SPRUNG INTO ACTION. At the sign in window I warned the ladies that she was in a mood and Being WAY LOUD. Something thats hard to get under control.
MY SMART LITTLE DRAMA QUEEN KNEW SOMETHING WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN, LIFE WOULD BE CHANGING, and that she would be coming out a new...and pain filled Sophie. Right away they had us change in the room...this is the product of that activity

As you can see she was not having the gown. To the fact I left her own pants on. Didnt even both putting the hospital ones on. Tried to calm her down before we walked out of the cubby hole. BUT>> that didnt work. The lady was nice tho and calm, just said "you have to remember we have other people around".....Well Im sorry but NO SHIT...shes more then welcome to take a crack at it. We opted to stay in the locker area instead of the waiting room with other patients. Two of whom were young kids waiting for their own surgery. When a little boys turn came to change, and Sophie was freaking out he came in and looked at her and got upset right away, refusing to change. I explained how its different for her, that she cant hear, and just feels that shes about to experience something she doesnt understand, but his damn grandmother just gave me the most evil look. IF ONLY I CAUGHT THAT WITH A PICTURE....It was ICE COLD.
The Nurse then said. "well stay here in this room, Ill give you a wheelchair to sit down with her" Sophie hopped up on that thing and calmed down. Her notorious finger pacifier went right to her mouth, as she hummed and pointed from locker to locker, We signed numbers together, and counted. I gave her a pen and paper to help pass the time. We had already been at the hospital since 645am!~ YEP 645 AM~~~

Funny enough when Doctor Crawford came into see her and explain whats next to me. SHE WAS ALLLLLLLLLLLL SMILES and nice to him. Everyone else including me kept getting shunned by her, but ohhhh no, not him. Maybe that was a good sign. We waited a tab more before Anesth. Doc came in. By then she was up off the chair and playing with the locker locks. The Gentle man explained everything again I said "all I care about is making sure you take GOOD CARE OF MY BABY" He said "of course I have 4 of my own, I will take great care of her dont worry, it will be over in roughly 2 or 2and half hours" Picked Sophie up after I kissed her sweet face and she walked away in his arms QUIETLY~IT WAS 8:03am by then.
I COULD NOT BARE THE THOUGHT OF GOING TO THE WAITING ROOM AT THAT MOMENT. in fact my legs wouldnt let me. So I wandered the halls, grabbed 2 separate cups of coffee, text a little when I got service

After an hour of walking I found my place in the waiting room. Watched as call after call to the families waiting came into the waiting room. Thought it was strange that more then 75% of "come see the patient surgery is over and they are awake" came via calls to the waiting room, instead of a nurse or doctor coming....But leave it to a military hospital to fore-go bedside manner.
I read a few old mags, and actually Saw some great articles like "the snob diet" which was an interesting read, and made perfect sense. to the Latest worst and best dressed in life and style.

was texting and texting and texting and was glad to do so, It was helping more so much. My leg however, that has this odd twitch to it ever since my csection, was GOING BONKERS, My leg kept finching and popping up at odd moments, so I just kept them swinging While I sat...HAHAH PERKS OF BEING SHORT in a chair.

FINALLLLLLLLY longer then I thought surgery would go, Dr. Crawford came and got me. Said that she did wonderful, she didnt give them problems before hand, and that the cord went into her Cochlea just fine. The Only issue was that her skin is thin, so the implant was sticking out some, leaving a larger then "average" bump on the side of her head, right behind her ear. And....that while waking up she was a bit, well SOPHIE. I dropped my purse when I saw her, grabbed her and sat with her. Her eyes closed and her whining. Pulling at the ear cover that had to band across her forehead. She was wiggling, and crying, and punching me in the head, then holding me tight. then punching me again and ripped off her ear cover 3 times. BY THE 3rd she chucked it so far, WE COULD NOT FIND IT. Come to find out, they were waiting, and didnt give her any pain meds. Untill I said plz give her something...which then took 10 minutes to do so, resulting in my own pony tail then pulling pulled to the side and FRIZZ everywhere. As soon as that med was in her IV, down she went....and slept. THANK THE LORD.
An hr into recovery discharge papers were signed. Replacement ear covers gotten and the nurse even went to the pharmacy for me and got the meds we needed for her at home. She was set into a wheel chair and we got walked out to the VAN. THANK GOODNESS WE ONLY LIVE 10 mins away as she was insane. MAD. and I was nervous she'd start pulling at her ear again. especially since she still refused to where the ear piece. BUT WE MADE IT HOME. TIP TOP SHAPE. but her sad and hurting. She cuddled right on my lap on the sofa and We sat and sat and sat, she slepted a little. N I got a few good shots of her boo boo

MY POOOOOOOOOOOOOR baby. But at least she didnt get stitches, they used Skin glue instead.
We decided to spend the rest of the day and night in my room. Just she and I and the bed and TV. And there we camped for about 16 hours straight. The next day she was in better spirits. NOT WONDERFUL, but wonderful enough to ask me to give her a bath. She ate half a pain dry bagel, a few go-gurts and the only problem she gave me was taking the codiene. Guess it taste is gross. Later that day I noticed her cheek and temple BLOWN UP, very swollen, and called in the Doctor tho they were closed for training, the emergency line was open, she told me shes page him and he'd call......BUT I NEVER GOT A CALL.

this is as good as she would let me get of her face swelled up

But regardless she was feeling better, she pretty much stayed in her room watching Scooby doo all day, OVER AND OVER, to her liking, its her fav new thing. But I insisted on having her sleep in my room again with me. So Emily and Daddy camped in the livingroom on the pull out bed.
She pretty much slept thru the second night. Which wasnt the case the 1st night, she was up and up and up and watched Disney for hrs. as I tried to snooze and she'd bust me in my face for having my eyes closed...yep she hates to let me sleep while shes up alone.
But we made it thru. After 2 nights we let her sleep in her room. She got up after 3am and sooooo gently and cute(ly) pointed to her ear, and made a confused sad face...indicating pain. Took her meds, turned on scooby AGAIN FOR HER then she eventually drifted back to sleep.
Here we are MONDAY, shes jumping around, didnt take any pain meds today, tho I tried to give her some. She danced and roller skated, played with the new puppy Jesse and has adjusted well. Swelling went down some and she even went out Yard saling with us this weekend. Emily understands to take it easy, though has to be reminded at some moments. But has shown affection and i love you signs all weekend to her sissy. Ryans clueless but ha thats ok. he wont remember any of this.
Our Appointment in Seattle for her Activation is scheduled for March 15th as of right now....

ITs been a long few days, Im a bit overwhelmed. Still not team implant, but who knows that could change. Im sad I put her thru the drama and pain. and CONFUSION mostly. But IM SO GLAD ITS ALL OVER. I still have concerns about the implant being in there. What about her loving to wrestle, and playing baseball (her fav sport) what if she wants to play soccer. the risks are extremely high of taking a shot to the head. DOES THIS CHANGE A LOT OF ACTIVE POSSIBLITIES FOR MY BABY. my sporty, tom boyish baby girl??????????
Ill always have something that concerns me...I know, but they only thing that was limiting her was NOT hearing before. AND NOW....it seems to be more limiting having this THING in her head.
I just cant seem to find any peace in it, AT ALL.

But at least she is ok. It went well, shes getting better, and feeling herself again...beautiful and funny as always

December Already~

Hello December! Hello. I cant believe you've wintered upon us already. This Summer and Fall flew up, with a blink, and now We are prepparing for Christmas. The Most sought after Holiday for our 4 year old. She has been claiming toys and making lists, viewing flyers, catalogs and insisting upon A count down. Asking every day "mom how long is it till Christmas".
We've Learned Merry Christmas in Sign lanuage, Santa, and Christmas Tree. Reindeer is the same sign for Deer.
It Really is night and Day on how receptive Sophie is to Language this Winter compared to Last. Shes picking it up so well.
Funny last night, she strolls up to me, doing what I saw as the Sign for Dance, so I start to Dance. As does she. Then stops and does the sign again.......so I was confused, she then Ran to the bathroom door, hit it and signed again. AND AH HA! It was the sign "pee pee" my girl for the first time ever WHILE WEARING A PULL UP THAT IS, told me she wanted to use the bath room in sign. AND SHE ACTUALLY hadnt gone in her pull up and peed on the potty! I WAS AMAZED. We then really danced the happy potty dance afterward, I was proud and thankful for her communicated that to me last night. December just reminds me that my baby girl is closer to her Birthday, which makes mixed emotions. I mean Really shes going to be 3....3...Like didnt I just have her amazing birth yesterday?

December 1st, yesterday we ventured out in the Wilderness of Seattle lol. The drive there wasnt so long, got there at a decent time. The Drive back...well All I can say is thank Goodness for Carpool lanes. Other wise it would had been a 2+ hr drive home.

We sat in a large conference room at Childrens Hospital with a Woman named Amy. A therapy specialist who talks to families prior to possible Implant Surgery. She took notes on our story, asked us our opinion, our thoughts and wanted to grasp not only our knowledge of Deaf Community, our Daughter and sign language up till now, but our knowledge on C.I's and what it means as for Commitment for us.
If Sophie Gets Surgery heres what we have newly learned.
~ Its not speech therapy she gets.
Its Auto listening skills Therapy...theres a word for it, that I forgot.
~ Speech therapy is not something I need to make a separate weekly appt for
Eventually the School will work with her on that.
~ We must fully commit to 1 full year of WEEKLY trips to Childrens in
Seattle for Her Auto Therapy. To which, Im involved in. To Which Ryan
Could be distracting in, therefore Matt needs to be available to watch
Emily and Ryan WEEKLY...but ah remember he is in ARMY!
~ Auto therapy is at least 2 years long, depending on her skill level and
She adapts to sound. The Progress she makes.
~ The Mapping for her Implants right after surgery is 3 consecutive trips
To Seattle. ALL IN A WEEK period. where they will raise the volume of it.
~ SCHOOL, SCHOOL, SCHOOL. Apparently the county in which we reside here on
THis Military post, isnt known for being too friendly with allow Students
TO attend different public schools, should we decide their program isnt
the best envirnmont for Sophie.
~ CLover park School district, here on Post. That has a "hard of Hearing"
(H.H) preschool. Doesnt really provide much more assistance after that.
And has been known with in the small pre-k class to not provide what
the Children really need as far as signing and speech.
~ Also that the Nucleus 5 while awesome, might not be the best.will looking into advanced Bionics to see the difference.
~ We learned that ASL is a language of its own. And not really easy to use
While speaking and therefore we best use Signed exact English or a close
Match to that. So that little words that asl users say "clutter" up the
Signed sentence are used. So that full speech for Sophie can be under-
stood. Which we have been using really, cuz we sign, "the, have, this..."



So next Thursday the counseling group of all Specialists and surgeons at Childrens Hospital for C.I's join together for their bi-weekly report.
Where they will talk about Sophies canididacy for C.I's. If she is approved, they will contact our surgeon here at Madigan Medical on post for the O.K for Dr. Crawford to perform the surgery. But how far out they may be isnt known yet.Its a pretty popular surgery here, and yet NO ONE WANTS TO GET TOGETHER AND START A SUPPORT GROUP with me. So its local and we dont have to run around finding similiar families. But hey! FINE right~

The Auto Therapy, the traveling, the Matt taking off of Work weekly...thats not really all that big! Yes stressful and a huge under taking, that we are more then willing to do! Im not worried about Sophies success with the C.I's. Im worried though about School. Shes 3 years "behind" shes tiny, a ball of energy, and kids now dont always give her a chance to play. Im worried if shes not in the Right School environment, the teacher allowing her to slip through the cracks, or finding her an imposition...as Teachers (especially young, sorry friends) tend to do, or so Ive seen through my 3rd person experience when Friends of mines children, who need that little extra UMPH have done....ESPECIALLY ON A MILITARY BASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a sour puss lol. about young Teachers. No offense to the few young teachers I do know and know would never be that way. I know Teaching is an extremely hard job, Iwont pretend I could do it. Cuz I wouldnt want to. Teachers are under paid and not always given the Chance to work with kids cuz of Size of classes and rules, I get that. Ive just seen More Kids who need that TLC be pushed away, or labeled trouble maker/ Lazy/ annoying/ dont enough time for. And it later makes School Harder on them. And Programs their minds to think...well no one wants to help me better myself, so Why try!

After all the School research Ive done. Washington state is limited on whats available. Or they are Seattle or More North.I love Seattle now! But To travel the i5 traffic for Matt to work everyday...Would be insane. Military wise, ive only found one location that has the SCHOOL that would be in my opinion worth staying in Army for. And thats in Colorado Springs, near Fort Carson. But getting that location...could bea hit or miss with re-enlisting. Meanwhile, Salem OR, has an awesome Deaf culture...As does Counsil Bluffs Iowa. Riverside California, and Mesa Arizona. MESA has the hearing impaired Public School system that is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! Deaf principle and on the same campus as a public school for the Hearing Children,making all classes available for the deaf. And same Bus as Siblings. and pre-k thru 12th. Great acedemics and Sports open to ALLLLL children no disability discrimination! If I could score 2 well paying awesome ass jobs in Mesa for Matt and I.........I'd leave Army life to the wind. But The Phoenix/mesa metro area is slim pickings for the unemployed. RIght now! So what we need is to pray, and to link a pray chain. One that Sophie is approved, that $$ allows us our weekly travel and 3 that We figure out our last moving path that matches Sophie's educational needs while providing the same for Emily and RYan. Where we both have jobs to support a now Military life. Its so much! I know, but if anything Prayer is more powerful then WRITING about it! I need my brothers and sisters in Christ to PRAY hard and share the prayer request for us! My Biggest worry is School.



On a positive note!
Our first DATE NIGHT! TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christmas Shopping and Panera Bread! First one since last November! OMG I couldnt be more excited PEOPLE! but what Am i gonna wear! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Tis the season for a thankful reason: 18

long day! Started at 5:26am. Tried to get a few more minutes of sleep but then i was in fear Id wake up really late and run into Seattle Rush hour. Course the day was barely started it was still dark when we left,but my favorite part of morning driving is of course the PHONE tap on the radio. which was a good thing I heard it this morning after hearing an "On-star commercial" DARN YOU TEAR JERKING RADIO ON-STAR Commercials you were obstructing my view for a few minutes~

Today was the start. The start of a brand new journey. But Funny how I always thought the process would be a challenge for Sophie and Mostly just her. Boy was I wrong. Theres a whole new system I need to learn. And to put it simply, I have to try and make my self treat Sophie like a 1 year old again, verbably that is. Everything Im doing for Ryan, in every way Im saying it, I have to re-route myself to include Sophie as well. With Sign of course.
We spent the day at the Communication center of Childrens Hospital Seattle. Did a skills test to see what Sophie is capable of. her ability to imitate signs, her listening skills, her patience, her mouth movement. And How I interact with her and how I point things out and dont point them out. Which is my biggest problem. I talk low, and Got in the habit, of NOT always speaking when I sign...I know shame shame.
2 appointments down. one more main seattle one before we see Dr. Crawford again. Therapy starting for Sophie first week of December hopefully!
Lots happening, lots more work on our end, all for the benefit of Sophie, so its totally worth it.
So on this 18th day for a thankful reason. Im thankful for Sophies audiogram appointment today, for the ladies in the Communication center, Im thankful they all knew SIGN LANGUAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not just one of them...........ALL OF THEM!
Im thankful Sophie was so well behaved from the time we arrived at the hospital at 745am till we left at just about 1:45. She was fantastic, she played well, had a little moment of hoarding the waiting room crayons. But was in a general agree-able mood. LOVE LOVE LOVE My Sophie Ge-Ge.
Im thankful matt was able to get off of work to stay home with the other little Monkeys (ee,ee,ee)....dont mind the new therapy sounds I have to practice.
Homework, for us is to decide on a Deaf name for Sophie...this will be tricky. to have it approved by the Therapist in our next session! :)

Was a long, but fantastic Friday!

At childrens!

and received the oddest news on the Audio-gram. They did this fantastic way of testing Sophie while in the booth...And it turned out that she was paying better attention this way, which makes me wonder WHY it was never done this way before....
Sophie scored about 40 points LOWER (which is good) in decibals, while wearing her aids. The lowest shes ever scored before. Which then brought her in the shaded SPEECH area, the lowest point but still!!!!!!!!!! it was in the speech decibal range. at 500 hertz. COME ON REALLY!!!!!!!!!! thats awesome news. Go Sophie