Christmas Round 3

In the afternoon, Bill's family came for Christmas dinner. We had a great time together. There is just something about the excitement in children that make Christmas really special.

We hope you had a blessed day and we wish you a very Happy New Year!!

Christmas Morning

Don't Allison and Jordan just look thrilled?

I think we have the only kids in the world that had to be woken up on Christmas morning. The postive part of that is that I was able to take my shower, dry my hair and put on my make-up before they woke up. It made for some better Christmas pictures. :-)

Christmas Round 1 2009

We got the kids a Wii this year!! They were so excited.

Grandpa and Grandma L opending up their gifts.

You look very comfy, Jared

Look at all those gifts

Oh, what did I get?

With my Dad and Step-Mom being in Cleveland, they always come down a few days before Christmas to share the holidays with us. This year we were able to celebrate with them on Dec 23rd and 24th.

Christmas Time

This past Sunday, Jared and Allison were able to be a part of our church's Christmas program.
While they probably will never be on American Idol or have a record contract, they are able(thanks to hearing aids and Cochlear Implants) to do as the Bible says....."make a joyful noise to the Lord".

Our family wishes each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happiest of New Years.

Allison's Play

We got to see Allison be Narrator # 4 in the Windermere Elementary 1st grade class production of Rooster Off to See the World.

She did a great job and spoke very clearly. We were able to understand ever word.

Here is her part of the play. Enjoy the show.

Trick or Treat

Love this example of brotherly love.

Our own little "Bob the Builder"

Another year of trick or treat. This year was extra fun because Jordan was able to participate. He was such a trooper, walked most of the way. He was afraid that if he rode in the stroller he would not get the candy. It was so cute to hear him say..."and treat" when he went up to a house and we did get many "thank yous" from him. Overall it was a fun night and the kids got way too much candy, they will be on quite the sugar high for awhile.

Progress has been made!!

Today after I put Allison's snugfit on her right CI( the one that has been giving us so many problems) I was putting it back on her ear and she knew that it was not on!!! I know that does not seem like a big thing, but it is to us. It has taken many many months to get to this point. For a while there, I was questioning whether we should have even implanted this ear, so I am thrilled that she knows that it was not on. She did this without her left CI on, so I know she knew.
On Monday, during the booth test, she scored at 40-50 dB's across the board(wearing just the right ear). This is a slip from where she was, but she was very consistent in her responses. In the past she would not be sure she really heard the sound, but on Monday she dropped those blocks in the bucket with confidence. YAY Allison.

Sigh of Relief

Allison's appointment went really well today. Her audilogist was able to correct the problem and no surgery will be needed. All of the electrodes are working, YAY!!
I guess what happened was her coil was starting to fail and it was sending strange signals to the processor. When I changed to the new coil, the processor was getting a different message and it did not know what to do, so it started making the buzzing noise. The processor was reconfigured and her programs where adjusted. We will have to start adding programs like we did when she was 1st implanted, but at least it is working there are no more bees in her ear.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

That is my feeling right at this moment. I could scream!!!!

We are having major problems with Allison's right Cochlear Implant. It all started 2 weeks ago when I changed her coil, I thought I was doing a good thing, being proactive, getting it changed before it totally went out and she was left without hearing in that ear. I put the new coil on, put the magnet back on( I did have a little trouble getting the magnet out of the old coil). I gave the CI back to Allison to put back on. About a week later, she tells me that there is a buzzing noise in her ear. So began the phone calls to her audiologist, a phone call to Cochlear to get a new processor, new coils and such. I have changed every external part on her implant and the bee is still buzzing in her ear.

We have an appointment on Monday with her audiologist. My fear is that the implant is failing and we are looking at more surgery. I guess the good thing is that it is her newer ear and she is still hearing out of her older implant. So that is something.

I will keep everyone updated. I would appreciate any good thoughts and prayers.

Jared's trip to the Apple Farm

Today, Jared and his class enjoyed a field trip to the apple farm. It was a fun filled morning, learning about apples, enjoying apple cider, picking apples and eating apples.

Allison and Jordan's birthday party.

We celebrated Allison and Jordan's birthdays on Friday night with a bonfire/cookout. It was our 1st one ever.....we had a blast. Enjoy the pictures.

Happy Birthday, Allison!!!

7 years ago, I was 30 weeks pregnant, I thought I had at least 8 weeks before I would have my 2nd child. Little did I know that it would not be weeks, but hours before I gave birth. Allison Elizabeth was in a bit of a hurry to enter this world and was born at about 5:10 pm( at home mind you, I did not know I was in labor). She spent 9 weeks in the hospital.

Since that day, Allison has amazed us with her spirit and determination. She truly is an answer to many, many prayers.

HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY, ALLISON!! We Love you.

Happy 2nd Birthday Jordan!!

I can't believe that my baby is 2. These years have been filled with a lot of joy. Jordan is such a blessing and we thank God each day for him.

Happy Birthday Jordan!!!

Random pictures of the kids

Jordan's statement to me...."I pool Mommy, I pool"

Jordan is secure in his boyhood, not every boy can pull off the pink hat and sparkly purse.

Our Happy Boy

Jared took this picture of himself

Our pretty girl.....Jared took this picture, not bad.

1st day of school!

Another school year started today!! Is it really possible that my babies are in 1st and 2nd grade, I guess it is, because they are

Jared and Allison did a great job getting up really really early(6:15 A.M.) They get on the bus at around 7:10. I hope this excitement continues. Jared said that he was happy to go back to school, he really missed his friends. Allison loves school and learning, but is more excited about her new lunch box and eating at school.

Once again, I have to say how thankful I am for the wonderful program that Jared and Allison are in. The school staff is so supportive and will do whatever it takes to make sure that my children have great success at school. I know that many parents of children with disabilities have to fight tooth and nail for just the simple things, so we do not take this program for granted.

Summer Time Fun

Yesterday we spent the afternoon at our church community picnic. The kids had a blast even though it was really really hot, at least there was a breeze. This was the last hurrah before the kids go back to school next week.