We've been busy celebrating Drew's 5th Birthday! It's hard to believe that our little boy is now five years old. We celebrated with a family trip to Disney World - even the Grandparents flew to Florida to celebrate the big event.
One of the highlights of our trip was the Jedi Training Academy at Hollywood Studios:
Seriously, how cool is that? Drew's Dad and I both felt such a sense of happiness watching the little guy on stage. Five years ago, as he was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, we had no idea what these five years would bring for him. A few days ago, Drew was standing on a stage, listening to instructions from from his Jedi Master, just like all of his little Padawan friends, without any help. It's truly amazing.
Drew is now obsessed with Star Wars. He woke this morning asking to go to Target and buy a Storm Trooper helmet. Drew used birthday money this weekend to buy two Star Wars Lego sets. It's actually a bit out of control. But watching him become a boy, who's really into Star Wars, is also totally awesome.
Happy 5th Birthday Drew. We hope it's not one that you'll soon forget!
Showing posts with label Birthday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birthday. Show all posts
Monday, October 3
Tuesday, June 28
Four Years
We awoke on a beautiful, sunny morning four years ago today, knowing that our son would hear his very first sounds at his cochlear implant activation that day. We knew that the real work would begin that day. We knew that we would be deeply involved in speech and auditory training for the foreseeable future. We knew, no matter what may have crossed our path, that it was the beginning of our sons road to talking and communicating with his family and the world.
What we didn't know four years ago was how remarkably normal our life would become in this short time. That therapy appointments would really become a distant memory, a thing of the past. We didn't know how naturally hearing and speaking would come to him, but it did, and with his cochlear implants he has soared. Four years later our summer is filled with t-ball games where Drew can hear just like his teammates; it's a summer filled with trips to the pool where Drew can hear in the water. It's filled with everything that a little boys life should be filled with.
What we didn't know four years ago was that Drew was clearly born to talk. Happy 4th Hearing Day to our Drew.
What we didn't know four years ago was how remarkably normal our life would become in this short time. That therapy appointments would really become a distant memory, a thing of the past. We didn't know how naturally hearing and speaking would come to him, but it did, and with his cochlear implants he has soared. Four years later our summer is filled with t-ball games where Drew can hear just like his teammates; it's a summer filled with trips to the pool where Drew can hear in the water. It's filled with everything that a little boys life should be filled with.
What we didn't know four years ago was that Drew was clearly born to talk. Happy 4th Hearing Day to our Drew.
Friday, September 24
Wednesday, September 22
Language Sample - Four Years Old
I've taken a little video of Drew over the past few days, to give you an idea of how Drew is doing with his language. He will turn four years old this month, and has had his Cochlear Implants activated for nearly three years, three months.
It is really hard for me to believe that this whole hearing journey began nearly four years ago. If only I would have known then, what I know now. It would have saved a lot of tears.
Monday, June 28
Third Hearing Day
We're celebrating tonight! What an amazing three years it has been, full of listening, games, playing and fun. It's been lots and lots of hard work; days spent in hospital offices, with therapists, audiologists and at all day pre-school. Drew's progress has been nothing short of amazing and we're thankful everyday for his gift of hearing. And listening. And speaking. And communication.
We captured a little video of Drew tonight to mark this third hearing anniversary.
Happy Hearing Day Drew! We are so thankful that you are such a happy, loving and hardworking little boy. We are so lucky to be your Mommy and Daddy!
We captured a little video of Drew tonight to mark this third hearing anniversary.
Happy Hearing Day Drew! We are so thankful that you are such a happy, loving and hardworking little boy. We are so lucky to be your Mommy and Daddy!
Friday, June 25
Nearly Three Years - Part 2
It's been nearly three years since Drew's cochlear implants were activated! Here's a look back at some of my favorite posts:
Jingle Bells Part 2
Off And A Little Conversation
Happy Halloween from Drew!
Thanksgiving
Drew Singing on Christmas Day
Please Talk to Me!
Mr. Bron
Jingle Bells Part 2
Off And A Little Conversation
Happy Halloween from Drew!
Thanksgiving
Drew Singing on Christmas Day
Please Talk to Me!
Mr. Bron
Wednesday, June 23
Nearly Three Years
It has been nearly three years since Drew's cochlear implants were first activated - and what a journey it has been! Here are some of my favorite videos from the past three years.
Thursday, September 24
Happy 3rd Birthday!
It's hard to believe that Drew is three years old today! My little baby boy is growing up right before my eyes...
Sunday, June 28
Second Hearing Day
Today we celebrated Drew's second hearing day! Two years ago our son's cochlear implants were activated and he heard his very first sounds. To be honest, the day almost passed as usual. Every day life is just so normal, and Drew hears so well, that I sometimes forget what we went through to get to this day. In a way, that is good, but I always want to remember this day, and give thanks to those who have given our son the opportunity to hear, and learn to communicate with his family, friends and community. We are forever grateful.
As a little hearing present, Drew decided to learn how to put his ears back on himself! When they come off now, he'll pause and put the coil back on his own head. It is wonderful! And he gets so excited each time he successfully puts his ear on, and proclaims, "I did it!" He is growing up right before our eyes and it is just so wonderful to see. I am so happy that God chose me to be his Mommy. I am truly blessed.
As a little hearing present, Drew decided to learn how to put his ears back on himself! When they come off now, he'll pause and put the coil back on his own head. It is wonderful! And he gets so excited each time he successfully puts his ear on, and proclaims, "I did it!" He is growing up right before our eyes and it is just so wonderful to see. I am so happy that God chose me to be his Mommy. I am truly blessed.
Friday, April 24
Happy Birthday Sis!
Drew's Sister celebrated her 4th birthday this past week. I can't believe that it has been four years since I gave birth to my beautiful little girl. She is such a joy; a beautiful, happy little girl who can light up a room with her smile. She even got to enjoy Drew singing "Happy Birthday" to her. The bond between the two of them is quite unique. And while they fight quite often, they always end their day by hugging and kissing each other, and saying "Goodnight."We have been quite busy, thus the lack of new blogs. Drew's Dad and I continue to spend most of our free time working on Drew's preschool placement. While not much seems to be happening in the way of scheduling Drew's MFE or moving forward to the actual IEP writing, Drew's Dad and I are hard at work researching and finding resources to help our case. While we aren't traveling the easiest of roads, we are confidant that everything will work out in the end.
Wednesday, September 24
My Little Superhero is Two!
Happy 2nd Birthday, Drew!
It is appropriate that Drew had preschool today, as they sent home the first "What I Did Today" letter. So, at exactly two years of age, Drew's read:
"Today I"...
- Tried and tried to close the lid on the 'bear in the box' toy. After three attempts I asked for help.
- Said "more please" and "thank you" during snack time.
- Called all of my classmates by name.
- Jumped and danced during music time with Ms. Karen, and appropriately made all of the hand motions to 'Itsy Bitsy Spider'.
Two years ago I knew nothing of hearing loss. In fact, I think that September 24, 2006 was the last day that the words "hearing loss" didn't enter my thoughts throughout the day. Two years ago I could never have imagined what bright, funny, athletic and amazing little boy Drew would become. He truly is the best!
Oh, and on his second birthday he finally learned the word "yes!" It is so wonderful to hear him answer a question with a word other than "no."
Happy Birthday Drew, Drewsie, Buddy, Drewser, Drewmolisher! We love you!
Saturday, June 28
First Hearing Birthday
Happy First Hearing Birthday Drew! This year has been more than I ever hoped for. It has been more than I ever dreamed or imagined. My little boy can hear. My little boy can talk. It truly is a miracle, and I give thanks for the gift of hearing each day.
As I celebrate Drew's first hearing birthday I would like to thank those that have played a part in making this such a wonderful year for Drew and our family. Drew's surgeon, audiologist and therapists have all been an amazing source of education and support. To all of the families of other children with hearing loss, we thank you for your friendship. We share an amazing bond as a result of this experience.
Most importantly, thank you, Mom. You have learned so much about hearing loss and auditory verbal therapy over the past year, it is just amazing. Not only this, you have used everything that you have learned with Drew and you have educated me. You tirelessly chauffeur Drew from therapy to therapy (allowing me to continue to work). You do activities and work with Drew on his language skills daily. You are a large part of his success, so thank you for working so hard to help our little boy maximize his gift of hearing.
We look forward to year two of hearing with our little boy.
Wednesday, June 25
My Favs
As we get ready to celebrate Drew's first hearing birthday this weekend, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite moments over the past year:
Watch Drew Hear
Pavarotti's Passing
Imitating Sounds
CI Dilemma #1
Jingle Bells, Part 2
Amazing
Off and A Little Conversation
10 Months Post Cochlear Implant Activation Video
I don't know where the coming year will take us, but I'm enjoying the ride and can't wait to see what is in store for my little boy's second year of hearing!
Watch Drew Hear
Pavarotti's Passing
Imitating Sounds
CI Dilemma #1
Jingle Bells, Part 2
Amazing
Off and A Little Conversation
10 Months Post Cochlear Implant Activation Video
I don't know where the coming year will take us, but I'm enjoying the ride and can't wait to see what is in store for my little boy's second year of hearing!
Monday, September 24
Sunday, September 23
One Year Ago
One year ago today, September 23, 2006, we were watching the Ohio State vs. Penn State football game at our friends' house. We had a great time eating, talking and watching our little girls (they have a little girl about 2 years older than Drew's sister) play together. We were all focused intently on our beloved Buckeyes as their quest for a National Championship marched on.
My friend and I were both nine months pregnant at the time, so at points during the game we were discussing our upcoming new additions, but overall, we were just concerned with an Ohio State victory! I know my friend and I were both hoping we would go into labor well before our due dates (which were in mid-October), but little did I know that my water would break in the wee hours of that night. I certainly know that none of us watching the game together that day had concern over our baby-to-be's hearing. It's amazing how a year can change things.
I did not know while enjoying a Buckeye victory what this year would have in store for my family. The countless doctor appointments, hours of Internet research on deafness, cochlear implants and oral deaf education, therapy appointments with Help Me Grow, Early Intervention and MR/DD, just to name a few. It has been an emotionally draining and physically exhausting year in so many ways. Yet when I sit here reflecting on Drew's first year, I just keep thinking, "We Made It!"
We made it. We pushed on each day despite being devastated that our son could not hear. We got over the "why" questions, although they still do surface every once in a while. We made it through hearing aid trials, evaluations, therapies, surgery and Cochlear Implant activation day. We have experienced the changes in Drew since his surgery. The remarkable change in his balance (he could sit up the day after his surgery!), the change in his personality (it's really exploding!) and the change in his language (obviously!). The last three months have been truly remarkable and made those early, worrisome, sleepless days so worthwhile!
What would I change? I have been asked this question a lot over the past couple of weeks. I'm not quite sure why, but it has surfaced. It's an interesting thing to consider, since there is really no way to change anything. But if I could, what would I change? The answer is easy, really. I would change nothing. You see, if I were to change something (like to give Drew hearing) it would change the Drew I know and I can not imagine him any other way. He has the most beautiful eyes, the most infections smile and his laughter makes me forget about everything going on in the world around me. He is my Drew and I love him just the way he is. He is his own individual; happy and unique in his own little way. He is everything I wasn't expecting and everything I needed all in one handsome little boy. He has taught me to appreciate the smallest, most ordinary things that I would usually have taken for granted.
My Brother-In-Law wrote me a letter a couple of weeks ago and ended with "the juice is worth the squeeze." We have been emotionally drained at times, frustrated, sad, exhausted, overwhelmed and we have even questioned God at times. We have been humbled by the support we have received from family, friends, teachers and doctors. We have met so many wonderful people that would never have come into our lives without this experience. This year has been joyous, happy and has flown by. Most importantly, this year has been so rewarding for me and all of those that have helped to get Drew to his first birthday! I have loved every minute of being Drew's Mom (even when he was wide awake at 2 AM!) and feel blessed to have him as my son.
As I celebrate Drew's first birthday, the juice is better than I could have imagined!
My friend and I were both nine months pregnant at the time, so at points during the game we were discussing our upcoming new additions, but overall, we were just concerned with an Ohio State victory! I know my friend and I were both hoping we would go into labor well before our due dates (which were in mid-October), but little did I know that my water would break in the wee hours of that night. I certainly know that none of us watching the game together that day had concern over our baby-to-be's hearing. It's amazing how a year can change things.
I did not know while enjoying a Buckeye victory what this year would have in store for my family. The countless doctor appointments, hours of Internet research on deafness, cochlear implants and oral deaf education, therapy appointments with Help Me Grow, Early Intervention and MR/DD, just to name a few. It has been an emotionally draining and physically exhausting year in so many ways. Yet when I sit here reflecting on Drew's first year, I just keep thinking, "We Made It!"
We made it. We pushed on each day despite being devastated that our son could not hear. We got over the "why" questions, although they still do surface every once in a while. We made it through hearing aid trials, evaluations, therapies, surgery and Cochlear Implant activation day. We have experienced the changes in Drew since his surgery. The remarkable change in his balance (he could sit up the day after his surgery!), the change in his personality (it's really exploding!) and the change in his language (obviously!). The last three months have been truly remarkable and made those early, worrisome, sleepless days so worthwhile!
What would I change? I have been asked this question a lot over the past couple of weeks. I'm not quite sure why, but it has surfaced. It's an interesting thing to consider, since there is really no way to change anything. But if I could, what would I change? The answer is easy, really. I would change nothing. You see, if I were to change something (like to give Drew hearing) it would change the Drew I know and I can not imagine him any other way. He has the most beautiful eyes, the most infections smile and his laughter makes me forget about everything going on in the world around me. He is my Drew and I love him just the way he is. He is his own individual; happy and unique in his own little way. He is everything I wasn't expecting and everything I needed all in one handsome little boy. He has taught me to appreciate the smallest, most ordinary things that I would usually have taken for granted.
My Brother-In-Law wrote me a letter a couple of weeks ago and ended with "the juice is worth the squeeze." We have been emotionally drained at times, frustrated, sad, exhausted, overwhelmed and we have even questioned God at times. We have been humbled by the support we have received from family, friends, teachers and doctors. We have met so many wonderful people that would never have come into our lives without this experience. This year has been joyous, happy and has flown by. Most importantly, this year has been so rewarding for me and all of those that have helped to get Drew to his first birthday! I have loved every minute of being Drew's Mom (even when he was wide awake at 2 AM!) and feel blessed to have him as my son.
As I celebrate Drew's first birthday, the juice is better than I could have imagined!
Saturday, September 22
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