I May Have a Signer Afterall

Look what I found Brook doing! She was watching Signing Times on PBS...she's a little more interested than Gage ever was about signs.

didn't have time to caption but you're only missing me saying "good job Brook" after she attempts to sign the word broom and then dust pan.

Mother's Day 2006

So I'm putting things up from the end of the year (keepsakes) and I run across this: during the scan it cuts part of it off but if you'll note, it's a little fill in the blank Gage's preschool did when he was 5. As you may or may not can read, my favorite activity is washing the dishes, my favorite movie is American Idol and I weigh in at 42 pounds being only 16 inches tall(even as a small person I'd be overweight). She said he was adament to cross out the feet and put in inches! I look best when I laugh and worse when I make him clean the wall w/wet toilet paper(it was a magic eraser used to clean where he wrote on the wall!) and I love to go to the circus and I hate going to a stranger's house. My favorite food is Paula Deen and HIS favorite thing is when I called UPS to bring him his pinata. I will treasure this forever...this is the only place I'll EVER be that small. Wonder what he'd say now...hmmm better not ask!

Are We Tired?

School's out and by the end of the day, the kids are already exhausted. We go outside after breakfast...swim, play, weather permitting...we don't return until time to cook dinner. It's taking it's toll already on my sweet baby Brook. Yesterday, she was being ignored for using and unpleasant tone of voice w/me. After saying something several times and still being ignored for being so rude she yells "YOU NEED YOUR MAPPIN' DONE!!!" and slams the door! First of all since she couldn't see me, I laughed my head off, but I don't acknowledge someone when they are using nasty tones with me. I think we need a midday break from the sun and fun...don't you?

Deaf child eludes jail time

Okay, what a night...Gage decides to call 911 as a joke (again) and the police decide to come this time. Talk about a nervous seven year old, he thought he was going to jail. Brook, screamed as they pulled up..."tell 'em no!! mama!" as she too was convinced he was headed to the slammer!! He wrote them a note that won them over.

and the best part was: we were never questioned because our child was fully able to speak for himself, so that left no question w/his trembling voice...that he was truly sorry!

Gage and Yellow Hair

Found an old picture of Gage and Yellow Hair, his favorite blanket, you can see where "she" gets her name. He loves her dearly and decided to write a story about her to keep forever.

Maw Maw's Miracle

One of the first things my Maw Maw said to me when we found out Gage was deaf was, "I'm praying for a miracle". As a young mother at age 26 who had only family to rely on for the "he's so cute" and the "he's a doll" remarks, it really ticked me off I have to admit. All the doctors, specialists, geneticists, were perplexed by my little man and always trying to give me the "what's wrong with him" remarks.

I had spent many days and even several nights throughout his infancy in the local Children's Hospital. Every new doctor meant new vocabulary for me to learn, more people showing me little imperfections in my new child. During an overnight stay I had went downstairs to the cafeteria as a family was leaving the chapel. The mother screaming "Not my baby!!!! Not my baby!!!" As my heart pounded and my stride quickened, all I could think about was "not my baby". As we bounced from specialist to specialist, I would give a quick whisper to God "I can take almost anything, but please don't let anything be life threatening". As we entered the cardiologist who was looking for some type of defect, some type of abnormality, I could hear myself say "not my baby". Visit after visit everything was checking out fine much to our relief.

He was still in fact deaf and always going to be, no doubt about that. But I refused to ask God for a miracle, seemed so petty after seeing the desperate mother who must have arrived moments too late. No matter how many times I assured Maw Maw we didn't need a miracle she still said "well, I'm still praying for one". I guess I can't abort someone else's prayers so I just accepted the fact she was going to keep asking God for her miracle, she just wanted her great grandson to be able to hear.

After three and a half years of trying to communicate with her child just somehow, someway,...a sobbing mother broke down. I needed some type of guidance as to where I was to lead this sweet child of mine. I needed God to just tell me what to do, afterall wasn't I his child to guide? Gage was scheduled to have cochlear implant surgery the next morning and I was scared to death. I said my prayers that night over a barrel of salty tears and the minute I asked for his guidance, my tears stopped. Once I start crying it usually takes me forever to stop, but not this time. I washed my face, I had a good night's sleep, and took him for surgery the next morning.

No one was ever sure of how successful this surgery would be due to his severe ear malformations. But I awoke with the most peace I'd had in three and half years. I had someone much bigger on my side. I went into the hospital knowing that he was going to be safe. Even if he wasn't implanted, I knew he would be absolutely fine, safe, and happy.

Not only did Maw Maw receive her miracle that I never asked for, but she's really enjoyed both of my children who she would have never been able to communicate with on her own if they couldn't hear. At ninety years old (almost) it takes her ten minutes to answer the door much less try to sign something to them. But not only that, they get to enjoy her as well. Both of my kids mock her frail and shakey voice sounding almost exactly like her.

So sometimes you get more than you ask for. I asked for healthy happy children...and I got just that. Maw Maw asked for more, and we got that too. She recently told me as I fight back the tears typing, "Brook is a beautiful girl...she'll grow up to be a beautiful young woman. I'll never get see that, I've been here a long time." But at least she got to see her miracle. Deciding to implant our children is never an easy one. This wasn't the only hard decision we'll have to make as our children age, but shaming a mother for making one of THE hardest decisions is not only inappropriate, it's plain judgemental.

Awards Day

We went in today only for the Awards Ceremony. There were like five(?) awards given from Gage's class and he earned the Spelling Award. The spelling tests are all oral and he did very well despite half of them being rhyming words where maybe only one letter was different...he had to listen very carefully. I got his belongings and forgot all about this stamp I had made. The kids took turns being his "buddy" each day and could earn a stamp at the end of the day so they could show their parents how they helped him at p.e. and the lunchroom when he couldn't hear as well. They love taking turns as this is as important to the other kids as being "student of the day"!! I had this stamp made and it didn't cost much online.

P.S. while there this sweet little old great-grandmother was seated behind us, she tapped Brook and said "are you listening to music?" This was before the awards started so I explained the whole cochlear implant process to her. I saw people glancing hoping I wouldn't see them looking, but I did. Nothing rude was said and they all were just curious. The great grandmother even said "well that's sad but really amazing too"...when I got to the part about she hears nothing when she takes her processors off. It was totally fine and not condescending at all so I feel good that they all learned a little something...whether they wanted me to know they were listening or not.

BYOB

Bring your own baby!! Brook was in Heaven when cousin Ethan stopped by to see her. Please note her outfit...interesting choices, I'll say. Anyway had fun today w/the family gathering and grilling party we hosted. Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day.

Pool or Water park?

After careful consideration, we decided for what we could pay for season passes to a nearby (30 miles away) water park, we could just upgrade our inflatable this year. I almost bought those passes but flashbacks of last year kept coming into mind. Brook and Gage being in silence with lots and lots of people and only me to watch them, ugh! One time last year, I had to actually leave Gage in the water to chase Brook who was running thru a mass of people to go potty. Nightmare, so we opted for the inflatable.

End of School Parties

Wow, today was the last day of "real" school. Brook doesn't go back 'til August and Gage had field day today and awards on Tues. then he's finished. They were supposed to go until next Thurs. but hey, I can take a hint...his teacher told me they didn't HAVE to come if they didn't want to. End of school party today for Brook, the firemen came and her BFF Austin and my BFF Sara (his little sister) had a ball today!!!!
Now all you mamas know the countdown begins...til the first day of school!

Little Mama

"No we can't take the kitten with us"...how many times a week do I say that?? Here you'll see that she takes her children EVERYWHERE!! Little Britney...I mean Brook even leaves them unattended while she stops to check and see if her lights are on...they slide into the floorboard, they should really wear their seat belts. At least she's practicing.

The Haircut

Went to local beauty salon to get Gage a haircut. We had a different stylist and I quickly explained that he wouldn't be able to hear her once he took off his processor, she needed to face him to speak (he reads lips well, but the mirror image may throw him off). As he was getting his hair cut this little seven year old boy walks over to me and said "why does he not wave at me? I said hey to him but he didn't say it back?" Well, here goes the lesson! This little boy was SOOOO interested and asked the most intelligent questions. His mom was busy on a cell phone and had no idea what was being discussed. He asked me if the processor would get bigger as he got older...he asked me if one day could Gage wear those kind that fit inside his ear (meaning hearing aids)...he even asked if he could wear it. When Gage got finished, we demonstrated how a paper clip would stick to his head and the boy said "So Cool!". Once the stylist was finished they had a short conversation (just boy stuff) and we were ready to leave. Unfotunately a different stylist opened her mouth (she's done this before!) and apologized to me for my kid being deaf!!!! I played dumb and when she said "I'm sorry" and rolled her eyes toward Gage, I said "excuse me?" and sat there until she made herself clear she was referring to my kid! I wanted to give her a chance dispite her previous record. I quickly stated she needn't apologize, it doesn't bother him...I can't wait to go back though, I have a whole list of other things I'd like to say! I mean strike three and you're out right? Even a seven year old had more respect!

and though he wasn't sporting the mohawk at the time, this is his preferred hairstyle...do you think he likes attention?

HEAR Center at the Zoo

We celebrated our HEAR Center's 250th hearing birthday today. They have performed over 250 ci surgeries now and we were glad to meet up with some other parents we haven't seen a while, the good doctor is in red there, and even met Mr. Pearson, the little man in blue. All kinds of kids were there, some had Auditory Neuropathy, some had multiple disabilities but one thing in common, they could all hear now. We had a blast!
On a side note, I totally forgot how smelly the zoo is!! Here you see the bats, bald eagles, and diamond back rattlesnakes...

Roughin' It

So last night I decided to hang with the fellas since Brook was spending the night w/my mother(despite Gage telling me to "go home and stay"). This is the THE CABIN. My husband built it with his own two hands when I was pregnant with Gage, no water, no electricity...just a wood burning stove for the winter and windows for the summer.


We live just beyond that hay field in the background so I politely made my way home before 8 p.m. Did I mention no bathroom? But Gage loves it and was even noted to say "y'all hear that wood pecker?" and that was heard over a goat, a cow, and a lawn mower from the neighbor thru the woods.

Gage found a tiny frog and that was enough to gross me out and I realized, maybe I'm not so country! Frogs Freak Me Out!!!! I'd rather see a snake, I think.

Garden Goodies

Look what I found! Our first pick of the year. Brook said "oh radishes, and another radishes" gotta love those four year olds.

Cooking with Kids

Kiss the cook! She's such a wonderful little helper and we learned lots of new stuff during those ten minutes of prep work she did...(wet batter vs. dry batter, we learned that flour is not sugar, and all about ingredients) she not only helped w/all the prep but she mashed the potatoes...was it more important for me to do these things quickly and w/less mess or have her enjoy learning new words and how to cook?...we ate those potatoes lumps and all...and they were just as good!

slip-n-slides are cool!

Yes, we broke out the slip-n-slide today...what fun! I heard "Mama, look!!" so many times I got a crick in my neck from looking. Gage had his seven year old check up this morning and I convinced him to go only because there would be no shots this year...only to find out that the schools wanted all the kids to get another chicken pox vaccine...oops! Good news is the shot went in, it only took three of us to hold him and Brook quit screaming as soon as we let him go. Then we have to leave the same way we entered...thru a waiting room full of other children probably there to get their shots and Gage announces to everyone as if he's standing at a podium..."I hate shots, they hurt, they are HORRIBLE!!!" Man, they love us at the doctor's office!

Just a Perfect Mother's Day

Yes, we were playing around with the settings of my camera, can you tell?

Birthday Boy

Well I put him to bed as a six year old knowing he'd wake up seven. He told me before he went to bed that he hoped his voice got deeper overnight.

What is Mother's Day?

It's when you get all this cool stuff sent home from school that the kids have made.
And here's Gage's explanation, I did not caption because all he does is tell me it's when they give me flowers. He says it in his very country voice...according to the AVT when children pick up an accent, they are hearing really well.

Ellie's Ears

A proud day here at the Blakely residence...we have our new book!! Ellie's Ears is a book about a little girl in school who wears cochlear implants. How cool is that? She explains the devices to a new student and it's a very good story that I'm sure my kids will relate to year after year after year explaining what's behind their ears. Brook's already "read it" to her dolls, and I'm sure the cats are next on the list. To find out more visit Elizabeth & Rachel or click here .

A New Pair of Shoes-a Mother's Day story

I thought it would be a good time to share this story with you with the holiday around the corner. It's about the time I got a new pair of shoes. Now I've worn many shoes over the years but these were no ordinary shoes. In fact, I had wanted a pair of them for years but the circumstances were never right for me to make such an investment. My own mother had a pair and had worn them for years before I decided I wanted some just like those one day. I knew they had to be comfortable. Why I had watched her march around in those shoes all day, cooking, shopping, she did everything in those shoes. Sometimes I'd watch...waiting for her to take them off so I could sneak in her closet...slip them on my small feet so I could wear them, hoping that one day they would fit me. I finally realized when I got older that these shoes were custom made. You couldn't really put on someone else's, you had to have your own pair or they may never have that perfect fit.
I patiently waited year after year until it was time to get fitted for my own shoes. Oh how they measured me up and down and all around...but they told me that I'd have to wait a few months before I could pick them up. I wanted to just wear them home that day but I understood the importance of waiting. I wanted them to be perfect! I wanted to be so proud to wear these shoes, that everyday I would always pick that pair. I wanted them to last forever like my mother's pair seemed to. I planned to take good care of them because a pair of shoes that takes that long to make couldn't be replaced easily, and besides...no refunds or exchanges on these. Somedays as I waited for my shoes to be customized to that perfect look, that perfect size, that perfect fit...I would walk around the house pretending they were on my feet. My husband would find me in front of the mirror...just hoping I would be able to wear them as well as my mother wore hers. We'd sit around wondering what the finished product would look like. I hoped my husband like them, and I hope he liked me in them!!
I woke one morning and the wait was nearly over. My shoes were now ready. As we got into the car, my husband and I talked about anything to keep my nervous mind off the shoes. Truth be known, I wasn't sure I was ready for them. What if I put them on and they don't fit? What if they aren't as comfortable as mother made them look?
We finally arrived and we went in and waited, and waited and waited some more! I thought they were ready. I had just about given up on getting the shoes that day when I saw someone bringing me a package. Was that my shoes? The package was smaller than expected and when I peeked inside, they didn't look exactly like I had imagined all these years...but they were beautiful, and all mine! The lady who had so carefully wrapped my shoes tried to point out a few mistakes the shoemaker had made. Although I could see the "imperfections" I knew that the shoemaker never makes mistakes. They were customized shoes remember, made to fit me. So what if they ended up even more special. After marveling in the fine craftsmanship I suddenly realized why they took so long to make. It wasn't the shoes I was waiting on exactly, rather my feet to fill them. Just like alot of shoes, they were tight at first. I had to break them in but my mother was there to guide me, pretty soon they were the perfect fit.
I guess anyone can get a pair of these shoes afterall but not everyone's fit this good. I've slid my feet inside these shoes everyday since...just like my mother always wore hers. They are my "Mommy Shoes". All of our shoes get scuffed from time to time but it's the "soul" that's most important. Wear your Mommy Shoes proudly this Mother's Day. You never know who may be trying them on.