Patience is Not my strong point

Little Guy Just Turned 2

It's been 3 and a half weeks since little guy started wearing his hearing aids and he is really doing great. He is totally comfortable and doesn't make any fuss about them at all. The audiologist did change them with a slightly thicker one though that doesn't sit as comfortably on his ear and flips over more often. He's great about coming over though to get them put back behind his ear.

I do have to say that I expected to hear more speech much sooner. Being patient is so difficult for me. I spoke with the audiologist who did explain that his brain has to figure out how to process these new sounds before he's able to speak them. Makes sense doesn't it? I just had no idea though.

I definitely think he's becoming more responsive to speech. He also just really starting to respond to the signing that he's learning. I love seeing him sign and he's quite pleased with himself  as well - the big knowing smile that accompanies his signs is too cute for words.

I did express to our family case coordinator that I felt a little dismayed over the fact that the caring professionals working with little guy had very little experience with children who have hearing loss. I really want to be sure his specific needs (of which I am clueless of) are being met. Our coordinator has been great and hooked us up with a woman who teaches deaf and hard of hearing children. She will begin working with Ronan very soon. She will be teaching him how to listen. I am really excited about this and she's enthusiastic about taking on our little guy.

Now I just need someone to teach me how to be patient. Maybe that's little guy's job. I know he's got a lot to say to me and he has been patiently waiting for me to get the help he needs to do just that.

So ~ whenever you're ready little one, your mama is listening.

More Progress and questions

Despite what feels like some technical bumps the little guy continues to do remarkably well. On Monday we were scoping out toys for his birthday present in Target (more about that tomorrow) when I got a call about a cancellation at the audiologist. We could get in the next day to have his hearing aids adjusted upward.

Our appointment was a little unsettling for many reasons. It's one thing to sail uncharted medical territories but it's a bit unnerving when the professional that is supporting you leaves you with more questions than answers.

We got there and the audiologist told us she wanted to do some hearing tests on him with his hearing aids on. I thought it would be really helpful to see how he would do. Unfortunately there was some sort of software glitch (identical to the last visit). This meant the majority (45 minutes) of the appointment we sat in her office while she was on the phone to the hearing aid company's tech support, this left no time for testing.

Last appointment I was told they were on very low. This was to get him used to wearing them and that the adjustments would be a gradual process.  At home we listened with these hearing tubes that you can fit over the piece that goes in his ear to test them and indeed it was barely amplified. Yesterday I was told they were actually at 80%. This just seemed strange to me. They are now adjusted to 100% and they do seem quite loud. Little guy seems pretty unphased by this which is wonderful.

We were also informed by our audiologist that this particular hearing aid doesn't exactly cover the frequencies of his hearing loss. She's going to order different ones that will be better suited to him. This is great but I can't help but wonder why they weren't ordered in the first place ~ the results from hearing tests haven't changed. A few more little things occurred that just didn't feel right.

To be fair she seems to be a very genuine and caring person. I put a call in to her today and am awaiting a call back to go over yesterday's uncertainties and clarify the questions that were raised but unanswered.

It has occurred to me that it is hard to ask someone questions when you just don't know what your supposed to be asking.

So here we are living and learning. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and for joining me on this journey.

On a happy note here are some photos from our Easter day. We all really enjoyed the beautiful Spring weather and their first egg hunt.

Beyond Expectations

Just an update ~ Day 4 here and Little guy's comfort with his hearing aids has really been beyond expectations. Today is the 3rd day that he has worn them the entire day (with the exception of his nap). I'm absolutely amazed. Yesterday after a little bout of wrestling with his sister he came up to me pointing to his ear. I was quick to frown at him & shake my head "no" I was sure he was about to pull them out. I checked to see what was going on and noticed the hearing aid had come up over his ear. He had come to tell me to fix it. This morning when we came downstairs he pointed to his ears. I do believe he was telling me to put them in.

I called the Audiologist to report the good news and see if we could get them adjusted in 2 weeks rather than 3. She was surprised, pleased and agreed to see us in 2 weeks. She didn't however have an apt until 4/16 ~ ugh! Hopefully there will be a cancellation and we can get in sooner. 

On the quest to find out as much as I can on how to raise a hearing impaired child, I've come across some great new blogs. I'm interested in the day to day and soaking up what I can. There's so much to be learned and I love reading about this though the life experiences of others. 

Sunshine

Big thanks to Jen over on Olive Street Studio for sending some Sunshine my way. What a wonderful bloggity friend. I'm hoping for some great things to come her way and very much appreciate her thoughts.

Today was a sunshiny day. I started off by having little guy try out his hearing aids. I didn't want to fuss him up by putting both in (I'm new at putting them in so it takes some wiggling on my part) so we began with one. This lasted 26 minutes (I'm logging my time). Not too bad. We were out and about in the car so he did not have them on (I can't keep him from touching them while I'm driving) until we got home. I put the other one in by itself and this lasted 53 minutes.  A few hours later I took the plunge and got them both in. This lasted....

3 Hours 25 Minutes!!!! 

Wow! I am so freaking excited about this. I only took them off because it was bath night and I wasn't going to have him watch the bath fill up with them on. When I called my husband to tell him he sounded almost tearful. We just want this to work out so badly. The volume is set really low and the Audiologist told me she would adjust this in 2-3 weeks. Hopefully it will be more like 2 weeks. The next adjustment won't be full volume either.

They are really hard to see (he does need a haircut though) and the ear molds are clear.

 I actually had to go over and touch the sides of his head to be sure they were still there. (and they were!) 

Yay Little Guy!

Rome and Impatience

So I'm learning that I'm not a very patient person. I'm also learning that I'm going to have to start being more patient. Trying to remind myself "Rome wasn't built in a day".

Finally had the appointment today. In my eagerness to get the appointment I failed to consider the time ~ 1pm, my little guy's nap time. Needless to say he wasn't very cooperative. Apparently this is to be expected, in fact the next 2-3 weeks are just going to be all about getting him used to his hearing aids. As not to overwhelm him they are adjusted on very low. 

He's only to wear them if I am right with him and can be certain he won't pull them out.  Short amounts of time and as often as possible. It was suggested to try some m&m's for a reward system and I'm okay with that (it worked to potty train my daughter). Other than that, well I'm on my own!

Here's what I was given ~ the hearing aids,  a cleaning kit, a drying case, some sort of testing tubes, covers, a cute mouse that has removable hearing aids, and lots of literature. 

Here they are ~ the are very light, unobtrusive, and hopefully when we get used to them they will work well.

So today was a total wash. He was cranky and out of sorts from not napping so I wasn't about to wrestle them on him.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day.

Did I mention that I was impatient?


*and an insurance update. Apparently I'm "lucky" that my insurance is covering anything at all. Typically insurance policies don't cover hearing aids (seriously can you believe that?). The amount they do cover isn't very much though. On the agenda for next week - hunting for some sort of loophole we can use to our advantage.

down

It's a down day.

~ The hearing aids that we were supposed to get tomorrow have been postponed ~ for a WHOLE week.

~When I talk to the insurance company they tell me the hearing aids are covered. When the office calls they are told they aren't.

~The ent Dr. wants a cat scan of little guy's ears which will mean sedation again.

~More unanswered questions than answered.

~The realization that he has yet to hear his toys make noises, the birds, me telling him how much I love him.

I do appreciate the warm support from your comments. They truly are a comfort. I just want to say thanks.

Tomorrow will be better, this I know. But today, not so good.

Life's Unexpected Twists and Turns

My little guy is going to turn 2 next month. He's the sweetest (and wildest) little lovebug. Everywhere we go people always comment on his dreamy blue eyes. It can't be denied they are something ~ and he's lucky he is so cute as he is into everything.

His been slow to pick up speech and been getting speech therapy for 2 months now. The early intervention programs really are great. At their recommendation we've had his hearing assessed. Results of  basic testing were not good, we followed up with an Ear, nose, & throat Dr. who then sent us to get an ABR to determine what he is and isn't hearing.

An Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) sounds scarier than it is. The sedation was the scariest part (he is way to active to sit quietly for 2 hours of testing) but it went well.  Basically electrodes are placed on his forehead and behind the ears and ear phones play sounds into his ears. They can then see what sounds his brain is responding to.

We had this test done 5 days ago. When the audiologist kept checking the ear phones I pretty much knew it was not good. I held him while he slept through the test and cried. Little guy has moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears.  He's going to need hearing aids. Definitely a shock. Aside from the lack of speech he is so outgoing, curious, and very interactive (aka into everything) so the results were unexpected.

His 2nd birthday is coming up in the middle of April. On the way home I decided my goal would be to get him hearing aids in time to hear us sing "Happy Birthday" to him.  In the car I called the hearing center where he had his initial evaluation done.  Somehow I managed to get an apt for 2 days later. He's already been fitted for his hearing aids and our next apt is at the end of the week when his hearing aids should be in.

I've been working on putting this into perspective. In the grand scheme of things it's really a drop in the bucket. Knowing how smart, curious, and active my little guy is I'm confident he'll be fine. At this point I can't wait to see him fly as he is finally able figure out what we've been saying to him and he learns to speak.  I'm taking things step by step and right now I am so looking forward to this.

Beautiful Buttons

~ Some Button Eye Candy ~ 

I love buttons.

Quilting Books ~ Book Sale!

~ I'm having a Book Sale ~

Buy One get One half off entire book section. 

This one is from Practical Lessons in Smart Clothes from 1924

Some fun kids books too.

No need to enter any codes, just purchase more than 1 book and I'll refund ~

 You'll receive a refund through paypal unless you want to contact me first & I'll adjust the listing for you. 

~ click here for Corrnucopia Book Section Link ~ 

Books are mailed Media Mail to keep the shipping costs down 

(overages in shipping costs will be refunded). 

Discount applied to the book that is lesser in value.

Sale Ends Saturday 2/20/2010

WO - WHOO!

First time on the Front Page!

Those are my sweet Owl Salt & Pepper shakers.

Happy Day! 

***and a little update since I'm a really do like statistics! My owls lasted about 30 minutes before they sold and were then removed from front page. During that time my shop received 16 new hearts. The owls received 28 hearts and according to Google Analytics during the 8:00 hour my shop was visited 257 times. Wow, it's amazing what exposure will do huh? I think being on prime time during Super Bowl was definitely an advantage. 

Easy Wheat Germ Casserole Bread Recipe

I picked up some turkey cutlets and thought I'd make a really easy turkey crock pot soup with them. I made a simple soup adding carrots, celery, turnips, onion, and broth. I thought it would be so tasty to have some fresh herbs in there as well and I picked up some to throw in.  The only problem was when I saw the bits of herbs floating around I knew I was going to have some trouble getting my 4 year old to eat it.

Then I remembered Julia's lovely soup recipe and thought I can fix this right up!

I don't have an immersion blender (sounds like such a fun tool!) but I do have a blender. So I scooped and pureed. After it was all blended I added some milk and cheddar cheese. This was my first puree soup and it was definitely an experiment (my favorite kind of cooking) and it actually turned very well.  I'm looking forward to trying this out again.

To accompany the soup I made a very easy and delicious loaf of bread ~ simple ingredients to mix, no kneading, 45 minutes to rise and 45 minutes to cook. (picture above)

One - Bowl Wheat Germ Casserole Bread

2 3/4 - 3 1/4 cups unsifted flour, divided ( I use a mix of whole wheat and white flour)

1/2 cup wheat germ

2 packets of dry yeast

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons margarine softened (I used butter)

1 1/3 cups very hot tap water

2 tablespoons molasses (room temperature)

In large bowl (I just used my kitchen aid mixer bowl) throughly mix 1 cup flour, wheat germ, undissolved yeast, and salt. Stir in margarine. Gradually add water and molasses. Beat with mixer 2 minutes at medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in enough remaining flour to make stiff batter. 

Cover, let rise in warm draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Stir batter down, beat vigorously 30 seconds. Turn into greased 1 1/2 quart casserole. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until done. (you'll get a hollow sound when tapping on the top) Remove from casserole, cool on wire rack.

Enjoy!

I've made it a habit not to use butter on our food (I do cook with it when recipe calls for). My daughter made me laugh though when she asked if we could have the slippery stuff on our bread like we had at the restaurant.  Even I can't resist the slippery stuff on homemade warm from the oven bread!

Vintage Sewing Notions

Waldes  - Koh - I - Noor - Glaskopf - Stecknadeln

Aus Bestem Geharteten Stahl 

Mit Fein Geschliffenen Nadelspitzen

loosely translated ~ From GADMEI Geharteten Steel
With a finely ground needle tips.

Just a thought...

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you, love you,bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare

and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.

One day I shall dig my nails into the earth,

or bury my face into the pillow,or stretch myself taut,

or raise my hands to the sky and want,
more than all the world, your return

~Mary Jean Iron

Help I've Lost The Instruction Manual

I knew the crib climbing was going to be challenging but this is ridiculous!

This little fellow just won't stay put. He's already scratched up his face from trying to climb over the baby gate to keep him in his room. I did pick up a toddler bed over the weekend (found it at a yard sale & figured it was meant to be). The first night he got up and cried in the doorway. I had a feeling this might happen so I left a comforter on the floor in front of the door. Sure enough he fell asleep right there. Second night he was so exhausted (not napping now that he can wander about his room) that he did start off in the toddler bed but fell off when he woke up and tried to get out. Third night once again sleeping on the floor. I can't bear to leave him there all night so I bring him up with me when I go to sleep.

So yes I have misplaced the instruction manual and haven't a clue on what to do next ~ any suggestions?

Every Little Bit of Help ~ Helps!

There always seems to be so much to do around the house and just not enough time (or motivation) to get things done. I'm really trying to enlist the help of my 4 year old without breaking any child labor laws.

Seriously I want her to learn to be responsible and I need her help! Lately I've been insisting she put her clothes in the hamper right side out. I really don't like doing laundry and having to turn so many clothes right side out really slows things down. It's usually the nightgowns she forgets and I've been having her turn them herself, a bit tricky for a 4 year old I know.

She has surprised me though and has taught herself a new trick ~ how to wiggle out of her clothes when getting undressed and keep them from turning inside out! What a great surprise. I love how she taught herself this as she realized turning your clothes right side out isn't much fun.

Now if I could just get her to realize she should clean up her toys when she's done playing with the them instead of moving on to something else.

I'd love to hear from you ~ how do you have your little ones help you out?

Aaaagh!

I like routine I really do. We've have a great one over here. Pick up daughter from PreK, come home, have lunch, little guy naps. It's nice and I like it. Liked it. Want it back. No. Please?

This started yesterday.

He.

Won't.

Stay.

I frantically asked around at school this morning if anyone had one of those crib tent/top/cover/cages that I could borrow for a few months. (because then he will be able to handle a toddler bed and not get into everything in his room)

I think I scored one but probably won't see it until Monday. Until then I just can't keep this guy put.

I've a feeling it's going to be a looooooooooooong weekend.

Special Delivery!

We're teaming up with Etsy for a Special Delivery!

My daughter and I are sending in some homemade cards to be delivered to NYC seniors on Valentine's Day. Over 18,000 people are served by Citymeals-on-Wheels ~ That's a lot of lonely seniors. Etsy is helping to send them some love on Valentine's Day by collecting cards to be delivered with their Valentine's Day meals.

While the little guy is napping we love to get crafty ~ anything involving paper, glue, & scissors is pretty much guaranteed to result in a good time. After reading "Special Delivery: Share Your Love 2010" on Etsy's Storque I knew I wanted us to get involved with this project.

I also loved being able to use this opportunity to teach my 4 year old about caring and helping others. Let's face it the budget is tight but we do have plenty of paper and glue around. If this is a way we can make a difference, albeit a small one, well that's a step. I explained to her we were making these cards for older people like her Great Nana who don't have a lot of people who come to spend time with them and give them love.

We made these two days ago. This morning when I asked her why we made the special Valentines cards she told me they were for the people we don't know because we want them to have love. Lesson learned.

Interested in participating? You can join in too! Cards need to be received by Tuesday, February 9, 2010. See the Etsy Storque article for more details.

A Lovely Project and A Princess or (ahem) Two!

So I've pulled together some lovely vintage goodies... A beautiful Laura Ashley floral called "Stropshire Posys" according to the selvage from MCMLXXXIII, some ric rac, and a length of red satin ribbon (was still in the package originally 29¢)

I'm quite pleased with the results which I will post pictures of tomorrow!

Sweet & lovely ~ truly!

Almost as sweet as my...

princess???

I'd love to blame it on my daughter but truth be told my mom and I were responsible. I mean my daughter did want to play dress up & I certainly didn't want the little guy to feel left out!

Doesn't he have the best sense of humor? I've honestly been saying this about this kid for like forever. Seriously he is so stinking funny. Even when he's bad he's just got a twinkle in his eye. (it's a good twinkle not a deviant, psychopath one ~ honest!)

Anyway this boy is something else. He is a rough and tumble, pushes the limits, tests the water, 100% all boy. ~ and I had no idea what "all boy" meant until he came along. But this boy at 21 months hasn't found it all that important to speak. I mean why should he, we do just about everything for him. He's happy, not frustrated in the least. His latest trick, mostly done when he is being "redirected" is to look at you and mouth words (with no sound). Ordinarily he makes lots of sounds (just not words) so this behavior is well, really funny but a bit odd. I've tried to video tape it but as soon as I take my camera out he just smiles & babbles.

So with no real mama or dada or even yelling "no" to the dog for trying to swipe his Cheerios, we've finally decided to go ahead and start speech therapy. He starts on Monday and I'm really excited. Hopefully it will help. (I figure it can't hurt) I really want to hear what this kid has to say! I'd love to hear from you especially if you've had experience with a late talker!

Inspiration

I've been busy (though sometimes I'm not so sure with what) and haven't sewn for ages. This is mostly because I don't actually have a sewing room. I've always carried down my needed supplies from my "sewing nook" and have used the dining room table. This wasn't a problem until my little guy came of the age where he is absolutely into everything. Let's face it, I don't have the space in my gated off kitchen to keep my sewing supplies and by the time I put the kids to be the last thing I feel like doing is carrying my machine down and then back up again.

Though I haven't created anything new, I've still maintained my handmade shop. I renew every now and again and have had the nice surprise of selling items. This week I sold a beloved piece ~ my Kaleidoscope Quilt. The buyer asked to have a hanging sleeve put on so that she could display it. (I feel so honored!) I have to say that the making of a simple hanging sleeve inspired me to make an effort to start creating again. What a fantastic feeling!

Tonight I carried down a bunch of goodies and got to work. I've started simple and small and hope that I can continue. It feels so good to get the creative juices flowing and make something lovely!

neskita ~ Shop Discovery

adorable printable camping set

I happened to be browsing around on Etsy and found the cutest shop. I just had to contact the seller and ask her if I could share her wonderful items on my blog. neskita is from Chile ~ but don't let this worry you, her items are sent as PDFs and therefore no shipping charges!

printable paper bedroom

Sure we are up to our eyeballs in toys here, but it would be so nice to be able to print these off and have a little something special to do while brother is napping on a cold winter's afternoon. I think my daughter would absolutely love playing with these.

printable paper classroom

It would be so fun to put some old shoe boxes to use as backgrounds and then to hold the pieces when we are done playing.

Papertown House and Ice Cream Shop

She loves to play pretend and playing school is always a favorite. I'd definitely enjoy playing along with these colorful printables.

Papertown School and Gas Station

At $6.50 I think they are a wonderful deal. Head on over to neskita's shop, be sure to click on all the views of these lovelies when you're there. So cute!

If you decide to purchase (and how could you resist!) be sure to state whether you'd like your file in english or spanish as the file comes with instructions as well as ideas.

enjoy!