No, I'm not telling a secret. I want to scream this from the top of my lungs!
WE'VE GOT the /SH/ SOUND!
Christian has been detecting /sh/ for quite some time, but hasn't been producing it. Finally, today at dinner, while I was pretending to water the plants (using /sh/ for the water sound), I prompted and said "Ok, Christian, your turn".
And wouldn't you know, my little guy did it!
My game plan is to still hold a party when we get /s/. In the meantime, we'll be having /sh/ cupcakes at the Halloween party we're hosting on Friday.
YEAH!
Our Family's Cochlear Implant Journey
Showing posts with label repeating sounds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label repeating sounds. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Evolution of Words
I have to say, I think one of my favorite parts of Christian's CI journey so far is watching and listening how his words evolve over time. It started with Daddy. It used to be Da Da, then went to Dah um, then to Daa EE, then finally went to Daddy.
This weekend, Christian was playing his little hide and seek game with his Dad in the front yard. He stops, waves, and usually says "Bah Baah" (for Bye Bye) and then runs away. Overnight it seems, his Bah Baah turned into BYE BYE.
"BYE BYE DADDY!"
Perfectly pronounced. Perfectly said. By my perfect little guy! SO COOL!
This weekend, Christian was playing his little hide and seek game with his Dad in the front yard. He stops, waves, and usually says "Bah Baah" (for Bye Bye) and then runs away. Overnight it seems, his Bah Baah turned into BYE BYE.
"BYE BYE DADDY!"
Perfectly pronounced. Perfectly said. By my perfect little guy! SO COOL!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Too Too
Can I just say that I LOVE that my little guy is working on his please and thank-yous! Now when he asks for something, and I give it to him, he says Thank You (well, he says Too Too) and SIGNS it too.
I have to get this on video. I LOVE THIS KID!
I have to get this on video. I LOVE THIS KID!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Why is it that vacations always go by so fast?
Hang in there, this is going to be a long one...
Christian and I just returned from our little vacation in Michigan. We had SUCH a wonderful time visiting my family and friends, and Christian LOVED hanging out with his Nana and Papa for a week straight! Before I get to the recap of the visit, Christian had yet another LANGUAGE EXPLOSION in Detroit. Check out his new words:
-Thank you (which he very nicely accompanies with the sign)
-Poo Poo (How convenient)
-Meow (Thanks to Nana)
-Cookie (Thanks to Papa)
He also wowed everyone with his rendition of "If You're Happy and You Know It". He has become quite the dancing machine, bopping around to whatever music he hears, and pointing to his CI when he hears it. Again, can I just say how AMAZED I am of this technology and my little boy? It's nice to see the long hours of hard work and therapy that I've been putting in pay off so well.
Just before we left, I was really concerned about the trip out to Detroit. I'm happy to report that both legs of our trip went fine. Traveling by yourself with a toddler is a challenge to begin with. I thought for sure that the CI and gear that accompanies it would make it even harder. In all honesty, it was fine. I did chose to have Christian hand-wanded through security, which actually was easier for us than going through the metal detectors. When your hand wanded, you have a TSA officer who gets all of your stuff off the belt and even sets up your stroller, locks it, and helps you get your kid in it. I am all for having all the help I can get! I packed our extra processor in my carry-on in a FoodSaver bag inside of a sunglass case (because the cases Cochlear gave us are SO SKINNY!). I had them hand-wand that as well. It was a no biggie.
Once on the plane, I set up our CARES harness, and it worked like a charm. Christian did fine in it, and I was so relieved to not have to take the carseat on the plane. On our return trip, Christian EVEN FELL ASLEEP in it, with his CI on...while holding the barf bag. Nice.
Soon after Christian was born, my parents converted my old room into Christian's room. They bought him a crib, bedding, and even decorated it with firetrucks and puppy dogs. Their basement bistro bar was turned into Christian's playroom for the week, and their gorgeous backyard was COVERED in toys. It was so nice to go away and not have to worry about my little one being comfortable. I loved being able to take him on walks in the neighborhood that I grew up in. It seemed everywhere we went, we ran into someone that we knew. I miss my hometown.
In addition to playing with his grandparents, his Aunt Sarah and Uncle Nick seemed to be over everyday spoiling him with little treats. Uncle Nick taught him how to completely destroy a tower of blocks (thanks, bro). And Aunt Sarah introduced him to the smallest animal he's ever seen, their kitten Hannah. I won't go into what he tried to do with that cat, but let's just say I had the "WE HAVE TO BE NICE TO ALL OF GOD'S CREATURES" talk with him. Oy.
I was blessed to be able to be in town for the arrival of my dear friend's little boy-talk about great timing. It was such a joy to see them as new parents and to be able to hold and cuddle their little miracle. And, there's something about seeing one of your closest guy friend's get all teary eyed about their kid.
Through everything that we've been through with Christian, my best friend from home, Kate has been my rock. She always was there on the other end of the phone listening to me cry. She'd laugh with me, cry with me, and help me keep my mind off of the sad stuff by always indulging me in our joint obsession with celebrity gossip and lip gloss. Kate and her husband are awaiting the birth of their first child, and her shower was this past weekend, so I was able to be there for that as well. While my Dad, Uncle Nick, and Aunt Sarah watched Christian, my Mom and I were able to celebrate with Kate.
I know I'll have more pics to post from the week once my Dad uploads his camera. He was like the paparazzi with Christian, and I know we have a couple of fun shots from our lunch at The RainForest Cafe (a wonderful language opportunity), Christian's 1st Carousel Ride, and our visit with his Great-Grandparents. We miss everyone already, but we're also glad to be home with Chuck and Sammy the Cat.
Christian and I just returned from our little vacation in Michigan. We had SUCH a wonderful time visiting my family and friends, and Christian LOVED hanging out with his Nana and Papa for a week straight! Before I get to the recap of the visit, Christian had yet another LANGUAGE EXPLOSION in Detroit. Check out his new words:
-Thank you (which he very nicely accompanies with the sign)
-Poo Poo (How convenient)
-Meow (Thanks to Nana)
-Cookie (Thanks to Papa)
He also wowed everyone with his rendition of "If You're Happy and You Know It". He has become quite the dancing machine, bopping around to whatever music he hears, and pointing to his CI when he hears it. Again, can I just say how AMAZED I am of this technology and my little boy? It's nice to see the long hours of hard work and therapy that I've been putting in pay off so well.
Just before we left, I was really concerned about the trip out to Detroit. I'm happy to report that both legs of our trip went fine. Traveling by yourself with a toddler is a challenge to begin with. I thought for sure that the CI and gear that accompanies it would make it even harder. In all honesty, it was fine. I did chose to have Christian hand-wanded through security, which actually was easier for us than going through the metal detectors. When your hand wanded, you have a TSA officer who gets all of your stuff off the belt and even sets up your stroller, locks it, and helps you get your kid in it. I am all for having all the help I can get! I packed our extra processor in my carry-on in a FoodSaver bag inside of a sunglass case (because the cases Cochlear gave us are SO SKINNY!). I had them hand-wand that as well. It was a no biggie.
Once on the plane, I set up our CARES harness, and it worked like a charm. Christian did fine in it, and I was so relieved to not have to take the carseat on the plane. On our return trip, Christian EVEN FELL ASLEEP in it, with his CI on...while holding the barf bag. Nice.
Soon after Christian was born, my parents converted my old room into Christian's room. They bought him a crib, bedding, and even decorated it with firetrucks and puppy dogs. Their basement bistro bar was turned into Christian's playroom for the week, and their gorgeous backyard was COVERED in toys. It was so nice to go away and not have to worry about my little one being comfortable. I loved being able to take him on walks in the neighborhood that I grew up in. It seemed everywhere we went, we ran into someone that we knew. I miss my hometown.
In addition to playing with his grandparents, his Aunt Sarah and Uncle Nick seemed to be over everyday spoiling him with little treats. Uncle Nick taught him how to completely destroy a tower of blocks (thanks, bro). And Aunt Sarah introduced him to the smallest animal he's ever seen, their kitten Hannah. I won't go into what he tried to do with that cat, but let's just say I had the "WE HAVE TO BE NICE TO ALL OF GOD'S CREATURES" talk with him. Oy.
I was blessed to be able to be in town for the arrival of my dear friend's little boy-talk about great timing. It was such a joy to see them as new parents and to be able to hold and cuddle their little miracle. And, there's something about seeing one of your closest guy friend's get all teary eyed about their kid.
Through everything that we've been through with Christian, my best friend from home, Kate has been my rock. She always was there on the other end of the phone listening to me cry. She'd laugh with me, cry with me, and help me keep my mind off of the sad stuff by always indulging me in our joint obsession with celebrity gossip and lip gloss. Kate and her husband are awaiting the birth of their first child, and her shower was this past weekend, so I was able to be there for that as well. While my Dad, Uncle Nick, and Aunt Sarah watched Christian, my Mom and I were able to celebrate with Kate.
I know I'll have more pics to post from the week once my Dad uploads his camera. He was like the paparazzi with Christian, and I know we have a couple of fun shots from our lunch at The RainForest Cafe (a wonderful language opportunity), Christian's 1st Carousel Ride, and our visit with his Great-Grandparents. We miss everyone already, but we're also glad to be home with Chuck and Sammy the Cat.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Mommy's Little Parrot
I am just AMAZED to hear everything that Christian is picking up on. We are working SO hard with his listening and speaking. I feel like everyday it's something new. Here are just a few of the words that he has picked up THIS WEEK ALONE:
-Peach (Peek)
-Open (Opeh)
-Chicken (icken)
-Happy (app-ee)
-Jump (UMP)
Christian also managed to pick up on Biz's Beat of the Day on Yo Gabba Gabba. He looked at me, and did his only little beat box show after seeing Biz do it. I just about laughed so hard I cried when he did it.
-Peach (Peek)
-Open (Opeh)
-Chicken (icken)
-Happy (app-ee)
-Jump (UMP)
Christian also managed to pick up on Biz's Beat of the Day on Yo Gabba Gabba. He looked at me, and did his only little beat box show after seeing Biz do it. I just about laughed so hard I cried when he did it.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
If Your Happy And You Know It...
Jump up and down and give your little boy a HIGH FIVE!
Yeah, that's what I did today. Our fabulous nanny who helps me two days a week while I work from home was here today. She was singing "If Your Happy And You Know It" to the monkey. I was in my room, getting ready to shower (at 4pm...ah, the life of a Mom), and all of the sudden, I heard:
"AP-EE! AP-EE! AP-EE"
I LOVE IT! It seems like everyday he's picking up new words. I've noticed since his implant that he is also ALOT more responsive to music and songs. He likes to sing-along and bop up and down and dance.
I feel so blessed being able to witness these small miracles everyday.
Yeah, that's what I did today. Our fabulous nanny who helps me two days a week while I work from home was here today. She was singing "If Your Happy And You Know It" to the monkey. I was in my room, getting ready to shower (at 4pm...ah, the life of a Mom), and all of the sudden, I heard:
"AP-EE! AP-EE! AP-EE"
I LOVE IT! It seems like everyday he's picking up new words. I've noticed since his implant that he is also ALOT more responsive to music and songs. He likes to sing-along and bop up and down and dance.
I feel so blessed being able to witness these small miracles everyday.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Owl Says...
WE LOVE MISS M!
Everytime our fabulous EI teacher comes, Christian shows off a new trick. Today, while playing with the owl, Miss M asked Christian "What does the owl say? Does the owl say WHO WHO WHO?". Christian looked at the owl, and then repeated "WHO WHO WHO".
Seriously. I teared up. 20 days POST ACTIVATION. I HAVE NEVER HEARD THAT SOUND COME OUT OF HIM. EVER.
Forget the hours and hours of listening skills that he works on with his Mommy each week. Miss M has some sort of magical listening wand that she must wave over Christian during her time with him. Last week it was "Peep Peep Peep".
I'm now realizing that each day I'm witnessing tiny little miracles with this amazing technology...it takes my breath away.
Everytime our fabulous EI teacher comes, Christian shows off a new trick. Today, while playing with the owl, Miss M asked Christian "What does the owl say? Does the owl say WHO WHO WHO?". Christian looked at the owl, and then repeated "WHO WHO WHO".
Seriously. I teared up. 20 days POST ACTIVATION. I HAVE NEVER HEARD THAT SOUND COME OUT OF HIM. EVER.
Forget the hours and hours of listening skills that he works on with his Mommy each week. Miss M has some sort of magical listening wand that she must wave over Christian during her time with him. Last week it was "Peep Peep Peep".
I'm now realizing that each day I'm witnessing tiny little miracles with this amazing technology...it takes my breath away.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
2 Week Check-Up
It's been 2 weeks since Christian was activated. I'm not going to lie. Other than the weeks following our initial diagnosis (which happened the week of our wedding anniversary AND my baby brother's wedding), these past two weeks have been some of the hardest. They've been emotionally draining. They've been hard. At times I've wondered "Where did my little boy go?".
This past weekend, I feel like we hit a turning point. While he's not consistently responding to his name (as he did when he was aided), he is turning to it now every so often. He's been experimenting with sound, now calling his Daddy "Dah-m" (it sounds like DUMB, which REALLY irks Chuck). He babbles and chats in a voice a bit lower, but when his implant is off, his voice is much higher than usual. Yesterday, his back was turned to me, and I asked him to find his horse, and he walked right over to his barn, grabbed the horse, and signed for me. He did the same for many of his little animals. And when I ask him to find his Daddy, he always finds a picture and points right to it. I shook my keys behind his head while we were walking, and he turned. He was incredibly startled by a horn beeping while we were in the car one day. He even sat forward with a very concerned look on his face, when he heard a baby crying at the craft store.
So, things are coming together. We're really working on having some structured listening time everyday in his high chair, which for all you parents of toddlers know is a difficult task in itself!
We go back the first week of July for our next mapping session. In the meantime, I've been immersing myself in some really cool online classes on Audiology Online, mostly about AVT and Making the Most of Your Child's MAP.
This past weekend, I feel like we hit a turning point. While he's not consistently responding to his name (as he did when he was aided), he is turning to it now every so often. He's been experimenting with sound, now calling his Daddy "Dah-m" (it sounds like DUMB, which REALLY irks Chuck). He babbles and chats in a voice a bit lower, but when his implant is off, his voice is much higher than usual. Yesterday, his back was turned to me, and I asked him to find his horse, and he walked right over to his barn, grabbed the horse, and signed for me. He did the same for many of his little animals. And when I ask him to find his Daddy, he always finds a picture and points right to it. I shook my keys behind his head while we were walking, and he turned. He was incredibly startled by a horn beeping while we were in the car one day. He even sat forward with a very concerned look on his face, when he heard a baby crying at the craft store.
So, things are coming together. We're really working on having some structured listening time everyday in his high chair, which for all you parents of toddlers know is a difficult task in itself!
We go back the first week of July for our next mapping session. In the meantime, I've been immersing myself in some really cool online classes on Audiology Online, mostly about AVT and Making the Most of Your Child's MAP.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
HOP, HOP, HOP
Ok, so technically these aren't Ling sounds, but today Christian repeated me saying Hop, Hop, Hop, and then pointed to the counter where his Annie's Cheddar Bunnies were.
We're on our way...
We're on our way...
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