Start Making Your Christmas List!

Even though AJ's Momma beat me to the punch this year, I am still SO EXCITED TO SHARE TOYS R US' DIFFERENTLY-ABLED TOY GUIDE. Once again, the guide is broken down into categories so parents, grandparents and even SANTA can chose appropriate toys that reinforce and build skills for our little ones. For those of us with kids who are differently abled, we know that toys aren't just for playing with, but they are also important pieces in our therapy puzzle. Believe me, our playroom is stocked with toys that aren't just for "fun", but they also serve a very important purpose in his auditory rehab.

I remember stumbling upon this guide as we approached our first Christmas with Christian, and it has become one of my favorite resources to share with other D/HOH families. I just finished flipping through it, and there are several kids profiled with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and even a BAHA. I LOVE IT!

So, Toys R Us, I'm sending you a BIG HUG. And for all our family members and friends who are wondering about what to get Christian, this list should give you a head-start!

Know It All.

Audiology Online

I've been meaning to post a link to this fantastic site--another Mom of a HOH kiddo passed this onto me, and it's been a great resource for us. I've taken several of their FREE online courses, and wish that I knew about it back during the early days of Christian's diagnosis.

What is Your New Year's Resolution?

Chuck and I were talking the other night about what our New Year's Resolutions (or lack there of). I really have never been a fan of New Year's Resolutions. I never manage to keep them. It's like when I try to give something up for Lent. It just doesn't work, and I set myself up for failure.

Then, I came up with something. In preparation for our ASL classes that we begin in a couple of weeks, I suggested learning and new ASL sign everyday. I make it a point to look up on the ASL MASTER DICTIONARY everyday, even if I am finding something as simple as "Yogurt" or "Coupon". It's easy for me, especially since I stay at home with Christian. So, now we're formally doing it as a couple. And something tells me this is going to be the first New Year's Resolution that I've ever kept!