Happy 11th Hearing Birthday 🥳

 Happy 11th *hearing* birthday to Brody’s cochlear implants (yesterday)! 🥳 He was implanted when he was 15 months old. 

We are incredibly thankful every day for 11 years of hearing made possible by amazing technology. People often ask why we chose to get him implanted, and while many may question that choice, it was actually an easy decision for us as his parents. We wanted to give him *choices*—the chance to communicate through listening and spoken language. When he was younger, we also signed with him, but he quickly preferred spoken language, even telling us “no hands” or “just say it.” 

At 10, he became interested in ASL again—why? Because he’s a deaf kid and didn’t want me interpreting for him when talking to other deaf individuals. And I can totally respect that! It’s his choice and a skill he’s learning and improving on every day. Some people don’t realize, but without his cochlear implants on, Brody is profoundly deaf meaning he would (maybe) hear a jet next to him but that gets complicated with is he feeling the vibrations or hearing the sound. 

Happy birthday to Brody’s ears! 🎉

Skate Party

 🛼 Skate party with the library tonight! Most kids are excited! Maybe a little nervous. Skating is hard for all kids (and parents…ow my back and shoulders)! Throw in some vision loss, hearing loss, and no vestibular system, it’s very hard. Turn off the lights, add lasers, and loud music…near impossible. Top all of that with major anxiety for not knowing if someone is skating too close, if there’s a shorter kid in front of you, not knowing where mom went if you let go for a second, and the list goes on and on  

I’m always amazed at Brody’s determination to try new things when all the odds are thrown against him. It makes me sad for him that things are hard. I know he’d love to be out there with the other boys, skating backwards and trying to do tricks (even if many weren’t succeeding). Last time we skated for a friends birthday, it lasted 5 minutes and there were LOTS of tears. This time we were there about 30 minutes (improvement 💪🏼) and there were only some frustration tears. He may have only made it around a handful of times before throwing in the towel, but he tried and that makes my mama heart happy! 🥰

Favorite Amazon Items

Over the last 12 years, new items have come about that have made life with Brody’s hearing and vision loss easier…especially when traveling! Here are some of our favorites that are Prime Deals as well. 

Desk organizer for extra pieces and parts 

Label maker for desk organizer 

Best extension cord for travel

Cord protector 

Helps keep hearing aids and cochlear implants on ears

Skull cap (we use one roller coasters)

Nammu swim cap

Pilot caps for hearing aid/implant retention 

What else have you found that is helpful!