Two Years and counting...

First time we saw Maddie, February 18, 2008

Maddie and her bestest-buddy, Daryll. They are the cutest things together....ain't love grand?

You think my Yellow Belt is proud??

On February 18, 2010, we celebrated our two-year anniversary having Miss Maddie in our family! Two years of craft supplies littering my floor, two years of hair ties scattered around the house, two years of frilly socks and pink clothes filling my laundry basket, two years of a little girl filling our home with giggles and two years of love. It continues to amaze me, as I watch my sassy-girl insist on the "perfect" outfit to wear to school, that just two years ago she was wearing layers upon layers of mismatched clothes that did not fit. Two years ago she could not communicate the most basic of needs. Two years ago she tells me that she was, "Waiting, waiting, waiting and waiting for her Mama and Daddy." Oh honey, we were waiting and waiting for you also!

This last year has brought many changes to Maddie's life. The biggest being the decision to implant her right ear with a cochlear implant. Yes, she can now hear "normal" speech sounds. No, she does NOT know what she is hearing. She is slowing learning how to discriminate the myriad of sounds she hears everyday. It is going to be a long, long process and none of us knows what the final outcome will be. Our goal was to simple make life a little easier for our girl. We wanted her to play outside with her friends and know that when she hears a car to get to the side of the road. We want her to have the ability to relatively easily communicate with hearing/non-signing people by picking up some of the words they are saying, reading their lips and, most importantly, reading their body language. She is currently understanding the LING SIX sounds with almost perfect accuracy (M, OH, AH, SH, S, EE). She is working on animal sounds along with other beginning word sounds. She FINALLY has learned to love music. For a little girl who has been hearing for only four short months, she has really good rhythm.

As we have said before, it is important to say again....Maddie is deaf and will always be deaf. That may sound silly to some, however it is am important statement. The CI did not and will not miraculously turn her into a hearing person. She missed many years of hearing...so many that she will likely NEVER rely totally on her CI. We are embracing American Sign Language as our family's second language. I am currently in as ASL class at the local college and plan on continuing taking the classes until I am fluent. You might be surprised at the relative ease the boys have picked up on the beautiful language of ASL. Even for Carson who has unique challenges of his own, specifically fine motor difficulties, it is a language that he is acquiring at an amazing pace. Maddie and Carson go to the Little Gym once or twice a month for Parent Survival Night without a parent. Carson acts as Maddie's interpreter and it works great. It has given him an unbelievable sense of pride and has boosted his self-confidence. Maddie seems to enjoy having two big brothers who so willingly and happily help her when needed. She has successfully wrapped each brother around a little finger and relishes in being the Princess of the house!

Maddie is still loving gymnastics! She recently participated in a graduation ceremony for completing a class...the photo attached shows how happy and proud she was of her accomplishment! Carson earned a yellow belt in Karate that night also! For any of you with children who are interested in dance, Karate, gymnastics, etc, let me highly recommend the Little Gym. Not only do they have an amazing philosophy of using positive reinforcements, but embrace children of all kinds. In fact, some gyms actually have classes specifically for children with special needs. My kiddos don't require that level of care, however it is an option for some. Not only have they embraced my kids, but each week try to learn a new sign to communicate with Maddie. Good, good, people embracing a company philosophy!

Austin is starting both soccer and track and field soon. While I usually stand firm with my "one activity at a time" rule, I am allowing him to try two! He is maintaining good grades and has a plan in place in order to juggle the addition time commitment. I, on the other hand, may need money to pay for my additional transportation costs! :) While he is much like his Mama and seems incapable of keeping his room clean, I try to forgive that transgression! :)

In a nutshell, this two-year anniversary finds us blessed. With Brian's increased travel demands we have days of stress, we often go to bed with a messy house and dirty clothes to do, however we are blessed to be in a lovely home and to have one another.

Heather

If you ever find yourself thinking about pursuing the adoption of a child who is deaf, do not hesitate to contact me. It is not a path for everyone, however a much easier path than I believe many think. Our day-to-day lives have not changed much with the addition of our girl...ok, I do have to get that head of messy hair under control in the morning! The primary effect she has had on our family is adding a touch of "girliness" that was sorely needed! Maddie has rounded out our family perfectly...when you follow God's Call and allow Him to Lead, that is what happens...things just work.

Our family wishes all of you a Happy Chinese New Year. We thank you for keeping us in your prayers.