Noah's Cochlear Implant Surgery

We got to the Cleveland Clinic at 6:30 on Tuesday, August 19th.

He was trying so hard to be brave. He only got a little bit junky sounding.

They finally called us back around 8:30. Makes you really wonder why they ask you to be there so gosh darn early.....

They gave him a dose of  Versed to help  him relax.

He had one last ditch effort and tried to lunge himself off the bed and then was out cold.

While sitting in the waiting room for 5 hours, I found these pictures on Facebook. It sure was nice seeing all the support. Thank you so much, it sure made the time go a bit easier knowing we had so many praying for us and Noah.

After 4 hours of waiting the surgeon told us everything went well. They tested the implant and initial results were encouraging.We waited another hour before we were able to see him. It was so good to see him awake when the time came.

They kept  him overnight even though this is normally an outpatient procedure. They were saving us a trip back up the next day to check his surgical site.

They assured us the turban that they put on Noah's head to protect the implant would stay on. Obviously they don't know Noah......

We tried all kinds of ways to see if it would stay. Even putting the strap that across his forehead under his chin. It still didn't work. Mister Houdini himself had no problem getting it off.

It wasn't happy until we finally gave up and let him be without it. After he finally got it off for the last time he rested but he never really slept. The doctor came in at 7am the next morning and wasn't very happy that his bandage was already off. I assured him that he hadn't bumped his head on anything.

By 9am we were out of there. We got him in the van and probably 5 miles done the road and his protective bandage was off again . The little booger.

He was so glad to finally get home and so were we.

 Where the bandage is behind his ear is where they opened him up to do the implant. The dark spot above is where they ground a "cup" in his skull so the processor would eventually have a place to rest. There's a magnet inside his skull there for the processor to stick to.
The bottom picture is his incision site. Everything is healing pretty nicely. We go back to the Clinic on Monday for his preop appt. and then  on Sept 23rd his implant will be activated. I can't wait..... It's going to be a whole new world  and I can't wait to share it with him.

New York City

On Aug 14th Morgan, Emily, my Mom and I took a bus trip to New York City.

I really enjoyed seeing the look on my Mom's face as she stepped off the bus. She was so excited as she said, "I'm in New York City" Thanks Dan for helping with Dad, so Mom could live out a dream she had.

I had an awesome time sharing New York City with my Mom.

We rode the Statton Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty up close.

We then went to see the 9/11 Memorial.

We then toured the 9/11 Museum. These steps are now called The Stairway to Freedom. They are the steps the people were using before the tower 2 collapsed.

I really enjoyed the museum but it really got to be to much. It was so overwhelming.......

On Saturday we went to the FAO Schwarz toy store.

We had such a fun time together.

The best part about our weekend away, Noah enjoyed his time with his Daddy so much that he didn't make himself sick. Can't wait until next year. Scott is going with me. :)

My Daddy, My Hero

 

My Daddy, My Hero

Before I was even a twinkle in your eye.

God picked you to be my Daddy

He fashioned my body with a reason and a purpose

and He knew I needed you to help me through this life.

He knew I'd need your strong arms to carry me when I couldn't walk.

He knew I'd need your fun laugh to cheer me when I was sad.

He knew you'd sit with me for hours and cuddle with me, when I was sick.

He knew I would thrive as you shared with me your love of   monsters and music.

He knew Mommy needed a strong shoulder to cry on to support her through tough times.

I do know that Daddies get frustrated sometimes......

because they want to "fix" things and make the bad times "go away"

that's the way God mad Daddies!!

I know know that you will always be my biggest fan.

You'll always be my hero.

We're a good team, you and me.

I'm teaching you about God and His eternal perspective.

You're teaching me to enjoy life and our our journey her on Earth.

We've both learned to be thankful for the little things in life.

You and Mommy don't take any of my accomplishments and milestone for granted.

I revel in the pride that shines form yur adoring eyes.

I know that I can try anything if I set my mind to it.

As long as you are behind me to cheer me on catch me when I fall.

I see glimpses of my Heavenly Father in your eyes....

the love the pride, the pain and the unconditional acceptance.

I am whole and perfect in your eyes.

I am handsome and charming in your eyes.

You don't care that I may not be just like other little boys.....

That's why you love me so much!!!

One thing is for sure.....

I have you wrapped around my little finger and I won't ever let you go.

Thank you for loving me for who I am and for guiding me towards Heaven.

I know you can't wait until we can walk hand in hand but if  I am not able 

I look forward to the day when I am holding your hand and God's hand

and we are walking together into the sunrise of forever.....

Love, Noah

*Author Unknown 

We Make A Great Team

Being a special needs parent can be very hard sometimes but, trying to stay connected to your spouse while being a special needs parent can be even harder. Scott and I have had our ups and downs of trying to stay connected to each other. This summer Scott and I have really tried to reconnect as a couple and I'm happy to say that we are stronger then we  have ever been. He has always been my rock and my shoulder to cry on when things get rough. I'm very blessed to have him by my side. We make a great team.

  

 I love you, Scott!!!!!

On Thursday Morgan, Emily, my Mom and I are going on a bus trip to NYC. I'm so excited to be getting away with my girls and my Mom. Looking forward to having some me time.Thank you Scott for taking care of Noah while I'm gone. You are such a blessing to me. I'm glad I can get away for some much needed me time.

Noah's Preop Appointment

Noah's preop appointment went really well. In May when Dr. Anne looked in Noah's ear she noticed his eardrum had appeared to be collapsed because of all the scar tissue. Because of this he would have to have his tragus (cartilage on the outside of his ear, shown in the picture by the arrow.) removed and placed under his eardrum so it wouldn't rest on the electrodes of his implant.    She looked in his ear today and said it looked beautiful and most likely this part of the procedure wouldn't be necessary anymore. How awesome is that?

Noah's surgery will be on August 19th. Only 2 weeks away. He won't get his processor until Sept. 23rd. I want to be able to take Noah to a Indian's game on Sept. 28th. He went 2 years ago before he had glasses and hearing aides. Last year he went and he had his glasses and hearing aides. This year I want to take him knowing he can see and hear. I'm hoping to make it a reality.

Freedom Wranglers 4-H Club

Noah joined the 4-H club Freedom Wranglers this year. Today he showed a alpaca named Sophia. Brian Oden helped him.

Brad and Morgan came to watch.Noah looks like he is saying, "Look at this awesome ribbon I got."

This is Noah's clubs booth. the bunny in the wheelchair was his representation in the booth.

Noah had so much fun showing Sophia. He even got a really cool alpaca figurine.

He has really enjoyed being a part of the Freedom Wranglers 4-H Club.The other kids are really starting to see Noah as "Just One of the Guys"