Today we went to play at the park. I decided to keep the boys home in our house for a week to let them regroup. Being at the beach all summer is wonderful but I think they were yearning for some down time with their own stuff. It's been a great couple of days. They are napping better and seem to love being home with all their gear. Their imaginations are wonderful and with access to all their costumes the games go on for hours.

Here was a Wow moment for me today at the play ground. I don't know what they are called but most of the play grounds have them. You talk into it and on the other side of the play ground some one can hear you. You can talk back and forth. We never used them before not sure why but today the kids decided to try them out. Honestly, i wasn't sure how well Cormac would hear it. It's kind of muffled and echoey (is that a word???). To my pleasant surprise, Cormac had an entire conversations with Colin and myself. He didn't miss one word and thought it was the coolest thing ever. Another reason I take my hat off to Advanced Bionics! Just when I think I have seen it all....

On the home front. I found out the head of Special Services for our district has left his position. I am not sure what impact that will have on us. We have our services in place for the next school year thankfully. I am waiting to learn who has taken over the positiion. I plan to contact them shortly just to touch base with the next in line.

Calleigh had a follow up cardiology appointment this week. Her VSD is closed. Great news. Her ASD is still 7mm. Seems small when you think of it but it's not considered small when it's your heart. Fortunately, the hole doesn't cause any issues. We will continue to monitor her every 4 months over the next couple of years. If it doesn't shrink or close it will have to be surgically corrected. Not worried about it now. We have a few years.

Calleigh finally fed herself a bottle! She has been capable of it for some time but refused. THe last day she has decided to hold the bottle. I think I waited her out long enough for a bottle. She really wanted it and I wouldn't give in. I know, I know, mean Mommy, but this little girl is a little lazy! There is always someone to give her what she wants.

Oh, how could I forget!! Her first word.....HAT!!! She has said it several times now. I have been wearing a baseball hat a lot and she gets a kick out of it. I have hear Mama about three times but not consistent. SHe has perfected Dada and even Daddy. (traitor LOL).

We continue to use our every day life as a learning and language opportunity. Just yesterday I had to explain the oil spill in Louisiana to the boys. I made a pretend ocean in a tupperware and poured some oil on top. I explained what happened and how it effects out ocean, wild life etc. (currents, skimmers, pumps, Louisiana, shrimp, BP- just a smidge of the vocabulary.) I even took out the puzzle map of The USA and showed them on the map where we were in relation to LA and explained how the ocean was all around us. Pretty neat. It kept their interest for a while.