Ten books a day. This is what was recommended at the Cochlear Implant Convention. I have been trying to stick to it every day but it's not that easy every day.
Here is our ten books for today:
1. Reptiles Are My Life.
2. I am a Whale. The life of a Humpback Whale.
3. Beauty and the Beast. The Beast's Feast.
4. Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure
5. Hippie Grandma
6. Welcome the the Green HOuse
7. The Butt Book
8. My Mommy Hung the Moon.
9. It's hard to be Five
10. The Bone Book (Colin picked it from the library and it's filled with information on human bones.)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Melancholy
mel·an·chol·y/ˈmelənˌkälē/
Noun: A deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness.
Adjective: Sad, gloomy, or depressed.
Cormac asked me what the word melancholy means the other day. I told him the definition of the word. For some reason he found the word utterly amusing and hilarious (just the opposite as he should). He understood the meaning but could NOT stop himself from just saying it over and over again. He could not control his laughter after he said the word.
A little while later we are walking and I guess Cormac thought Colin was acting a little sad and he says "Mom, Colin is not melancholy he is melancolin." I found it so hysterically funny. So did Cormac. Colin on the other hand did not find it so amusing and began yelling "Hey, I am not melancholin" Oh, I just cracked up. Cormac is STILL saying the word a few times a day and laughing out loud!
Noun: A deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness.
Adjective: Sad, gloomy, or depressed.
Cormac asked me what the word melancholy means the other day. I told him the definition of the word. For some reason he found the word utterly amusing and hilarious (just the opposite as he should). He understood the meaning but could NOT stop himself from just saying it over and over again. He could not control his laughter after he said the word.
A little while later we are walking and I guess Cormac thought Colin was acting a little sad and he says "Mom, Colin is not melancholy he is melancolin." I found it so hysterically funny. So did Cormac. Colin on the other hand did not find it so amusing and began yelling "Hey, I am not melancholin" Oh, I just cracked up. Cormac is STILL saying the word a few times a day and laughing out loud!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Holy Heatwave, Batman.
After my Ten on Tuesday post I realized from Wednesdat to Saturday we were heading into a heatwave. They were predicting 100+ degrees with a heat index even higher. I had to head into New York for a mapping on Wednesday. So I decided to head down the shore Wednesday evening to ride out the heatwave on the beach.
For the first time ever Cormac was not cooperative during a mapping. He was very excited on the way into New York. he was thrilled when we got there. After the auiologist hooked him up to start the map he was so upset. He cried. He said "he didn't want the grey things on his implants and he just wanted his implants to be normal" There was really no negotiating with him. On our way home from mappings we usually stop along the way and he gets some kind of treat. I even explained to him we were going to have to go right home and not get to stop. I tried to bribe him with something i KNOW he wants. No go. So we did the bare minimum and went home. What can you do? He has always been so cooperative. We will go back sooner rather than later since we need to make sure we have a great map to start Kindergarten.
We went to the beach on Thursday. It was not even too hot at the beach. There was a nice breeze and we were able to stay for most of the day. My kids are such beach lovers. The ocean is there friend. Ciaran has reached new limits in the ocean. The kid will run and dive into the break of the waves. He will get clobbered by a wave and just bounce up laughing. Colin and Cormac are loving the ocean just the same but Ciaran seems to just be a natural at riding waves and boogie boarding.
Friday was the hottest of the days and I decided not to bring them to the beach. Temperatures reached 103 or more degrees. (not including the heat index) I didn't think it was safe for Calleigh since she can't swim in the water. The thought of her just baking in the son seemed like too much. We went to the movies instead. We saw Winnie the Pooh. It was ery cute movie. Just long enough for Calleigh to sit through. The boys enjoyed it. We hung around the mall for a while after to stay cool and busy.
Frank came down on Friday early evening for dinner. We went up to the beach playground. Cormac decided to jump from the rock wall. His knee hit his mouth and he hit his front tooth. His tooth pushed up and back. It is not loose and it didn't turn black (thank god). His lip is still purple and swollen but he looks like a totally different kid. It looks like he lost his tooth but he didn't. I have to bring him to the dentist this week to get it checked. I am going to be so upset if he loses his front tooth and another tooth doesn't come in for 2 years.
The heatwave continued for Saturday and Sunday but the beach was great. The water has been a little rough but I have spent lots of time in the ocean. We head home tomorrow after a few hours on the beach.
Next week we go back to NY for our FOUR YEAR post activation speech evaluation. I cannot it has been four years......
This is one of my new favorite pictures. This is the first time Calleigh ever took a bath with them. I think she liked it???
For the first time ever Cormac was not cooperative during a mapping. He was very excited on the way into New York. he was thrilled when we got there. After the auiologist hooked him up to start the map he was so upset. He cried. He said "he didn't want the grey things on his implants and he just wanted his implants to be normal" There was really no negotiating with him. On our way home from mappings we usually stop along the way and he gets some kind of treat. I even explained to him we were going to have to go right home and not get to stop. I tried to bribe him with something i KNOW he wants. No go. So we did the bare minimum and went home. What can you do? He has always been so cooperative. We will go back sooner rather than later since we need to make sure we have a great map to start Kindergarten.
We went to the beach on Thursday. It was not even too hot at the beach. There was a nice breeze and we were able to stay for most of the day. My kids are such beach lovers. The ocean is there friend. Ciaran has reached new limits in the ocean. The kid will run and dive into the break of the waves. He will get clobbered by a wave and just bounce up laughing. Colin and Cormac are loving the ocean just the same but Ciaran seems to just be a natural at riding waves and boogie boarding.
Friday was the hottest of the days and I decided not to bring them to the beach. Temperatures reached 103 or more degrees. (not including the heat index) I didn't think it was safe for Calleigh since she can't swim in the water. The thought of her just baking in the son seemed like too much. We went to the movies instead. We saw Winnie the Pooh. It was ery cute movie. Just long enough for Calleigh to sit through. The boys enjoyed it. We hung around the mall for a while after to stay cool and busy.
Frank came down on Friday early evening for dinner. We went up to the beach playground. Cormac decided to jump from the rock wall. His knee hit his mouth and he hit his front tooth. His tooth pushed up and back. It is not loose and it didn't turn black (thank god). His lip is still purple and swollen but he looks like a totally different kid. It looks like he lost his tooth but he didn't. I have to bring him to the dentist this week to get it checked. I am going to be so upset if he loses his front tooth and another tooth doesn't come in for 2 years.
The heatwave continued for Saturday and Sunday but the beach was great. The water has been a little rough but I have spent lots of time in the ocean. We head home tomorrow after a few hours on the beach.
Next week we go back to NY for our FOUR YEAR post activation speech evaluation. I cannot it has been four years......
This is one of my new favorite pictures. This is the first time Calleigh ever took a bath with them. I think she liked it???
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Ten on Tuesday
1. My new favorite app for my droid is I Heart Radio. Totally loving it.
2. Busy week with appointments. All four had dental cleanings and check ups. All was well. Ciaran actually has two wigglers. Calleigh might have a missing tooth. (eye tooth). We wont know until she has xrays and I am not going to worry about it right now. Ciaran had his first follow up with audiologist for his hearing aids. The audiologist is great but still trying to figure out the best way to . get him access to the sounds he can't hear without messing with the sounds he can hear so well. We are pretty comfortable with his programs for now. Cormac is going for a mapping tomorrow. I am pretty sure he needs it badly. He has seemed a little off for the past week or so.
3. The heat is ON in NJ. It's supposed to feel like 100+ tomorrow and I have to head into NYC. Not really looking foward to it but what can you do.
4. We are going to head down to the beach tomorrow night to ride out the rest of the heatwave at the beach :)
5. I went jogging tonight outside which was probably not the best decision.
6. Summer is flying by very quickly. I am not looking forward to it ending. Only 8 more weekends until school starts. We dont start until September 12th.
7. Today I bought the boys' uniforms for school. (Well, their summer uniforms they wear until the end of October.) They are going to look so stinkin' cute. I guess no one will realize they are dressed alike since the whole school will be dressed alike!
8. Calleigh is still taking steps but not fully walking. She can walk around pushing her push toy with no problem and can also do it one handed.
9. I am sporting quite the tan....those who know me well know this is odd to see. My legs are no longer pasty white. I love it!
10. Boys are still doing tennis lessons and they love it.
2. Busy week with appointments. All four had dental cleanings and check ups. All was well. Ciaran actually has two wigglers. Calleigh might have a missing tooth. (eye tooth). We wont know until she has xrays and I am not going to worry about it right now. Ciaran had his first follow up with audiologist for his hearing aids. The audiologist is great but still trying to figure out the best way to . get him access to the sounds he can't hear without messing with the sounds he can hear so well. We are pretty comfortable with his programs for now. Cormac is going for a mapping tomorrow. I am pretty sure he needs it badly. He has seemed a little off for the past week or so.
3. The heat is ON in NJ. It's supposed to feel like 100+ tomorrow and I have to head into NYC. Not really looking foward to it but what can you do.
4. We are going to head down to the beach tomorrow night to ride out the rest of the heatwave at the beach :)
5. I went jogging tonight outside which was probably not the best decision.
6. Summer is flying by very quickly. I am not looking forward to it ending. Only 8 more weekends until school starts. We dont start until September 12th.
7. Today I bought the boys' uniforms for school. (Well, their summer uniforms they wear until the end of October.) They are going to look so stinkin' cute. I guess no one will realize they are dressed alike since the whole school will be dressed alike!
8. Calleigh is still taking steps but not fully walking. She can walk around pushing her push toy with no problem and can also do it one handed.
9. I am sporting quite the tan....those who know me well know this is odd to see. My legs are no longer pasty white. I love it!
10. Boys are still doing tennis lessons and they love it.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Vermont
We had an awesome vacation in Vermont. It was the first time we have gone away for longer than a few days as a whole family. Since the boys were born we have always had so many doctors appointments Frank has used most of his vacation days to watch the other kids so it was a nice break for all of us.
We did a lot in Vermont. We went to the Pico Adventure Center. We did Power jumping.
(Well, Calleigh just enjoyed watching!)
Colin
Cormac
Ciaran
Cormac did some rock wall climbing...
Pony Rides...
For the actual 4th of July we went to a parade in the town of Killington. It was so much fun. This is the boys 4th year at the parade and they loved it. We wore our red, white and blue to celebrate. We learned all about why we were celebrating and the meaning of 4th of July. We learned some new songs (Grand ole Flag, Yankee Doodle!) The kids got to do potato sack races, egg toss, water balloon toss and many other fun games at the picnic in town. We swam at the pool and Ciaran and Cormac have mastered swimming without floaties!!
Calleigh loved the cake and the fireworks. This is the first time the boys stayed up late enough to see the fireworks. I can't belieive I let Calleigh stay up to see them! I would have NEVER done that with the boys. She truly loved them and slept very late the next morning!
The next day we rode the gondola at Killington Mountain. Lots of words to be learned. Gondola, peak, slope, summit and many more. The boys LOVED the ride up to the Summit.
We did some fishing. Lots of vocaulary for this one too! Cast, reel in, bait, bobber, patience, line, algea, tackle (as in tackle box and not as in tackling like the kids usually do!) We learned difference between pond, lake, stream, river.
We did mostly family bonding. Cuddling on the couch in the evening. We went out to dinner one night and a band was playing. The kids got down on the dance floor. They were shakin their groove things for sure!
We also went to the lake. I didnt have my camera for the lake. Took lots of pics on the phone but I cant get them to transfer.
We finished up the week by heading to Massachusetts to the Cochlear Implant Convention. That will have to be another post!
Along the way in the car we played some great games. Whiz Kids is awesome! We also played a game where one person says a word and the next person has to say a word with the LAST letter of the word the person before them said. You can make it harder by making it be only words of a certain topic. We learned about each state we travelled. (The Bay State, the Empire State, The Green Mountain State, The Garden State). Lots of hours to talk in the car. LOL.
All in all it could not have been a better trip. Unless of course,Aunt Lee and Uncle Bill could have been there with us!
We did a lot in Vermont. We went to the Pico Adventure Center. We did Power jumping.
(Well, Calleigh just enjoyed watching!)
Colin
Cormac
Ciaran
Cormac did some rock wall climbing...
A quick shot with cousin, Michael.
Pony Rides...
For the actual 4th of July we went to a parade in the town of Killington. It was so much fun. This is the boys 4th year at the parade and they loved it. We wore our red, white and blue to celebrate. We learned all about why we were celebrating and the meaning of 4th of July. We learned some new songs (Grand ole Flag, Yankee Doodle!) The kids got to do potato sack races, egg toss, water balloon toss and many other fun games at the picnic in town. We swam at the pool and Ciaran and Cormac have mastered swimming without floaties!!
Calleigh loved the cake and the fireworks. This is the first time the boys stayed up late enough to see the fireworks. I can't belieive I let Calleigh stay up to see them! I would have NEVER done that with the boys. She truly loved them and slept very late the next morning!
The next day we rode the gondola at Killington Mountain. Lots of words to be learned. Gondola, peak, slope, summit and many more. The boys LOVED the ride up to the Summit.
We did some fishing. Lots of vocaulary for this one too! Cast, reel in, bait, bobber, patience, line, algea, tackle (as in tackle box and not as in tackling like the kids usually do!) We learned difference between pond, lake, stream, river.
We did mostly family bonding. Cuddling on the couch in the evening. We went out to dinner one night and a band was playing. The kids got down on the dance floor. They were shakin their groove things for sure!
We also went to the lake. I didnt have my camera for the lake. Took lots of pics on the phone but I cant get them to transfer.
We finished up the week by heading to Massachusetts to the Cochlear Implant Convention. That will have to be another post!
Along the way in the car we played some great games. Whiz Kids is awesome! We also played a game where one person says a word and the next person has to say a word with the LAST letter of the word the person before them said. You can make it harder by making it be only words of a certain topic. We learned about each state we travelled. (The Bay State, the Empire State, The Green Mountain State, The Garden State). Lots of hours to talk in the car. LOL.
All in all it could not have been a better trip. Unless of course,Aunt Lee and Uncle Bill could have been there with us!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Summer
I have a hard time keeping up the blog because we are just too busy enjoying our Summer! We are down the shore today but heading back North in a while. I am so upset scheduled an appointment for Ciaran for a Monday. It is supposed to be beautiful tomorrow again. Oh well, live and learn.
I still owe an update on the convention and I promise it is coming. Maybe tonight or tomorrow I can work on it.
Leave you with a short story on Cormac. Cormac was telling some family about the Neptune (the new waterproof processor coming out shortly). He was saying how he can't wait to get it. Then he tells me "you know I can wear it in the bathtub." I say "i know you can wear it anywear" He says "know what I want to hear?" I say 'what" He says "when I stick my head under the faucet and rinse my hair I KNOW it makes a sound and I really want to know what it sounds like". Hmmm...first time he has ever mentioned it to me. First time he has ever said he wanted to hear something he couldn't. I was a little upset to realize he was missing something BUT in the very near future he will hear it. SMILE
I still owe an update on the convention and I promise it is coming. Maybe tonight or tomorrow I can work on it.
Leave you with a short story on Cormac. Cormac was telling some family about the Neptune (the new waterproof processor coming out shortly). He was saying how he can't wait to get it. Then he tells me "you know I can wear it in the bathtub." I say "i know you can wear it anywear" He says "know what I want to hear?" I say 'what" He says "when I stick my head under the faucet and rinse my hair I KNOW it makes a sound and I really want to know what it sounds like". Hmmm...first time he has ever mentioned it to me. First time he has ever said he wanted to hear something he couldn't. I was a little upset to realize he was missing something BUT in the very near future he will hear it. SMILE
Monday, July 11, 2011
Ten on Tuesday
Ten Things about the Minuteman Northeast Cochlear Implant Convention:
1. I was so inspired by the people I met. To see SO MANY people in one place walking around with implants is just amazing. People of all ages and all different reasons why they needed an implant but mostly with the same goal. To feel connected with other people and not feel isolated.
2. The psychologist who gave a seminar was by far my favorite speaker. She said things I never knew. Taught me things to look for in the future. I asked her for a copy of her presentation so I can share it with others.
3. Frank's favorite seminar was "Sports and the CI".
4. We are a special community of people.
5. Advanced Bionics is part of the family. Choosing them has made me happier than I can ever imagine. The love and support I feel from everyone there is amazing. I don't think many companies function like they function. Right down to meeting Tiffany, one of the customer service reps who helps me when we need to order parts.
6. Cormac was "recognized" by people who have never met him! The power of the internet....he said he was like a "rock star". He is a rock star to us for sure.
7. I .got to listen to two of the pioneers of AV therapy, James Watson and Lea Watson. They were amazing. I am reassured we did and are continuing to do things correctly :)
8. TEN BOOKS A DAY!!! This is what Lea Watson said we should be reading to our children. We are big readers but I don't think we do ten books a day. She said she has never had a parent come back and say "we didn't need ten books a day". But she has parents who tell her how early their kids are reading and how they are the top readers in their class. I committed to reading 10 a day. Monday was our first day. We did it!!
9. Knock, Knock jokes are great for kids.
10. We need to instill in our children the ability to self advocate. It is critical to their success. They need to be able to say "I didn't hear you " or "I didn't understand you" which are two very different statements. They need to not be worried about others and always ask for clarification and not be embarassed.
This could easily twenty or thirty on Tuesday but will stop at 10.
1. I was so inspired by the people I met. To see SO MANY people in one place walking around with implants is just amazing. People of all ages and all different reasons why they needed an implant but mostly with the same goal. To feel connected with other people and not feel isolated.
2. The psychologist who gave a seminar was by far my favorite speaker. She said things I never knew. Taught me things to look for in the future. I asked her for a copy of her presentation so I can share it with others.
3. Frank's favorite seminar was "Sports and the CI".
4. We are a special community of people.
5. Advanced Bionics is part of the family. Choosing them has made me happier than I can ever imagine. The love and support I feel from everyone there is amazing. I don't think many companies function like they function. Right down to meeting Tiffany, one of the customer service reps who helps me when we need to order parts.
6. Cormac was "recognized" by people who have never met him! The power of the internet....he said he was like a "rock star". He is a rock star to us for sure.
7. I .got to listen to two of the pioneers of AV therapy, James Watson and Lea Watson. They were amazing. I am reassured we did and are continuing to do things correctly :)
8. TEN BOOKS A DAY!!! This is what Lea Watson said we should be reading to our children. We are big readers but I don't think we do ten books a day. She said she has never had a parent come back and say "we didn't need ten books a day". But she has parents who tell her how early their kids are reading and how they are the top readers in their class. I committed to reading 10 a day. Monday was our first day. We did it!!
9. Knock, Knock jokes are great for kids.
10. We need to instill in our children the ability to self advocate. It is critical to their success. They need to be able to say "I didn't hear you " or "I didn't understand you" which are two very different statements. They need to not be worried about others and always ask for clarification and not be embarassed.
This could easily twenty or thirty on Tuesday but will stop at 10.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
We're Baaaack!
It's been an amazing 10 days of vacation. We did alot. We played alot. We laughed alot. We learned alot. We covered Vermont, made it to the Cochlear Implant Convention is Massachusetts and ventured back to NJ. We covered a lot of ground and I plan to give a great update as soon as we settle back in at home. The convention was marvelous. Being surrounded by so many amazing people is priceless. Getting to meet IN REAL LIFE people i have "known" for a long time beyond priceless. Seeing so many inspirational people and listening to speakers who are so knowledgeable was unbelievable.
So, stay tuned for the whole story.....
On a side note, Ciaran is a champ. He has never missed a beat with his hearing aids. He woke every morning and asked for them. He PROUDLY showed them off to anyone who would listen to him. He has not complained once about them. He was in a play group at the convention and I got a text from one of the group leaders "Ciaran just told me his hearing aids are making a different beeping noise and he thinks it means he needs new batteries". I only told him once if he heard beeps he might need batteries. He is totally taking ownership of his hearing aids. I could not be prouder of him.
So, stay tuned for the whole story.....
On a side note, Ciaran is a champ. He has never missed a beat with his hearing aids. He woke every morning and asked for them. He PROUDLY showed them off to anyone who would listen to him. He has not complained once about them. He was in a play group at the convention and I got a text from one of the group leaders "Ciaran just told me his hearing aids are making a different beeping noise and he thinks it means he needs new batteries". I only told him once if he heard beeps he might need batteries. He is totally taking ownership of his hearing aids. I could not be prouder of him.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Day one
We picked up Ciaran's hearing aids this morning. He was very excited and couldn't wait to go get them. He seemed like he was really trying to be excited even though I could tell he was a little nervous. He did awesome. He was great with the audiologist.
I was most nervous about the molds bothering him. He doesn't seem to notice them. He is very enthused and says "things sound a little louder and my voice sounds different" He decorated them with green stickers. He was all excited about the pediatric kit Phonak provided. He loved the bag and wanted to carry it with him. He said we have to make sure to bring it to Vermont.
When we got home he could not have received a better reception from his brothers. They came running to the truck asking to see them. Colin said "wow, Ciaran, those are so cool. I really like them". Cormac said "Ciaran, now you are like me. Can you share your stickers with me? I want to look cool like that" I let Colin try them on and he was excited. I might have to get him so dummy hearing aids!
All in all it has been a great day. Ciaran had a yummy donut when we were done (it was too early for the hot dog truck!) and then we came home and CALLEIGH TOOK THREE STEPS ALL BY HERSELF. God works in mysterious ways. I was a little down about Ciaran having to get hearing aids and then I come home and the smooch walks for me. She is a little ray of Sunshine in our lives!
I was most nervous about the molds bothering him. He doesn't seem to notice them. He is very enthused and says "things sound a little louder and my voice sounds different" He decorated them with green stickers. He was all excited about the pediatric kit Phonak provided. He loved the bag and wanted to carry it with him. He said we have to make sure to bring it to Vermont.
When we got home he could not have received a better reception from his brothers. They came running to the truck asking to see them. Colin said "wow, Ciaran, those are so cool. I really like them". Cormac said "Ciaran, now you are like me. Can you share your stickers with me? I want to look cool like that" I let Colin try them on and he was excited. I might have to get him so dummy hearing aids!
All in all it has been a great day. Ciaran had a yummy donut when we were done (it was too early for the hot dog truck!) and then we came home and CALLEIGH TOOK THREE STEPS ALL BY HERSELF. God works in mysterious ways. I was a little down about Ciaran having to get hearing aids and then I come home and the smooch walks for me. She is a little ray of Sunshine in our lives!
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