2008 Three Blind Mice
2010 My favorite ever...
Any guesses on this years costumes???
Friday, October 26, 2012
Flashback Friday...Halloween
The first Halloween 2006 The Three Pigs
2007 The Three Bears
2008 Three Blind Mice
2009 Super Heros and Calleigh is Batgirl
2010 My favorite ever...
2011 Smurfs and Azreil
2008 Three Blind Mice
2010 My favorite ever...
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Ten On Tuesday
1. I got an offer for the job I interviewed for at Monmouth Medical Center. I will be trained to be a newborn hearing screener and learn how to perform ABR's on the newborns before they leave the hospital. I credit newborn screening for finding Cormac's deafness and I am thankful every day we had the test. Early intervention is the key to success so early identification is essential. I am excited to put all my knowledge to work. I will be working part time and hopefully be able to balance working and the kids.
2. Calleigh will be making another trip to the hospital for a growth hormone stimulation test. Since her pituitary came back normal on the MRI we need to see if she even produces the growth hormone. She will go in the hospital on 10/29 at 7am. They will hook her to an IV and test her blood every 1 /2 hour for three hours. They will be able to tell if she is produces the growth hormone. They take the blood from the IV so they don't need to stick her so many times.
3. Today I listened to Cormac teach Calleigh how to sing three new songs. It's a miracle every day. My deaf son is teaching my speech delayed songs and they were both singing beautifully while playing the triangle. Amazing. Just plain amazing.
4. Cormac is literally counting the days until the Halloween parade on Saturday. He can't wait to wear his costumes. The kids chose adorable costumes this year. I had nothing to do with it and they chose a theme. I guess after 6 Halloweens of being a theme they just kind of did it on their own!
5. Calleigh is the star of the week at school this week. It's very cute and we made a poster board to show all her favorite things. I was happy to hear she told the class what all the things were on her poster and even told them her brothers names. Very proud of her.
6. We have parent teacher conferences on Thursday. I am looking forward to speaking with their teacher about each of them. We need to discuss some options for Cormac regarding his reading. We need to challenge him more in this area. His reading and comprehension are off the charts. The words he can read, understand and then incorporate into his daily speech is unbelievable.
7. The boys have two half days this week. They have asked to go the Atlantic Farms for one of the afternoons. I think it would be a great day to spend the afternoon. I was just there with Calleigh but I am sure she will love a return visit.
8. I am totally over school lunches and snacks. I am not sure why I despise making them so much. Tonight I made them right after dinner so it wasn't so bad. My kid are so simple too. They eat a lot of options but for some reason I just dread it.
9. The Voice....cannot get enough of it. Between Blake and Adam not to mention so many amazing performaces. I just love love love it.
10. I have started thinking about Christmas gifts. Anyone want to share ideas for six year old boys and three year old girl??
2. Calleigh will be making another trip to the hospital for a growth hormone stimulation test. Since her pituitary came back normal on the MRI we need to see if she even produces the growth hormone. She will go in the hospital on 10/29 at 7am. They will hook her to an IV and test her blood every 1 /2 hour for three hours. They will be able to tell if she is produces the growth hormone. They take the blood from the IV so they don't need to stick her so many times.
3. Today I listened to Cormac teach Calleigh how to sing three new songs. It's a miracle every day. My deaf son is teaching my speech delayed songs and they were both singing beautifully while playing the triangle. Amazing. Just plain amazing.
4. Cormac is literally counting the days until the Halloween parade on Saturday. He can't wait to wear his costumes. The kids chose adorable costumes this year. I had nothing to do with it and they chose a theme. I guess after 6 Halloweens of being a theme they just kind of did it on their own!
5. Calleigh is the star of the week at school this week. It's very cute and we made a poster board to show all her favorite things. I was happy to hear she told the class what all the things were on her poster and even told them her brothers names. Very proud of her.
6. We have parent teacher conferences on Thursday. I am looking forward to speaking with their teacher about each of them. We need to discuss some options for Cormac regarding his reading. We need to challenge him more in this area. His reading and comprehension are off the charts. The words he can read, understand and then incorporate into his daily speech is unbelievable.
7. The boys have two half days this week. They have asked to go the Atlantic Farms for one of the afternoons. I think it would be a great day to spend the afternoon. I was just there with Calleigh but I am sure she will love a return visit.
8. I am totally over school lunches and snacks. I am not sure why I despise making them so much. Tonight I made them right after dinner so it wasn't so bad. My kid are so simple too. They eat a lot of options but for some reason I just dread it.
9. The Voice....cannot get enough of it. Between Blake and Adam not to mention so many amazing performaces. I just love love love it.
10. I have started thinking about Christmas gifts. Anyone want to share ideas for six year old boys and three year old girl??
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
The Moment
This is the moment I told Frank it was confirmed Cormac was profoundly deaf. He leaned down and kissed him.
He was not with me at the doctor that day. He had used up all his time off while the boys were in the NICU so he had to go to work. My Mom stayed with Ciaran and Colin while I took Cormac by myself. At the time, it seemed like the worst day of our lives. It seemed unreal. It seemed like some type of nightmare I would wake up from. We had no idea what was ahead of us this day.
When I look at this picture now I no longer cry. It makes me love Frank more than I already do. It makes me realize we were destined to have Cormac in our family. This day changed our lives forever and I would never change any of it.
In case you are wondering why I posted this picture today. I was cleaning out some boxes in the basement and came across it in a photo album. It might be my favorite picture of Frank....ever.
He was not with me at the doctor that day. He had used up all his time off while the boys were in the NICU so he had to go to work. My Mom stayed with Ciaran and Colin while I took Cormac by myself. At the time, it seemed like the worst day of our lives. It seemed unreal. It seemed like some type of nightmare I would wake up from. We had no idea what was ahead of us this day.
When I look at this picture now I no longer cry. It makes me love Frank more than I already do. It makes me realize we were destined to have Cormac in our family. This day changed our lives forever and I would never change any of it.
In case you are wondering why I posted this picture today. I was cleaning out some boxes in the basement and came across it in a photo album. It might be my favorite picture of Frank....ever.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. Calleigh's MRI results are back. I have only talked to her ENT about the results. (Her neuroloigst and endocrinologist haven't gotten back to me yet UGH!) I haven't seen the report myself yet. According to the ENT the results were normal for what he was looking for except for her semicircle ear canals. Apparently, you have three on each side. They are filled with fluid and are responsible for balance. When you spin in a circle the fluid moves around causing you to be dizzy. When the fluid stops moving you get your balance back. One of her canals appears to have no fluid in it. Considering her balance issues it could be a contributing factor or it could not be a contributing factor. It could also be it just appears that way on the MRI. I will be interested in the neurologists take on it.
2. Calleigh continues to make some big improvements. Several people have commented on how she seems more steady on her feet. We have been taking he to a private OT facility and I think they are really great with her. Combine that with her going to school every day and getting services there she seems to be moving along.
3. The boys progress reports came home on Friday. I was very proud of them. They all did very well but what made me happiest was their reading. Cormac got outstanding and I wasn't surprised but Colin also got outstanding. (that is the highest score) I knew he could read but he is not one to show us how well he is doing. And then there is my Ciaran. My boy who has seemed to struggle in this area from the beginning. He lacked so much confidence it made me sad. Well, since school has started he has flourished. He got "good" in his reading! It's the step below Outstanding and above Satisfactory. I could not be more proud of him. He had been really trying so hard. He is so excited to read his new books to me when he comes home and to Frank as soon as he walks through the door.
4. The truck...what can I say about our truck. It is out of commission at the moment. We are waiting for a part to come in to the tune of $2500. When my truck is not working we can't go anywhere with the kids. Frank's car can't hold 4 car seats (really, how many can??) The mechanic gave it back to me and said I can drive it locally until it's repaired. Thank goodness because walking the kids back and forth to two different schools is not easy! Hopefully, it will be fixed by the end of the week.
5. I cannot get enough of the show Parenthood. I want to be a Braverman.
6. We had such a warm day on Sunday we went up to the beach. The kids wound up in the water. They found crabs and shells. It was a great way to spend the day.
7. Last night for dinner I made chicken, broccoli and bowtie pasta. (we didn't have any cavtelli). I used the multi color pasta that has the vegetables added. To say it was a hit is an understatement. My kids at multiple plates of it! They are usually pretty good eaters but I wasn't sure when you combined it all what they would think. Nothing makes me happier than to hear my kids say they love their dinner and ask for seconds especially knowing it was all good stuff. Colin said I should make it every Monday.
8. I interviewed for a job as a newborn hearing screener at our local hospital. The interview went really well and within an hour of leaving the interview they called and said they were starting my background check. This issue is so near and dear to my heart. If not for newborn screening I don't know when we would have realized Cormac was deaf. I am so grateful every day he had the screening. What I like about the company is they do the test by the bedside with the mother watching. They are focused on education and follow up. I will not know for about 2 weeks if I have the job. I feel very confident I will get an offer. This journey our family took all those years ago when Cormac was diagnosed has really opened so many doors for us.
9. Calleigh is having her first school pictures taken today at school. I am hoping she cooperates. She normally loves her picture to be taken.
10. Here are some pictures from our beautiful Sunday at the beach.
2. Calleigh continues to make some big improvements. Several people have commented on how she seems more steady on her feet. We have been taking he to a private OT facility and I think they are really great with her. Combine that with her going to school every day and getting services there she seems to be moving along.
3. The boys progress reports came home on Friday. I was very proud of them. They all did very well but what made me happiest was their reading. Cormac got outstanding and I wasn't surprised but Colin also got outstanding. (that is the highest score) I knew he could read but he is not one to show us how well he is doing. And then there is my Ciaran. My boy who has seemed to struggle in this area from the beginning. He lacked so much confidence it made me sad. Well, since school has started he has flourished. He got "good" in his reading! It's the step below Outstanding and above Satisfactory. I could not be more proud of him. He had been really trying so hard. He is so excited to read his new books to me when he comes home and to Frank as soon as he walks through the door.
4. The truck...what can I say about our truck. It is out of commission at the moment. We are waiting for a part to come in to the tune of $2500. When my truck is not working we can't go anywhere with the kids. Frank's car can't hold 4 car seats (really, how many can??) The mechanic gave it back to me and said I can drive it locally until it's repaired. Thank goodness because walking the kids back and forth to two different schools is not easy! Hopefully, it will be fixed by the end of the week.
5. I cannot get enough of the show Parenthood. I want to be a Braverman.
6. We had such a warm day on Sunday we went up to the beach. The kids wound up in the water. They found crabs and shells. It was a great way to spend the day.
7. Last night for dinner I made chicken, broccoli and bowtie pasta. (we didn't have any cavtelli). I used the multi color pasta that has the vegetables added. To say it was a hit is an understatement. My kids at multiple plates of it! They are usually pretty good eaters but I wasn't sure when you combined it all what they would think. Nothing makes me happier than to hear my kids say they love their dinner and ask for seconds especially knowing it was all good stuff. Colin said I should make it every Monday.
8. I interviewed for a job as a newborn hearing screener at our local hospital. The interview went really well and within an hour of leaving the interview they called and said they were starting my background check. This issue is so near and dear to my heart. If not for newborn screening I don't know when we would have realized Cormac was deaf. I am so grateful every day he had the screening. What I like about the company is they do the test by the bedside with the mother watching. They are focused on education and follow up. I will not know for about 2 weeks if I have the job. I feel very confident I will get an offer. This journey our family took all those years ago when Cormac was diagnosed has really opened so many doors for us.
9. Calleigh is having her first school pictures taken today at school. I am hoping she cooperates. She normally loves her picture to be taken.
10. Here are some pictures from our beautiful Sunday at the beach.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Hearing Health Magazine
I was asked to write an article for Hearing Health Magazine and it is featured in their latest fall issue. I am excited to see it in print. I am honored I was asked to write for them as well. If you look on page 11 of the magazine you will see the article. If you click here you will be directed to the current issue. Scroll to page 10 and look for three smiling faces.
When I wrote the article I was not aware of how many words I was allowed. The article I submitted was longer than it was supposed to be. I was a little nervous about them editing the article but I am pleased with the end result.
The Hearing Health Foundation is a wonderful organization.
When I wrote the article I was not aware of how many words I was allowed. The article I submitted was longer than it was supposed to be. I was a little nervous about them editing the article but I am pleased with the end result.
The Hearing Health Foundation is a wonderful organization.
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