Cochlear Implant

One month ago Ezra had Cochlear Implant surgery.  The plan included letting everything heal for a couple weeks and last Monday, we got to turn it on!

Here is sweet E the night before surgery.

After surgery he wore a plastic cup-like device over his ear that was packed with gauze.

There was quite a bit of blood that drained out over several days.

As soon as Ezra woke up, he tried to take off that ear cup so I tired wrapping his whole head up to keep it on....which worked (slightly) better.

This surgery was the first time I saw Ezra have strong opinions about what was happening to him.  He was not happy to have nurses take his blood pressure or listen to his heart beat.  He has always been such an easy going little dude, so it is clear that he has memories associated with previous hospitalizations.  

The really nice thing about this surgery, was that we were home later that day.

Ezra now has a new Hearing Birthday: January 11, 2016.

Any hearing he had before will basically need to be relearned so he's starting out at square one...again.

The part over his ear that looks like a hearing aid is the processor---the part that receives the sound.  The round piece on his head is the coil which attaches to a magnet under his skin.

When the magnets are connected, the processor will transmit auditory information to the internal electronics.  The internal piece inside his cochlea has 22 electrodes that stimulate the auditory nerve.

So far Ezra is tolerating it very well.  He cried during activation and is close to tears when we put it on in the morning, but I can already tell that he is getting more used to it.  By mid-morning, he has no issues and I can turn up the volume.

The audiologist told us that it will take about 4 weeks for him to be able to discern that there are differences to the sound he is hearing.  So instead of just NOISE, there will be noises.

So far, so good!  

Oh, and did you notice that Ezra is standing by himself?  He can stand with the support of a wall, table, sofa, etc.  We are working on the "cruising" concept now.

Ezra, we think you are awesome!

Boys Being Boys

Several times a month we get big boxes full of Ezra's medical supplies (blended formula, feeding bags, tubes, etc).  Once emptied, they make great box cars.

Ezra loves being a part of what ever Jonah invents.

There was a lot of car versus truck racing.

I love seeing my boys being boys.

xo

White Christmas

Dreaming of a White Christmas worked!   For a week, we were lucky to wake up to fresh snow almost daily.  I hope you had a lovely holiday.  Here are a few favorite photos from our Christmas.

Even though it is blurry, I love this sweet moment.

Jonah was very helpful in decorating the tree this year.
He enthusiastically unwrapped every ornament and squealed with every reveal.

Our tree decorations are eclectic and personal.  Original creations by my grand parents, our mothers, Jesse, me, the boys, and friends.  Also mixed in are some vintage ornaments handed down from our families and a few purchased ones to commemorate important events and travels.

Ezra has loved admiring the tree.

Jonah sat on Santa's lap for the first time this season.
Every year the local Volunteer Fire Department decorates their fire trucks with Christmas lights and parades them through town inviting residents to come see Santa at the Park that evening.
There are always gifts for the kids, fire pits for warming, free cocoa and pizza, carolers, and Santa.
Real snow underfoot this year too!
I love this charming tradition in our town.

This was Jonah's first time telling Santa his wish list....we had not discussed this, so I had no idea what he would say, if anything at all.
JONAH: I would like 10 animals that I can play with:
(slowly counting on his fingers) One Penguin, One Diving Whale, One Cheetah...
(pause) One Cheetah....
SANTA: It sounds like you want the whole zoo!
JONAH: Yes!
SANTA:  Merry Christmas!
message received

Jonah loved all the holiday traditions.  I think we made cookies three different times!

And enjoyed eating them too.  Nanna made the Santa plate and our matching Cookie Jar.

Here's a throwback photo of Jonah's first Christmas wearing his stocking that Great-grandma Nanna knit.  Jonah really likes this photo and every year wants to put his stocking on again.

It's getting smaller!  I call this photo, Merry Bootie

I couldn't resist getting the boys matching jammies when they were on sale last spring.

Glad I did.  They are super sweet.

Christmas morning was nice and quiet.  We slept in until 8.
Jonah opened his stocking in our bed and then we moved to the living room for the rest.
Jonah selects "crazy socks" every year for his Daddy to wear to work.  These were wrapped by Jonah in some of his own artwork.  Notice the small animals on the side table....Santa delivered 10 to Jonah.

Undoubtedly, the best part of the holidays are the moments shared with family.
We were fortunate to have all the cousins together!
From left: Baby Esther (2 mo.), Troy (7), Mario (4), Ezra (20 mo.), Jonah (4), Alessandra (5)
They had so much fun!

           Photo Credit: Stephanie

My Mom and Richard did a wonderful job of hosting.
Thank you!  We had a great time.
xo