tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7678470930201638442023-11-16T02:43:08.383-08:00Mae FlowersNavigating my new life of marriage, pregnancy and living the country life.Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-80231227819386204952016-07-08T17:45:00.001-07:002016-07-08T17:46:52.945-07:00Raising a Strong Willed Child...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvZ0TUFpgJPy7Se4tcx9U_bPmncXs4HGSWreASXxx_oGgP6tfMxR4R84le4QXQ3WHa_B5x7zGTbKVFteRFgQKPgaVEd61ZXhHITHSd46EXgk5udauM1CDq2oqdAI4Ah4TsJo5dY8SAHY/s1600/IMG_1865%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvZ0TUFpgJPy7Se4tcx9U_bPmncXs4HGSWreASXxx_oGgP6tfMxR4R84le4QXQ3WHa_B5x7zGTbKVFteRFgQKPgaVEd61ZXhHITHSd46EXgk5udauM1CDq2oqdAI4Ah4TsJo5dY8SAHY/s400/IMG_1865%255B1%255D.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
As I put my oldest to bed after a long day; as she is screaming, fighting and banging her head on the wall the whole way up the stairs, I think about raising a strong willed child. My child. She has spunk. She wants what she wants and has passion in everything she does. She loves to take everything in and HAS to be perfect in everything she does, down to brushing her teeth. She lets me know when she doesn't like something and if she doesn't like what I say or do. <br />
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If I try to put Emerson in a shirt that used to be hers, she lets me know she's not having it. That is her shirt. If I put her to bed and don't put the My little Pony light on, in the right place, she lets me know about it. She's fierce.<br />
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She knows where things go, who everything belongs to and where she's going. She tells us where we can go on walks and if we want to go another way, she will let us know. She's determined. It makes everyone's life easier if we stick to the original plan. We do things in routine. <br />
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With everything that drives my bat $hit crazy with this girl, I love her fight. The things cry about some nights is the same thing that I will cherish about her when she's older. The day will come soon where she won't need me as an advocate because she will be her own advocate; for me and everyone else we know. <br />
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She's going to be a difference maker in everything she does. She cares about the people she meets and wants to meet everyone and everyone. She takes initiative in everyday things like bath, cleaning up, getting dressed and going to bed (sometimes). I can't keep up with her some days; she barely sits down. <br />
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But tonight was just like most nights that we have when she is overly tired and doesn't want to go to bed. I take her upstairs, take her implants off, tuck her in, put on the fan, turn on the pony night light and shut the door. With not two seconds I hear screaming. I walk in to her sitting up on her bed with her arms spread out, and she says "this much". Yes, baby girl, I love you THIS MUCH. Sorry, I forgot that tonight in our nightly routine. <br />
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How much do I love you...THISSSSSSS MUCH! Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-37559699983426011742016-06-02T05:29:00.004-07:002016-06-02T05:51:46.972-07:00Why I'm Now a Selfie Mom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T2zZbB1YQNUZLByy2F429MV3KPYt-vzXqJ3FkNOIxx1g53ZpM8ILPThJBISNVxCK7PpRnK3aQQJDuMhe_fvLzOWUu3EoP4NtT_VntOHRMvsdPh1QRkjigAnNf_cpC7BNkW-4N2O7sZ8/s1600/13335689_10103928720110322_7859361374448344021_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T2zZbB1YQNUZLByy2F429MV3KPYt-vzXqJ3FkNOIxx1g53ZpM8ILPThJBISNVxCK7PpRnK3aQQJDuMhe_fvLzOWUu3EoP4NtT_VntOHRMvsdPh1QRkjigAnNf_cpC7BNkW-4N2O7sZ8/s400/13335689_10103928720110322_7859361374448344021_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>Let me start by saying I can't stand selfies. I'm not really sure where they even came from. <br />
The students in my office take more selfies and send more snap chats then I have ever seen. It would take them less time to call the person they are trying to contact, talk for five minutes, then hang up. I will never get selfies, but from now on I'M A SELFIE MOM. <br />
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You see there are a couple things that weigh on my heart that make me suddenly want to take more selfies. One big reason is because of the my self image. You see, being a girl mom is tough. Well, not necessarily being a girl mom, it's being the same sex parent. I have a duty to raise my girls with a positive self image and I think that starts with my own. There is no faking it when it comes to your confidence and how others view you. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5SyCtHeNda1DnYYZU3QaYmyVEZZ1qFB2U7foobRNTNog0wNe8V7kp0uXF3bsZMRH9yNFo5-Ba-WgENAUsWBGlnL_58auJRSAoxHpU2Uen3vYbhoQL10Pm4Kz8PMGf-NjYFNCgEK9pe4/s1600/13312596_10103928719591362_7163092539062273282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5SyCtHeNda1DnYYZU3QaYmyVEZZ1qFB2U7foobRNTNog0wNe8V7kp0uXF3bsZMRH9yNFo5-Ba-WgENAUsWBGlnL_58auJRSAoxHpU2Uen3vYbhoQL10Pm4Kz8PMGf-NjYFNCgEK9pe4/s200/13312596_10103928719591362_7163092539062273282_n.jpg" width="160" /></a>I absolutely can't stand pictures of myself. I can always find something wrong with me: I still have 50 pounds of baby weight, I hate my legs; I have invisiline and my teeth HURT. I literally can not smile half of the time! Sometimes I don't have makeup and guess what? I don't wash my hair everyday. <br />
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I've come to realize that two little, sweet girls don't care about what I look like, they just want to see their mom be proud of who she is. They absolutely love selfies and why should I take fun away from them because of how I "think" I look in a photo. If I take photos and are proud of my self image, the girls will see that and hopefully realize that they are as beautiful as I see them. Self image is real thing for girls and mine aren't any different. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdb2XleZaztHUhX2KuNfRTaIv_ZsvXG3-b_Mh6TxHCfCMvFtNLjnqcrbZUfZ2LCiWjoKIl6U_7qHuoqyRACXJheWt7oVpp3zcXWVij46LA-l0FTXyVAsJkwrZsHmvj-SzjTrCsUSdy7o/s1600/13344764_10103928719706132_813864771719111273_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdb2XleZaztHUhX2KuNfRTaIv_ZsvXG3-b_Mh6TxHCfCMvFtNLjnqcrbZUfZ2LCiWjoKIl6U_7qHuoqyRACXJheWt7oVpp3zcXWVij46LA-l0FTXyVAsJkwrZsHmvj-SzjTrCsUSdy7o/s200/13344764_10103928719706132_813864771719111273_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>They other reason I am now a selfie mom is because I want them to have lots of photos of me. There many be a day where I'm not here and I want to make sure they have a lot of pictures of me. Sometimes, well most times, it's just me and them; so why not take a selfie. They will have lots of pictures of us together when they get older. Living life for each day to me means capturing what we have right in front of us. It may not be a fancy picture; most times it is blurry or grainy but we still have that moment to put in a frame next to their bed. <br />
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I will be making a selfie book soon for each girl to have with some of blog posts that I can give them when they are in high school. I'll probably still not have lost the baby weight, not love myself in every photo or wash my hair everyday, but they will have memories of their mom to last forever. <br />
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I draw the line at selfies though- I am NOT joining Snap Chat. <br />
<br />
Shannon<br />
<br />Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-16792770755809527932016-05-24T17:58:00.003-07:002016-05-24T18:01:59.170-07:00Deaf vs. Hearing: Don't Judge me and I won't Judge You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hiI0C3Fyymlode9LbfUn4spzgAieb8Tl4QjejefSl2ZOSo74NjLbuSU5VFT2QiVhuZM9GI64Ae2B0WT3LN1KURKEhiuuTqgbnPMq7eM-86K3fUwnmbAZoJGz_Rw9mzOCUW2LxP9lbig/s1600/deaf+vs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hiI0C3Fyymlode9LbfUn4spzgAieb8Tl4QjejefSl2ZOSo74NjLbuSU5VFT2QiVhuZM9GI64Ae2B0WT3LN1KURKEhiuuTqgbnPMq7eM-86K3fUwnmbAZoJGz_Rw9mzOCUW2LxP9lbig/s320/deaf+vs.jpg" width="320" /></a>Within the first 24 hours of Riley's life we found out she was deaf. Well, that's not 100% true. Riley failed her newborn hearing test twice and had to go to the ENT for more testing. If you have been following this blog, October 31, 2012 we found out for sure our baby couldn't hear. She was profoundly deaf in one ear and severe in the other. <br />
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There was a small window of time when I was in shock. I didn't understand how this happened. I didn't know what to do or where to even begin. Josh and I were in complete and utter sadness. Once that initial shock wore off, we got to work. <br />
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Cochlear implants were never even a "should we" discussion. We found out that our deaf daughter would have access to sound and could have the opportunity to develop spoken language; that was really all we needed to know. I don't think there was once where we wondered if we were making the right decision. We still don't have any regrets. <br />
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With Nyle DiMarco (Dancing with the Stars) coming into the picture and being a deaf celebrity with a huge advocacy for ASL, the war on deaf vs. hearing continues. I have seen so many articles on social media about the Deaf community and their view of cochlear implants. I don't judge any parents for not getting their children cochlear implants so why do they judge me? There hasn't been one time where I think of DiMarco and wonder why he never got CI's. I am amazed by his ability to sense sound through his body movements and appreciate the work he has put into making his life successful. However, we put in work too. <br />
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I something think learn ASL would have been easier than the therapy we do with Riley. We choose AVT ( Auditory Verbal Therapy) which concentrates on auditory (listening) and verbal (spoken language) to learn to listen and speak. Every morning I do a Ling check with her; if you're a parent of a hearing child you probably don't even know what that is. We talk, ALOT in our house. We wait. We wait for Riley to produce sound to tell me what she wants or need. She can't point, she can't wine, she must use her words at all times. She gets frustrated. Usually about one time a day we have a breakdown of communication and someone ends up in a tantrum; sometimes that person is me. <br />
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Riley is coming up on her 3 year hearing birthday and still behind. We continue to advocate for her with the school systems and community resources. Riley is deaf (period). Some of the deaf culture doesn't think of being deaf as a disability, but more as an identity. Below is the definition of disability. <br />
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<span class="_Tgc"><b>Disability</b> is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, intellectual, mental, sensory, developmental, or some combination of these that results in restrictions on an individual's ability to participate in what is considered "normal" in their everyday society.</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">Based on this definition, do you think deafness is a disability? Hearing loss is classified as the #1 birth defect in America. I don't want to cause any problems with the war on deaf vs. hearing, but being born deaf is considered a disability in American society. 1% of Americans can use ASL and ASL is the sixth spoken language in America. More people know Spanish and German than ASL. Currently Riley is stuck between a deaf community and a hearing couture. She doesn't hear like we hear. Listening doesn't come easy for her. When Riley doesn't have her CI's on, she can't hear anything. Nothing. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">I don't really care what your language of choice is. I don't wonder what went through your mind on making decisions. We chose not to use sign language with Riley. If you ask me one month, the next month it's going to be the same. One day, Riley might want to learn sign language and I am fine with that. If she is up to her language goals and has a good grasp on spoken language, the world is her oyster. She can do anything she wants! That's what parents do. </span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">My job is to make decisions for her now, as her parent. Parenting is not easy and sometime you have to make decisions that society doesn't always agree with. I felt (and still feel) like I wanted to do whatever I could to give her all the opportunity in the world. If she was born without sight, I would research any technology to make it easier on her. If she was born without limbs, I would research and get any medical enhancements I could to make her life easier. I'm a mom; that's what we do. You consider your values and beliefs (whether spiritual or religious) and make a sound decision that is best for YOUR family. I don't judge you for your decisions so don't judge me for mine. </span>Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-23353064010136508142016-05-15T16:16:00.000-07:002016-05-15T16:26:07.343-07:0025 Things May Not Know About Your Mommy....<br />
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Here goes nothing....<br />
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<ol>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuV1AjKlT3hadihd4Wtw_Nath4npDadT2-jIfrZF-tO-Cim0JpcQGnA7oSHG2z9mTnBD2orHxyuW5KDnwPZ6Ig-QW88zjq_G8kUzlh3TmSraOAXgVo9HZ1vFzkXppGo2z3ku3fThTuZk/s1600/IMG_5705%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuV1AjKlT3hadihd4Wtw_Nath4npDadT2-jIfrZF-tO-Cim0JpcQGnA7oSHG2z9mTnBD2orHxyuW5KDnwPZ6Ig-QW88zjq_G8kUzlh3TmSraOAXgVo9HZ1vFzkXppGo2z3ku3fThTuZk/s320/IMG_5705%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<li>My favorite color is red. </li>
<li>I like to listen to music in the car REALLY loud. You probably already know this though. </li>
<li>I don't wear shorts. Even to bed. </li>
<li>I don't use a flat sheet on our bed because I absolutely hate making the bed. I see no point. </li>
<li>I have never mowed grass.</li>
<li>I eat peanut butter every day. Every single day. </li>
<li>I love wine. You will soon find out. </li>
<li>I have very thick skin but care deeply what people think. </li>
<li>I regret not playing sports in high school.</li>
<li>It took me five years to complete my undergrad. </li>
<li>I love fruit- especially watermelon. </li>
<li>I try to drink two gallons of water a day. </li>
<li>I can't stand flowers. If you want to win my heart use chocolate. I will always fold for chocolate. </li>
<li>Garth Brooks was my first concert. </li>
<li>I need eight hours of sleep to function properly.</li>
<li>I can't do math. I hope one of you are really good at math in high school because you won't find me much help. I got you when it comes to English. </li>
<li>My favorite meal is breakfast. I never skip breakfast. Ever. </li>
<li>I love wearing heels. I know, weird. </li>
<li>I had my gallbladder taken out in grad school. </li>
<li>I have no directional sense. Please never use words like east when telling me how to get somewhere</li>
<li>I love a good gel manicure. </li>
<li>Sharks are my worse fear. </li>
<li>I love the first glass of milk. Every time I buy milk I like to drink the first glass right away. </li>
<li>I have never broken a bone. </li>
<li>My favorite movie is Legally Blonde. </li>
</ol>
Some of these things you will soon find out; others, like my obsession with cheese and my fear of the ocean will be things that you will soon love about me! <br />
<br />
Love Mom<br />
<ol>
</ol>
Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-72519147188250568622016-05-05T19:22:00.000-07:002016-05-05T20:04:03.676-07:00If I'm not here when you read this....To My Girls,<br />
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I don't think a day goes by that I don't hear on the radio, news or social media that a mom was taken from her children in the blink of an eye; or maybe even over time. I like to think I will be around forever, like immortal, but what if I'm not?<br />
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If I'm still around by the time you read this blog, probably around 16 or so, you will either hate my guts because I wouldn't let you spend the night at a boy girl sleepover, or we are like best friends. I like to think I will be around for both of these situations but If I'm not, I wanted to give you some advice for your future. I'm not the best at everything. I don't know everything there is about success, marriage, children and careers, but I know enough to keep give you a little piece of your mom that you will have forever. Here goes:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Character is who you are when know one is looking. Character is something you want and need in your life. Character makes you succeed. </li>
<li>Ask lots of questions. Never EVER assume anything. Asking questions will get your answers quicker and will make any process shorter. </li>
<li>Take care of your teeth. Like forever. Always brush, floss, or whatever your dentist wants you to do. Do it. You will thank me later. </li>
<li>Friendship is so important. To have good friends, you must be a good friend. Being a good friend means putting someone else before you in certain situations. Caring about other people enough to not be envious, to be supportive even when you don't want to and having someone to talk to in the silent if you had to. Your friends will be there throughout your whole life- they are great at holding your hair also. </li>
<li>Plans will get broken; live with it. Don't be so inflexible that you can't function without everything being planned out. I had my whole college, getting married, having a kid thing planed out and none of it turned out how I thought. Move on. </li>
<li>Forgive. Forgiving is more about you than the other person. I always say "time heals, give time time". Forgive for you, not for the other person. </li>
<li>Choose a career that makes you happy. I absolutely love working in higher education and it shows. You won't love everyday but you will spend most of your time working when you are an adult; make it enjoyable. </li>
<li>Negativity is contagious. so it positivity. Be positive. Happiness is really a choose. Plain and simple. </li>
<li>Be free. You live in America and that is a privilege. You can be anything you want to be and do anything you want in this country. Exercise your right to vote; freedom wasn't free. </li>
<li>It's okay if you are different than everyone else. Don't feel like you have to fit in with everyone and do things that you know go against your values. Different is beautiful. </li>
<li>Stay close to you sister. Having a sibling is such a gift. Stay close to each other because in the end, you will always have each other to lean on. </li>
<li>Your education is important. This doesn't mean you have to take the same road as me, or your father. It just means to read up on things, educate yourself. Keep growing and gave the urge to be a better person. </li>
<li>Love you more. I know that sounds totally selfish but it is probably the most important one on this list. No matter how much you love your husband, your partner, your kids or anything; love you more. You can't let yourself go and always put people ahead of you. You will soon loose yourself and then others will loose you soon after. Trust me. </li>
<li>Drink lots of water. What you put in your body matters. Enough said. </li>
<li>No matter what the situation: Get up, dress up, and show up. I heard this quote from a good friend when I worked at Ball State and it has gotten me through the toughest of situations. Don't let the situation take over your life. Take a day if you need, but the next day; GET UP, DRESS UP, AND SHOW UP. </li>
</ol>
There are so many things I could put on this list, but for time sake and typing, know this: God put you in our family because you belong there. He made you who you are because he loves you. There are no accidents, no coincidences. Everything is supposed to happen the way it does. Always remember that. <br />
<br />
Love- mom<br />
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<br />Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-25605971503175051912016-05-02T06:13:00.003-07:002016-05-02T06:14:32.520-07:00To Emerson- On her Second BirthdayDear Emerson Marie, <br />
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It's crazy to think that two years have gone by already. Just yesterday we were in the hospital loving on my little baby- now you're toddler. The last two years you have brought so much joy to our lives; I'm so happy the God chose me to be your mom. <br />
<br />
<br />
As I have said in the first birthday letter, you are the best gift that I your father and I could have given our family. The way Riley loves you and protects you makes my heart melt. The sister bond you both share was inevitable from the start. <br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes I look at you and wonder how this sweet, dimple faced, bright smiled girl is my daughter. You have a way of lighting up the room when you walk in. You have an innocence about you that makes even the greyest of days go away. You love life. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuq8Meu8KglcemL-1F4K0D2JflZQ9zmqPfEiYHoyEYW4NhagbcESxMQ6qp1YojkPZC9XO9AHbq-ynRrk_eaFGwn1PTFIrFQBQMw9jWziJJv1mp6NvaI2Jv1vf2omlGti9Lt-e5hJfUbq0/s1600/IMG_5109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuq8Meu8KglcemL-1F4K0D2JflZQ9zmqPfEiYHoyEYW4NhagbcESxMQ6qp1YojkPZC9XO9AHbq-ynRrk_eaFGwn1PTFIrFQBQMw9jWziJJv1mp6NvaI2Jv1vf2omlGti9Lt-e5hJfUbq0/s200/IMG_5109.JPG" width="150" /></a>Sleeping and eating are still your favorite. You will run a mile for food if you had to. You don't love vegetables but you make up in gold fish what you lack in veggies. You love your Eeyore; you won't go anywhere without him. He is your best friend (besides your sister). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKi9j4DPxWqSXSUant2wbybEjCMmdYvIyUiE1uS4tfSdy7rM1-NsmE0RDRbstaD0070adB32kjNeaS8l1GiOKGNl7CSuDBm5r7IF7MGcGBmdrnFpQ9FOb8DdcGY21FybFHYexPiTDfs-c/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKi9j4DPxWqSXSUant2wbybEjCMmdYvIyUiE1uS4tfSdy7rM1-NsmE0RDRbstaD0070adB32kjNeaS8l1GiOKGNl7CSuDBm5r7IF7MGcGBmdrnFpQ9FOb8DdcGY21FybFHYexPiTDfs-c/s200/IMG_4881.JPG" width="150" /></a>Since you have turned two, you have started climbing out of your crib, you have your own objections to things and want what you want. You love to go on the potty (with your diaper on) because that's what your big sister does. </div>
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I can't really think of many things you don't like because you are such a easy going, happy kid. I never have to use the same tough love that I use on Riley with you; you feel horrible when you do something wrong. It melts my heart to see you cry. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHWqRImGor-ctqpA76i8GWcL3rcRqD39GClcbvS5_m3UaTvo1xdMpOK4VMZCn1gks0H6ioSAaRJnilwREf36v7JRPo0mTvJe0eqeXkBLNE3bb4vnyOQti-NMZfKShpRSvmFvkSJnbV7E/s1600/IMG_5090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHWqRImGor-ctqpA76i8GWcL3rcRqD39GClcbvS5_m3UaTvo1xdMpOK4VMZCn1gks0H6ioSAaRJnilwREf36v7JRPo0mTvJe0eqeXkBLNE3bb4vnyOQti-NMZfKShpRSvmFvkSJnbV7E/s200/IMG_5090.JPG" width="200" /></a>You are a total daddy's girl but love to hang with mommy when she is putting on her make up and doing her hair. I hope our bond continues to grow as you get older; I know that you will be my girly girl that loves dance, tutus, dress up and more. I can't wait for the days we go shopping and you talk about all your friends and boy troubles. </div>
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Our lives have changed over the past two years: We moved to Ohio, your uncle Corey got married to aunt Cassidy and now you are going to have a baby cousin Braxton. Life goes fast and sometimes you get lost in the mix of Riley's therapy and mom's crazy schedule but always remember Baby girl, you are the light in our family that shined and made us whole. I will forever remember the feeling you gave me during your first year of life that no one could ever replace. <br />
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I love you to the moon and back. I love you more then Netflix; more then bananas and peanut butter and more then Panera coffee. <br />
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Love, Mom<br />
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<br />Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-66726462612430032432015-07-19T19:07:00.000-07:002015-07-19T19:09:23.774-07:00What Would You Do if you Weren't Afraid?<br />
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Working in higher education, I often have the opportunity to ask high school and new college students "what do you want to be when you grow up"? Sometimes it makes me think about when I was growing up and what my ultimate goal was going to be. I know for certain higher education administration wasn't one of those goals, and to be honest, it wasn't even a glimpse in my mind when I started college. <br />
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I started Kent State University as a business student with a hope to someday take over the world with my management tactics (or something businesslike); until I got my first on campus job at the Rec Center as an intramural referee. For the next couple years and I learned how to referee a good volleyball game, follow a good checklist, and make sure people were safe when at the rec center. My goals of business then slowly diminished and I found something I loved; something that I had a passion for- campus recreation. <br />
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My career in campus recreation and higher education has taken me down so many different paths that I didn't see coming. I've learned so much about campus rec, advising, admissions, student life, career services and student development working in different areas of the college. I've worked at universities that are in rural areas and the communities are surrounded by it; I've worked in a an urban setting where it's mostly commuter and traffic makes your morning commute interesting; I've also worked at the two year college where recruitment and retention mean all the different to the services we provide. <br />
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I just got finished reading the book<em> Lean In </em>by Sheryl Sandberg (the CEO of Facebook), and it related women moving up the ladder more like a jungle gym then a ladder. So many times we think we have to keep moving in one direction, but on a jungle gym there are many ways to move up and become successful. We focus on one goal; one priority and think we have to keep moving in that direction or we will loose everything we've worked for. Or is it because we're scared. <br />
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What if we stopped asking "what if" and started asking ourselves "what next"? What is my next step? What can I learn next? Where do I go from here? We tend to focus on staying in one place because that's what we know and where we are comfortable. <br />
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I remember when I had Riley and Emerson feeling guilty even thinking "what's next". Why did I have to keep going and going when I was starting a family? That question is asks by a lot of mothers and it holds women back because of the fear they have to choose between our family and our success. We don't have to choose. I can have a successful career, and be the best mom I can be. We make sacrifices and we learn how to prioritize better than we ever have, but we make it work. <br />
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This year brings me new opportunities and new challenges. I will continue to learn and grow for ALL of my experience and continue to strive for excellence in student development and higher education. What would I do if I wasn't scared? I would accept a new position in Ohio and hit the road with Josh, myself and our two beautiful girls. Buckeye nation here we come!Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-13539180648329378752015-06-02T07:44:00.000-07:002015-06-02T07:44:05.545-07:00What we now know about language development <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Having a child with hearing loss has taught me so much about language development than I ever thought I would care to know. It not only has helped us understand what Riley is going through with her therapy, but given us the tools to help Emerson develop language and reach her milestones as well. While I am in no way an professional in this field, I can tell you some of the things we have learned along the way. <br />
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1. <strong>Language is more than talking: </strong>There are so many different forms of language: spoken, sign, bilingual, non verbal, conversation and many more I'm sure I'm not aware of. On average, kids have to hear a word 500 times before they will start develop that word in their language. Language is also about having a conversation. When you ask a question, most of the time your voice goes up; Your tone of your voice determines how someone would respond. All of these things are taught at a very young age. Emerson is starting to babble and I talk right with her; she will start and I will jump right in. I make it a conscious effort to talk adult talk and not baby talk; it teaches her about taking turns in conversations.<br />
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If I were to give you one tip on language development it is this: <em>whatever language you choose teach your child, it will be their first language. If its sign language, that's great, but remember it could be difficult to teach them English language after that. Their brain will think sign language (or Spanish or French) is their first language and it could be difficult to develop later (could be).</em> <br />
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2.<strong> Talk:</strong> Any talk again. In fact you will talk so much that you can't stand your own voice anymore. If I'm making mac and cheese, my conversation could go like this: Mommy's making macaroni and cheese, stir the water, pour in the milk; milk is white. Shake the cheese, cheese is yellow. cheese is yummy. Smell the cheese, we love cheese. Pour the macaroni in cheese in the sink. Pour it in the pan...etc. I think you get the drift. Describing is all we do and it has helped so much. Sometimes we focus on the nouns in our language (truck, mom, dad, baby) that we forget the verbs, adjectives, and propositions that go into a complete sentence. <br />
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3. <strong>Hearing vs. Listening:</strong> This should actually be number one because it is the most important to us in our therapy. Hearing and language actually come from the brain, not the ear; the ear is a way to the brain so that is what we mainly focus on. I know riley can hear, the audiograms tell us so, but is she listening? I have to give her commands, like "throw the paper in the trash can", without cues of what she should be done. No pointing. If she can throw the paper in the trash can then she is listening. She understands what she should be doing. When we are in a crowded environments or she is babbling on and upset, we stop and I tell her to listen. She will put her finger to her ear and we listen. If she stops and takes herself out of the environment and concentrates on listening, she can calm down and hear what we are asking. <br />
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4. <strong>Receptive understanding comes first</strong>: This pigtails off the last one. If she can understand what the difference between milk and water, or if she wants to wear shorts or a dress, spoken language won't be far behind. We have to give her time to understand things before she can say them. A couple weeks ago we couldn't understand why she wasn't saying "mommy or daddy" but goes on and on about Emmy and the kids at daycare all day. We figured out that we don't say "mommy and daddy" as much as we talk about everyone else. I wont say "daddy hand me the spoon" or "daddy how was your day", in our everyday language so she isn't getting that. We can't assume she knows things that we aren't providing her with. <br />
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5. <strong>Repeat them instead of correcting them</strong>: Riley doesn't have language where a lot of people can understand her yet. So when she says something, I try to correct her by repeating. Ex: If Riley says "dada" or "Emmyson", I will say, "Yes that is daddy" (not dada), or "Emerson" so she can hear the correct way to say it. If I keep talking how she is, then she won't know the correct words for things. Sorry, no nicknames for toys here:) <br />
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6.<strong> Patience:</strong> Language development takes time. A child's first word is something that she can say, in context, without imitation. Emerson saying "dada" when she's crawling around the floor is not in context. If she drops her food and says "uh oh", then that's a word (or language). Riley has about 75 words now!! These are words that she can say without me saying it first. If I hold up an apple and she can say "apple" or some sort of approximation, then that goes on our auditory index as a word. <br />
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While we are no where near where we want to be, everyday I see new developments in Riley. I see how she understands so much more and is starting to put two or three word phrases together. She understands how to listen, and use her brain to make decisions based on hearing, not visual. Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-11422878284675517212015-04-25T06:52:00.001-07:002015-04-25T06:58:33.382-07:00To my best friend on her wedding day<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Dear Katie,<div><br></div><div>Wow! I can't believe this day is finally here. The day that you get to become one with the guy of your dreams. The guy I chose to become yours, the guy that makes you a better person. Your wedding day. This day means so much to me and I can't believe I'm here to celebrate every moment with you. The road that it took for you to finally find happiness is one long journey that only the few understand.</div><div><br></div><div>We have been friends for over 20 years and I don't think you really understand what all that means to me. I never had sisters but you, Leslie and Jill took that role. You know my strengths, you know my weaknesses; you know what I fear and you know what makes me happy. You know when I'm in a bad situation and you know when I need a big hug. You have supported me through all my decisions good or bad, and you never judge a thing.</div><div><br></div><div>Take today slow. Your wedding day it will be one of your best moments of your life, however it goes fast. Enjoy it! As much as today is about the wedding, today is really about the marriage. Even though I've only been married for four years I can tell you that sometimes it is hard. You get things that are thrown at you that you don't plan for. You will fight (probably before the end of the week), and it's okay. remember to love each other even when you don't like each other. Remember to always put Jay first, even when you have four kids running around. Remember to communicate, and most important remember to compromise.</div><div><br></div><div>they say that some people come into your life for a reason. Well i say that some people STAY in your life for a reason. Even though everybody is spread out miles and miles away, the coo coos will live on because birds of a feather flock together. </div><div><br></div><div>Love you!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5imhAvLALkH_1Yq5mToikWQF958vZKTrPfZIkir9WVFC9nKKTv2E7rs5iZGLhFZb7okeapSQuXcaBE5mjGHJgu-5syYcMYppdwUyfNd11mUlq0rrdM-MGBVAvPtNGIgZCLWuvJ9o7rTw/s640/blogger-image--648810204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5imhAvLALkH_1Yq5mToikWQF958vZKTrPfZIkir9WVFC9nKKTv2E7rs5iZGLhFZb7okeapSQuXcaBE5mjGHJgu-5syYcMYppdwUyfNd11mUlq0rrdM-MGBVAvPtNGIgZCLWuvJ9o7rTw/s640/blogger-image--648810204.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5imhAvLALkH_1Yq5mToikWQF958vZKTrPfZIkir9WVFC9nKKTv2E7rs5iZGLhFZb7okeapSQuXcaBE5mjGHJgu-5syYcMYppdwUyfNd11mUlq0rrdM-MGBVAvPtNGIgZCLWuvJ9o7rTw/s640/blogger-image--648810204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhWLuhEgDlvms0toJOxo9latHVc7lexA3VJI4N3DKu17XLjq0Spt5bri4pQs2yXhQTD9a7eE0rimbg590h-mSOyv2374LXtPeNsdDPxV3oISuwrOtGiBQzXA6fHAOn2DYzvkWG43T2fM/s640/blogger-image-1089496622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhWLuhEgDlvms0toJOxo9latHVc7lexA3VJI4N3DKu17XLjq0Spt5bri4pQs2yXhQTD9a7eE0rimbg590h-mSOyv2374LXtPeNsdDPxV3oISuwrOtGiBQzXA6fHAOn2DYzvkWG43T2fM/s640/blogger-image-1089496622.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-41214671444409936182015-04-18T18:43:00.000-07:002015-04-19T04:58:36.694-07:00Letter to my Second Child on her Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Emerson, <br />
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Its only fitting that your annual blog post be in second child fashion- late. Time goes by so fast and before I could blink twice, your first birthday was here, then it was gone. You're one. You eat real food and sleep like a big kid with a big blanket. You move around and want to be by your sister all the time and you love your daddy. So many things I've been noticing this week and thought "when did that happen", then life gets busy again and I lose track of time again. <br />
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I want to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry I don't know all your facts like how much you weight, height, what your favorite foods are or if you even have teeth. I didn't record each week I was pregnant with you, or make a monthly update for each milestone you hit. Heck, to be honest, I really don't know what month it is half the time. I'm sorry I didn't make you a birthday book or a video movie, or anything really, for your first year of life. <br />
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I'm sorry you get hand-me-downs and have to wear what Riley either didn't like or grew out too soon. I'm sorry that there might be grass stains on your shoes or sweet potatoes on your onesies. I'm sorry that you have to share most of your clothes, accessories and toys with your sister; they were hers once. There are so many things I did differently with you then Riley and I'm sorry I didn't do hours research on baby bottles, car seats, cribs and everything else needed to keep a baby alive. I'm sorry. <br />
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There is so many things I did differently with you than I did with your sister. Whenever you feel that second child syndrome feeling coming on, know this: you saved me. So many moms say that their children "save them" and now I understand what it means; I feel that way with you. Riley changed me, you saved me. <br />
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When Riley was born and I found out she was deaf, I was in shock. I was scared; I felt the most pain and fear I have ever felt in my entire life. I went the whole year very depressed and in a constant state of fear and always waiting for the next bad phone call. I was quiet, reserved, undetermined and wasn't sure what the future would hold. Then you were born. <br />
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You have given my those first mother moments that I didn't have with Riley. You smiled when I said your name, you laugh when you hear me laugh, you danced when you heard music; those are things that I didn't have in the first 12 months of Riley's life. All of a sudden I felt like things were going to be okay. I didn't have to spend all day worrying about Riley's therapy and what the next step was; I had another beautiful baby that needed me as much as Riley did. <br />
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So while there is so much I am sorry for, it is you that I am so thankful for. It is you that makes your sister smile every morning when she runs in your room to wake you up and It is you that makes this family of four complete (for now) and back on the right track. <br />
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Happy Birthday Emmy! We love you more then Starbuck's green tea, more then springtime, and way more then sports talk radio (from your dad). <br />
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<br />Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-80331091449815419622015-01-26T11:28:00.001-08:002015-01-26T11:28:26.651-08:00Tough Little Boys...So many times I watch Josh talk about his little girls, and he immediately lights up; the moment you realize they are the light in his eye, the loves of his life, his little girls. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavIKDWdO3AOjGK1RyowWOR0n_03suRPkXchE9io7ybRXNomGLbGXB3yknUZlQk_yzPvlboV_dO7jZR9g3Yz5wn452GrmR0PqdroxtdeN0JSCXc2jJopjv-y-x40TllV-O6jSy0uS7Iqk/s1600/20141025-IMG_0592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavIKDWdO3AOjGK1RyowWOR0n_03suRPkXchE9io7ybRXNomGLbGXB3yknUZlQk_yzPvlboV_dO7jZR9g3Yz5wn452GrmR0PqdroxtdeN0JSCXc2jJopjv-y-x40TllV-O6jSy0uS7Iqk/s1600/20141025-IMG_0592.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a>People tell me all the time how Emmy or Riley is a "daddy's girl" and to be honest, it makes me giddy to hear those kind words! You see, I never imagined myself as a girl mom. NOPE, I was always going to be a boy mom, but God had other plans for me. Most of you that know me know that growing up I was always a daddy's girl, so naturally the fact that my babies are daddy's girls make me smile. <br />
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I secretly daydream of their wedding day when they are given away by their daddy; I will definitely have to hold him while he cry's like a baby. I listen to countless songs like " Tough Little Boys" and " Daddy's be Good to Your Daughters", and think about those days. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6A_V2wYw4g-U6g4cLKpXcGGY6JAWtFu0cnPIpRvoDS40-cy-jyqjLXkjvRXemnmmXHhnT3Z7rm4OEyEXh8b5nW-YZCPy18xosNgDJf211lBD26wJGOgirhyphenhypheniU2G7LWnHeeR86Fv8088/s1600/20141025-IMG_0599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6A_V2wYw4g-U6g4cLKpXcGGY6JAWtFu0cnPIpRvoDS40-cy-jyqjLXkjvRXemnmmXHhnT3Z7rm4OEyEXh8b5nW-YZCPy18xosNgDJf211lBD26wJGOgirhyphenhypheniU2G7LWnHeeR86Fv8088/s1600/20141025-IMG_0599.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
Josh is like a mom/dad, a moad if you want to call it. He is very hands on. Every SINGLE morning he gets up with the girls, feeds Emmy and gets their bag ready for the day. He goes to work, outside, with his hands, then picks them up from daycare. Every. Single. Day. He feeds Emmy dinner and also cleans up dinner. Every. Single. Day. He loves to do laundry and anyone that knows me knows my house is always clean because of him; basically he's the wife I never had!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdRBjwKCPkpLAMsYX4Xe6oaR0V1iemWIhXy8tD8BZ6-thXHoUt58ES59lgw0ZTGEnQzKYXEP6pIPs46YO4TOYxBGSIoK7B4CFQbI9rX1oU0H6sHB6qJjKq1r_l-nn7XX-3p6Djib0A5A/s1600/20141025-IMG_0630+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdRBjwKCPkpLAMsYX4Xe6oaR0V1iemWIhXy8tD8BZ6-thXHoUt58ES59lgw0ZTGEnQzKYXEP6pIPs46YO4TOYxBGSIoK7B4CFQbI9rX1oU0H6sHB6qJjKq1r_l-nn7XX-3p6Djib0A5A/s1600/20141025-IMG_0630+-+Copy.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>He's the dad that is watching the Superbowl while dressed in a princess outfit because it makes the girls happy. He is silly; he loves to pretend play. He tells them they are beautiful every morning and I think Riley is actually starting to secretly love it. She goes running for him every time she gets dressed in the morning. Makes me all mushy; I did the same thing. <br />
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The girls adore and love him. That makes my heart happy. I don't get jealous. I understand I'm the parent that is strict, I am the one that will constant push them and be honest. I'm okay with that. <br />
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While moms get all the love when it comes to raising kids, here's a shout out to all the dad's out there. I know a lot of girl dad's and it makes my sappy when I see a daughter and her daddy. To any dad's reading this: While the girls look to moms for beauty, cooking and fashion advice, you dad's have the hardest job of all: showing the girls how they should be treated by the way you love their mama. You are their first love. <br />
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Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-68225501765235428092015-01-13T07:51:00.000-08:002015-01-14T09:28:15.831-08:00Advice for New MomsBeing a mom is not what I thought it would be. Its the scariest, most terrifying, uncomfortable, and unbelievably rewarding thing I have ever done. Some days I sit back and admire my two daughters and how beautiful they are becoming; there are other days when I wave my red flag and hope someone comes in my door to let me know I'm on hidden video or something. Motherhood is full of unplanned, unpredictable, crazy moments, and for the type A personality...this could be challenging. <br />
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Good thing for my family and everyone that comes in contact with us that I am the complete opposite of type A. I think I'm actually type W or something. I adapt to change easy, I hate to clean and organize; nothing, I mean nothing, has a proper place and if I loose something, I will just buy another! <br />
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When you're a new mom everyone is giving you advice. You read blogs, facebook, try to plan your life according to other peoples experience. Stop now! Now that I look back on my first year of motherhood I laugh. The things I thought I wouldn't do, I do (like all the time). <br />
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1. <strong>Each baby (situation) is different</strong>. I've had so many moms give me advice on bottles, wipes, diapers, co sleeping, milestones...etc. Each baby is different and you have to adjust. I wasn't able to breastfeed because I didn't produce any milk. I cried. I felt the worst mom in the history of all moms but I had to adjust. I had to change my plan. My baby needed food and that was my main priority. Riley loved Tommy Tippie bottles, Em will only take Doctor Brown. Be flexible. If your baby doesn't like something, switch it. Just because your favorite cousin did things one way doesn't mean you have to do things the same. Do what's best for you and your family. <br />
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2. <strong>Don't take things for granted:</strong> Being a mom is a huge change in your life. Well imagine being a new mom and getting news that something is terrible wrong, in the same day! One moment can change your life. That is the moment you realize that you have to work harder than you have ever worked, pray harder then your ever prayed, and sacrifice more than you have ever sacrificed. Being a mom will push you to your limits and each family will go through their own trails and hardships in their lifetime. I know it's kind of cliché but life throws curveballs and sometimes that makes us better in the long run. Enjoy the moments. <br />
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3. <strong>If you don't want to be bothered, don't</strong>: Sometimes it's okay to not want company. So many people will want to come over, meet the baby and provide support. Which is fine but you are tired, like really tired. Sometimes you just want to be by yourself with your new love. That's okay. You aren't obligated to do anything you don't have to . This is your time, your memory. <br />
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4. <strong>Do you. Be you. Don't let motherhood consume you:</strong> You can still be a good mom and be the person you have always been. You can have fun, have girl nights out, look on pinterest for non baby things and drink wine. If you let motherhood consume you then you loose a part of yourself. I am totally guilty of this and can not judge. The first year of Riley's life I was consumed with her. I had to give her every opportunity, do countless hours of therapy and would stop at nothing to make sure she had everything she needed. I lost me. Take some time for embrace motherhood and who you are becoming as a mother, woman and wife, but don't loose the you, you love. <br />
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Being a first time mom is the greatest thing to most moms, but to me it was scary. Trying to keep a newborn fed, alive and happy was probably the hardest thing I have ever done. I didn't know anything about sleep training, baby food, or even milestones. I wasn't a mom that read up on everything, knew random statistic, or even realized that babies were supposed to do things by certain months. I relied on advice to get me though. <br />
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It seems funny that I am now the one attempting to give advice when I actually don't know a thing about parenting. I parent day to day. I don't have a plan. I don't know what tomorrow will bring and I adapt to whatever that day may bring. Tomorrow is a new day and will certainly bring new challenges, but today is the day! Today is the day you are living and todays is the day to love your kids the best way you know how! Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-1003517729863449812014-12-15T07:20:00.000-08:002014-12-15T17:44:06.397-08:00Preferred QualificationsIt's about 8:15 on a Thursday evening and I finally get to sit down. I listen. I hear nothing. I look down to find that I still have my nametag and my suit jacket on; time to get on my jammies and go to bed. Yes, I said it was only 8:15. Three hours before...<br>
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I ended my work day at 5pm and realized I had to go to Hobby Lobby to pick up crafts for us to do in Riley's therapy tonight. We have a new therapist (long story) and she is on her game when it comes to doing crafts, reading and cooking during therapy. We use most of our language when actually doing things so we are learning as we do. sounds good to me. <br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnV5v44vMG8yW5QCk2pXMW4t0pZ_rhhI7fNsOHbKHX4XnKAsLRkuIzqg4QbluPdaIod7zrlL3oQbZH6UKDmiU-C7cVOGC83s-sLCrakFsl0A-oJt16b4AWs6PJu0nxGtjJcExWYtG84U/s1600/20141025-IMG_0516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnV5v44vMG8yW5QCk2pXMW4t0pZ_rhhI7fNsOHbKHX4XnKAsLRkuIzqg4QbluPdaIod7zrlL3oQbZH6UKDmiU-C7cVOGC83s-sLCrakFsl0A-oJt16b4AWs6PJu0nxGtjJcExWYtG84U/s1600/20141025-IMG_0516.jpg" height="212" width="320"></a>I have to hurry because therapy is at 6:30 and I live 40 minutes from work. I get home around 6pm and have to get the kids fed. Thursdays are usually a crock pot day (thank god for that thing) so its already to go when I get home. We have 20 minutes to get food on plates, feed the baby Emmy and get ready for therapy. I eat standing up because I have to get all the baking supplies, open all the craft materials and get her seat ready for Barb (our online therapist). <br>
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6:20 hits and its go time. By the time I have everything ready to go, I get the email from Barb wanting us to sign in on the computer; she is all set. While Josh is still cleaning up and scrubbing off the crock pot, we start our therapy. <br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsh-ZEv-_gzqOirY01FyOAGtyiW6k59npeObLNIHqtzesNpRTs4SnLVUlKQGSnPXBcmqHn4yeXxPB8xJI6R-qnlXzjkGAFnu_oQlBFd_LcqmeHbQd1Edr38cBY4prS5kCw4ktrQnw4_o/s1600/20141025-IMG_0793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsh-ZEv-_gzqOirY01FyOAGtyiW6k59npeObLNIHqtzesNpRTs4SnLVUlKQGSnPXBcmqHn4yeXxPB8xJI6R-qnlXzjkGAFnu_oQlBFd_LcqmeHbQd1Edr38cBY4prS5kCw4ktrQnw4_o/s1600/20141025-IMG_0793.jpg" height="133" width="200"></a>Thirty minutes may not seem like a long time in your eyes, but keeping a toddler occupied and engaged for that long is an eternity. We are making a pom pom Christmas tree and glitter water shaker. The pom pom tree went over great; she loved it. She said more, push, on and tree....Yay! The glitter shaker, not so much. She didn't like the fact that the glitter was messy and going everywhere; we had a toddler melt down. Yup, right in the middle of therapy. <br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWebljoJGpfc6TV-jCWZWT351740SQ8iFD-l0Gs4ktny1t09Ho8mb5l1T814e0P1zSaDopKJku2bXNPsbkyOzG69xpsDz_LR8ReylpYMz_A4Ak4VxbRpCHBpgEI1yV0fFrDPUhJyDHveM/s1600/20141025-IMG_0416W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWebljoJGpfc6TV-jCWZWT351740SQ8iFD-l0Gs4ktny1t09Ho8mb5l1T814e0P1zSaDopKJku2bXNPsbkyOzG69xpsDz_LR8ReylpYMz_A4Ak4VxbRpCHBpgEI1yV0fFrDPUhJyDHveM/s1600/20141025-IMG_0416W.jpg" height="133" width="200"></a>Cookies! Were are the baking supplies; she loves to make cookies. As soon as she saw the sugar her face lit up and she was ready to go. She said pour, stir, more and mix...cookies for the win! By the time they are in my Kitchen Aid mixer (another one of my prize possessions) 30 minutes is over and she is heading for bath. <br>
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Tonight is Emmy and Riley bath night so I get E's bath filled up and start taking Riley's clothes off. We are starting the potty training so she sits on the potty for about 15 minutes and just gets enough toilet paper to fill clog the toilet. She loves to wipe. Whatever gets her on it. <br>
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If I put Emmy in the bath without Riley the water works and screaming starts. She can not have Em in the bath first- Riley goes first. Okay so we put Riley in, then Em; get her waterproof cochlear implant on....Shit that one is not working. Let's try the other one. Works:) She will hear with one ear in the bath. After bath getting dressed in another story. riley will not wear any "normal" kid two piece pajamas. Not my child, she has to wear sweatpants and a big t-shirt that she picks out. Mommy or daddy can not pick them out. <br>
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Baths are done; time for more therapy. Let's read, play with play dough, and do her TIGGLY on the ipad. Is it 8:00 yet??? Nighttime! Both kids are in bed and all of a sudden it is silent. Time for bed!<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-HZQjT9T6dLZUBB6IbrRh5WO0ijVfvQpZuBxB8GD8kwD5pcjFG-PctF1nWQv_CmTcbVXsqY86pQAaVT3sjq7wwLB1bvtbgKoEVuCsThYGbDFaYHsCuGbypSrS1Q7ekTJPgIjAlMPtjw/s1600/20141025-IMG_0693W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-HZQjT9T6dLZUBB6IbrRh5WO0ijVfvQpZuBxB8GD8kwD5pcjFG-PctF1nWQv_CmTcbVXsqY86pQAaVT3sjq7wwLB1bvtbgKoEVuCsThYGbDFaYHsCuGbypSrS1Q7ekTJPgIjAlMPtjw/s1600/20141025-IMG_0693W.jpg" height="320" width="214"></a>It's funny because my career is helping student find jobs; everything within the job search process. I look at resumes, cover letters and job descriptions on a daily basis. I coach students on interviewing and where to find jobs. I tell them to not apply for jobs they aren't qualified for....it makes me think. What are the qualifications of being a mom? Sometimes I wonder if the "preferred qualifications" are more than I can handle. If I had to write a job description for being a mom to my children, it would go something like this:<br>
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<em><span style="color: blue;">The Niedzwicki family is currently seeking a caretaker and provider on a full time basis. This position will assist the father in all day to day operations and communication. This person is responsible for the training and care of a toddler and a newborn, age 2 and 7 months. </span></em><br>
<em><span style="color: blue;">This role requires an understanding of parenting theories and ability to train on these theories. Assists in the development of budgets, coordinates records and maintains flexibility on a daily basis. This individual must be able to work in a team, organized and have a strong ability to communicate effectively. Patience is a must.</span></em><br>
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<em><span style="color: blue;">REQUIRED: Must be able to multi task; 3-5 years experience in supervising and or elementary education training. Must be able to work long hours, overtime and receive little compensation for your efforts. Ability to take harsh criticism and be tired all hours of the day. Working with a diverse staff and able to think of your feet. Experience problem solving and risk taking is key to this position. Valid drivers license. </span></em><br>
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<em><span style="color: blue;">PREFERRED: 5-7 years experience in elementary education with experience in a supervisory role. Ability to eat cold foods and not shower alone for 10 years is a must. Ability to think on your feet and be consistent. Computer proficient with knowledge of picture editing. Fort building is kept in this role; must understand the importance of growing personalities. Ability to French braid. Desired: Budget management experience with flexibility for emergencies.</span><span style="color: blue;"> Able to be flexible in a situation you could never dream up yourself. ability to make everything better. </span></em><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHGXu6iMUQr8b1W0Js3Z-dmE7CMiF-OSsfmqWF4ekxyYVVSSEov6jhuj6tm6z6M2hivzWVP-VzEeY_fjELTRbcehkZ-DWD0lxdSAa3UW1gSKhofFWuHisvlA8c0FIkHR2Wh3WyQSg2Zc/s1600/20141025-IMG_0648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHGXu6iMUQr8b1W0Js3Z-dmE7CMiF-OSsfmqWF4ekxyYVVSSEov6jhuj6tm6z6M2hivzWVP-VzEeY_fjELTRbcehkZ-DWD0lxdSAa3UW1gSKhofFWuHisvlA8c0FIkHR2Wh3WyQSg2Zc/s1600/20141025-IMG_0648.jpg" height="133" width="200"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZHcT7n7AkY-G5JgZJniBjnUyT-NbC8fIHczqo2t84w680Qaur57zLJ9YT80JjQE9yH-2gpVybg6_YDjnGQMMaJWsIL6VrM23MY6zFuSV0eP8ZXwfZlQzhzAVc78b_s4nWpVFC1MxHB8/s1600/20141025-IMG_0599W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZHcT7n7AkY-G5JgZJniBjnUyT-NbC8fIHczqo2t84w680Qaur57zLJ9YT80JjQE9yH-2gpVybg6_YDjnGQMMaJWsIL6VrM23MY6zFuSV0eP8ZXwfZlQzhzAVc78b_s4nWpVFC1MxHB8/s1600/20141025-IMG_0599W.jpg" height="133" width="200"></a>As I love my kids with everything I have, some days I need a do over. A day to say "Lets do that one again so I can be better". As moms, we constantly feel we aren't good enough or we are being judged for every little thing our child says and does; Maybe we are the ones judging us. If this were a real job description, I would never apply because I'm not qualified; in real life this is my full time job. Some days we are moving up the corporate latter, and other days (like Thursdays) we hope we get through the day with both kids fed, dressed, bathed and sleeping in their own bed. If all those things happen then we are doing an okay job!Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-7561118279192451062014-09-16T07:53:00.000-07:002014-09-16T07:53:07.446-07:00And Now We Wait...And now we wait. This time around seems a little bit different then the others; not sure how or why, it just does. Maybe because we know what to expect; we know the ins and outs of the hospital: the nurse will come around every hour and the doctor will be out when Riley is in recovery. Maybe it's because we already have hope. Riley already has one implant working well and progressing as expected.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TTWS_o_FUKKXcdppfd8pFe9t1-NeoCr-KY7MAkN-SUI1vjdlHXMnO4fAwTlFGHWviaNN6O4zIbd-D02RVaiLOlY6zCDi0FdAxaTK-i-nikZ1RKD_l095LdDGsU8auLHzqTiaU9neHUI/s640/blogger-image--58260118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TTWS_o_FUKKXcdppfd8pFe9t1-NeoCr-KY7MAkN-SUI1vjdlHXMnO4fAwTlFGHWviaNN6O4zIbd-D02RVaiLOlY6zCDi0FdAxaTK-i-nikZ1RKD_l095LdDGsU8auLHzqTiaU9neHUI/s320/blogger-image--58260118.jpg" width="240" /></a>Maybe it's because we are anxious; i have been waiting for this day since last December and want to move on with our lives. I want her to be able to hear with both ears, not worry about infection and be her own kind of normal. People ask me how I am. They want to know how I am feeling. I'm feeling calm.<br />
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I don't know how to explain it really. Josh and I have two beautiful daughters and are in a great place in our lives. Emerson is 5 months old today and our Riley Mae is in surgery on her way to hearing all the beautiful things in this world- with both ears.<br />
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When we got to the hospital this morning, yes at 5:20am, Riley just held on tight. I doubt she can really recall the past surgeries but she definitely knew something was up. She sat there, they took her vitals. She sat there, they went over all her history. When it was time for her to go, she just wanted to get into the Step 2 car and go. Mommy didn't want her to.<br />
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So now we wait. Josh sleeps, and I blog. We wait until the nurse comes around again to give us an update. We wait with other families. There a family next to us who's son is having open heart surgery. there are about 30 family member, pop, chips and all kind of snacks. families pulling together when it matters the most; reminds me of Riley's first surgery June 18th 2013.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVk_TDI1jOfHASXZeGBvI7NYPqNlKEVMHAwXMqy7UZ6W2b0-hEftayL4Z5HwiQlQSS7a5KPC7Nk90D2CeL2K3eCi9RL1p8O20qPD4Lwf6rr1N-XD10vvJg2u9DyN9PGcYjDj4cPu0SDw/s640/blogger-image-299355240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVk_TDI1jOfHASXZeGBvI7NYPqNlKEVMHAwXMqy7UZ6W2b0-hEftayL4Z5HwiQlQSS7a5KPC7Nk90D2CeL2K3eCi9RL1p8O20qPD4Lwf6rr1N-XD10vvJg2u9DyN9PGcYjDj4cPu0SDw/s320/blogger-image-299355240.jpg" width="240" /></a>I may be calm because she is so strong. She's not even two yet and already she is teaching me more than I have taught her. I learn patience from her, I learn to wait. teaching her to learn to listen makes me learn to listen also. She knows what she wants and is not afraid to go for it. I already know this about her at such a young age. She isn't shy. She laughs and tries to do exactly what you do, she loves to imitate (hopefully that is gone by the time she's in high school).<br />
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<i>Nurse just came by and told us she's doing great! "Such a strong little girl". It should only be an hour out before she's in recovery. </i><br />
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I really believe everything happens for a reason, its so cliche I know. Riley was given to us for a reason. We moved to Indiana for a reason and had the opportunity to be part of the the Riley Hospital at IU Health family…for a reason. This place has been awesome to us. It's 2 hours each way from our house but there is no distance I wouldn't drive to give our daughter the best care. Riley Hospital is that. This morning they gave Riley a little doctor set so she could play doctor when they were doing her vitals. Everything they do is for the childs experience; their comfort level. I hope our journey continues with their support in audiology and speech therapy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRClllJi2pAPJN0BfH-sBeDbq03XpCgkmGgpHh3Gv8yYMRCjoWJc5ZAvemLnanIcPylJ21C8M4bEi2GVG3g-DE1zom64bVc8oQWGSGGJo8vaISFMOzc5voc7vHDaNtSkZEcfod9VNPzeM/s640/blogger-image--1185524059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRClllJi2pAPJN0BfH-sBeDbq03XpCgkmGgpHh3Gv8yYMRCjoWJc5ZAvemLnanIcPylJ21C8M4bEi2GVG3g-DE1zom64bVc8oQWGSGGJo8vaISFMOzc5voc7vHDaNtSkZEcfod9VNPzeM/s320/blogger-image--1185524059.jpg" width="240" /></a>I know she won't remember this experience, but I will. I will always be grateful for the opportunities that she will have because of Riley Hospital and Dr. Yates and his team. Every time I see him it's bitter sweet; we love seeing him, but we wish it was under different circumstances.<br />
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I go back to when I first found out Riley was deaf and we were researching hospitals and doctors. We looking at Columbus Children's Hospital and Chicago Children's Hospital. Both have great cochlear implant departments and have great reputation; however when I met Dr. Yates, I knew this was the surgeon that I wanted working on Riley. He's a perfectionist, he cares and the amount of research he does on cochlear implant implantation, activation, and oral speech communication floors me. He works non stop, goes off the Washington DC to meet with other research developers for the cochlear implant. He has three daughters himself; he's a family man. And most of all, the first time she had her surgery, he came out after 9 hours of surgery and said "thank you for letting me take care of your daughter". No thank you Dr. Yates.<br />
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Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-51770560034068218612014-09-08T07:47:00.001-07:002014-09-08T13:49:33.913-07:00In My Daughter's EyesIn my daughters eyes, I can do no wrong. She looks at me with admiration, with no fear, with the sense that her mommy is the best mommy around. When in reality I struggle. I fear. I don't know what the future holds and that can be scary. But in her eyes everything is perfect. <br />
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703 days ago I gave birth to a daughter who was deaf. I think in reality it took me over 1 year to actually say the word deaf instead of hearing loss, or nothing at all. I remember the pain I went through the first 6 months thinking about her future and what opportunities I can give her. Doesn't every parent want this?<br />
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In my daughters eyes I know everything. She can come to me and I can fix everything. If she's crying, I know how to calm her. If she's excited, I know why. Lately it's been hard. I read other CI (cochlear implant) parent blogs and they assure me that one day your life begins to feel normal again.. When is that exactly? I still feel unbelievable sadness because I still wait for her to have a revelation and use spoken language to talk to us. Tell us what she wants; but she doesn't know how. Parenting to me involves therapy, learning to listen sounds, Ling 6, auditory sandwich, conditioned play and everything else that will help with her spoken language. Every book I read, gift I give her, or sound she makes has something to do with her development. <br />
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In my daughter's eye she is not different. She doesn't know what the world is like; How people judge and make assumptions based on appearance, monetary things and your successes in life. She doesn't know that she is special. I try to give her every opportunity she can and let her just be a child, but I can't. She is different and the harder I work now, the better her life will be later. Riley doesn't know that everyone doesn't have a CI. Every child she meets she's going to have to explain that she has a CI and that's how she hears. It's my job to teach her to be her own advocate and be proud of who she is. <br />
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In my daughter's eyes I am her main teacher. Through her eyes I give more when I want to give up. I break down sometimes and need a break. I shut my door and sit down and take deep breaths. I yell and get frustrated at the progress but yet amazed by her perseverance. I get back up, look at her, and in her eyes realize that she sees no wrong. I realize that we are the main piece in her success. That's not about having a deaf child; its about being a parent. <br />
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Through my daughters eyes I am her hero. The steps I take, she will follow. The heartbreak I go through, she will also feel. This makes me put one foot in front of the other and be the best parent I know how to be with the situation we have. In reality, looking through her eyes brings a little bit of me back everyday. I couldn't imagine not being Riley's mommy. <br />
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<strong>”</strong><i>Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.” ~Linda Wooten</i>Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-86482874709160371742014-08-07T13:20:00.002-07:002014-08-07T13:48:27.667-07:00Pale is the New PrettyThey say I am one of the lucky ones; I caught it early and I should feel really lucky. The truth is, when you hear the word Cancer in any form...it changes you. I've spent my whole summer thinking back, feeling guilty and going through every occurrence in my head. When all of my friends and family are at the pool this summer sunbathing, I was (and still am) getting wide excisions done on my skin. I currently have on 6 inch scar, and 2 other scars with a fourth on the way. Every time I go in, is every time we find something.....<br />
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Let me go back...I have always been a sun worshiper; I love the sun. I sun bathed with tanning oil, lotion and even baby oil some days. I took spring break trips, summer vacations and tanned in the tanning beds during the winters. I always loved a sun kissed glow; even though it didn't love me. I remember getting burnt all the time- that was how I could tell I would get tan. I got burnt, then the tan would come a couple days later. I loved summer...I could lay out all day and read a whole book. Times have changed.<br />
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I have always gone to the dermatologist once a year for annual check ups but haven't since we moved to Indiana. I am always healthy, rarely sick and haven't even been to the family doctor in years. Well I noticed a mole on my chest when I was pregnant with Emerson that was unusual. It was getting bigger and darker. When I showed my OB she suggested I go in immediately and get it removed; You don't have to tell me twice. I was able to get in that next week and got it removed...it was what came next that changed my life.<br />
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My doctor called me directly and asked me to come in immediately; I knew from that moment it wasn't a good situation. Once he was able to talk to me he told me the mole came back and it wasn't good....it was Melanoma. I swear that is all I heard in the whole conversation. I went numb. Melanoma, cancer? Really? He said we caught it early but the next 5 years will determine my fate. 90% of melanoma stage 1 survivors are alive in 5 years. Okay, what about the other 10%? To think about cancer and not being around for my daughters scared me. It totally freaked me to say the least. <br />
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Once I did my excision, they removed a couple more moles. Those came back Displastic (pre cancer); I had to have more excisions on those. I am going on my 4th excision in one month and it doesn't stop there. Every 3 months I have to get a full body exam where I sit on the chair and two of them examine every inch of my body. Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer killing one person ever hour. They say I'm one of the lucky ones....<br />
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This has been a lifestyle change for me. I wear sunscreen, all the time. It's in my moisturizer, my makeup, my lotion, everything. I wear spf clothing and cover up all the time in the sun. I seek shade on all occasions or wear hats it I can't have shade. To say cancer changed my life is an understatement. Most people think Melanoma is "just skin cancer" but they just aren't educated. 1 out of 4 melanoma cases come back, and she attacks hard- goes right for the lymph nodes and organs. Most people wont know it came back without PET scans. Again...I'm one of the lucky ones.<br />
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I wouldn't say I feel sad. I don't. I feel mostly guilt. Why didn't I know that tanning caused skin cancer? Why didn't I protect myself in the sun? How could I have been irresponsible with my skin care and now I am paying the ultimate price? It seems like once my family is up and in good spirits, something else comes knocking our way. God only gives you things you can handle...right? I'm beginning to wonder.....<br />
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My goal is to educate people. You can still lay out in the sun and be protected; you DO get sun tan through sunscreen. The SPF will just block the harmful rays and the rays that cause aging. Absolutely do NOT go to the tanning bed- use the spray tan if you want to look tan. My future is bright and I plan to be around to see my girls get married; I will not let my love for the sun take over my judgement to take care of myself. I will be pale. Besides look at these celebrities....Pale is the new Pretty!<br />
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vVvWoT81DRKdFCArG0cCFH2rR6uqRud2h4nMecpLZ+a8zIqdHrQl7Rs42q+q3OkA7xhZx97dv+zB4EgLX3GkblUXVvBmJUQklyaMTSe0Uzn3Tc+rq/wAsHdxBXAvLhn/p1J3yP6q1bdgZEuCZua+LRxK63H9NnvBrZCt+kb2mHsdB5FanZlx1gkSqews95CvaZhuS5TafBhyet/EavjAWeuhKtbyrJVTdvSJWx/o7Zh9QyJAwiDmDie1pBG/sl3ktlsOhTBqup0xTHWFggCCGfaHeST5cFG6IbM6ukHvHbecQnUCIHoT5qR0TqYrZrvvPru/FXqH5r0ccaieVmn7SdFuiEqRdDiCEJFIBKkQgBKkQgFQkQoAoVN0VP7F3/NW/OVcBVPRs/s6nKvVHkVBPRV9LHRUb/B8yqy1vM1bdJWzV/kHxKyVy0sPJeflfzaPTwL4I2VOoHBSKdEHVZbZm04yKv6F6Ms1yUdnYfrbKY7VoTH/hLG6AKX/ihxUetdjirNIbGXNAKj164ATN3fBo1WdvNoFx5KqjYJl1eaqT0X2eLisS/wB1gDiOMnIHks0+utt7NaX7Os86l7W+TZ/7lowwXscM82oOjYnIdw+Co+g0/wCAoTrhcfN7lcXZhjz+474FVfQ1oFlQA0wZd2Iwtx5vRdJEIQgEiEKQCEiEAqEiVQACEIQAqvo+2G1f/kVvzK0Wb6SdI7fZ1N5e4Go8vqMoz23udy3NneUBztkzWdygegVNeW0pzY9y6tRp1ahl9RjXuI0lzQTA4Zqa6mvKy7kz1sWooyVaiWmQnaN4RxVre22SpAJzgjkVVNncmjaB4pp94eJUYtSYVb2FHNesTqojnyn6rUzTpZ8uCsijELcl6N7PacWk/eqPPlA+S8/ezJei9BKjTaNAIJa94cBqCTiAPgWnxWjx/sZPK+pdbQP7Kp/xv/KVC6Lj/KUP+NvrmpG2TFvWP+1U/IUuyaZbQpNOopsB78IlazD0SkISIQCEJFIFQkQgFQvHtp+2KoZFC3Yzg6q8vP4WgD1KxO2ull3dSK1d5afsNOCnHDA2AfGVNA962p0xsbeRVuaQcNWtJqP/AAsBKpn+1XZu6pVd3UKnzAXgSXEp9Qeq9LfawXN6uwDmSO1WqNGJvKmzMTzPkvLbq5fUcXPc5znZuc4lzj3k5ptxSJQPc+ip/wApb8Opp/kCvAsx0Er47Kjybg/AS35LSNK8fJ9metB/FDNzTVRc26vX5qJWpKh0TM7VppsthW9ShJUWpb5qS1lW5sp6lSUg0UrmwFayCDc6Ku6N9MW2G0KgrF3+Hq02B+EFxY9s4Kgbv1cDGeY4KwuSvPOlbIuJ4tHoT/Ra/G+xj8r6n0jszbFteUz1FWnWaQQ5rT2gCIIeww5uu8BWQEZL5HoV3McHNJa4aOaS1w/hcMwtxsH2p31CBUc25Zwq5PjgKrc/FwctnqYD6AQsDsX2sWVaBVx2zv3xip+FRkwP4gFtLG/pVm46NRlVv3qb2vHmCooElCRCgAhCFIPkwlEpEK4CUIQgAlKuSulAPWPZbUP+Gwn77iO4nd4z5LauZGizHsoeyrZCkCBVp1HnT7L3Tny58R3rY3FAtyO/Q7ivOz4pKTl0b8ORNJdkMJqspBYmazCsxpIbwo72qRVTOHgpLEc01HuclZtoqtvmy4NHiiBXubKwnTKlFQHlC9ONpAWY6WbBL7erXmOrEtEe9B7We6AtWD7mbyPoebFIClKQBbzzjsFP2ty+m7FTe+m771NzmO/E0gqOlCkG02P7TL+hANUV25dmu3EY5PBDp5klbrYvtft3wLmk+g77zf2tP0AcPwnvXieJLKUgfU+y9rUbhuO3qsqt4scDHJw1B5FC+Xbe4cx2JjnMdEYmOLHRwxNMoVfUDKULgLrEpAqREpCgALpcBdhSD3P2PWEWIqx2nueJ/ca4jXvW8cwEQ8TPl4LL+yhn/lluOPWE/wD2uJ+S2EazpuUNLgmymurEtzBlvqO9RXU5CvyIz3KJXswRLcjw/RY8vjdxNeLyOpGcdRzK7o2qk16ZBPHnx5qdbUll9TVbIbLeBoqRlDFUcea1dWnkVApWsKFGmWsq7illko/Saz/ypogS40yI4uIz9VfULeXjgO0fDRFBgqVHYhkJA7yt3jR7MXlS4ij5mIXMKw2/a9Vc16Z+xWqN8A84fSFAWkyAhCEAqEIUgWUJEIBEqRCgColCCgBdBcLoKQfRfswOHZtt/AT5vcVqxosr7O2xs+2H+xT9WyfitU0oBwD9E06kR7pnkT81005TxldhuEc0BDfTD8nCDx3gqO2i5p4jcVYU2y3n+pUGtUfjwsHZayZOhOKI9PVcp4oy2dceaUAqOy0XNJhOifpmpvGee8cf6pKrnhpkb4gcwuf/AJlfJ1flOuCFeVwyadPtVHZSE5aW+BmEntGTPE7wPJPbPs204Mdp2pOs8EX2TXcu0O8ZrRGKS0Zm23bPnv2k2+DaNfg8sqDucxvzBWYW99sNthu6bx9ulH4Hk/CoPJYJSQIlQhQAQuZSygFQkQgBKFylCA6CRCEAJZSJQFIPpjoVSw2dAcKVMeTQr1xUHYVDBQpN34Gz5Ka3MqQPUhn3Aef1HmuKz10TAPmU0wS4IB0mA0fWQ/so1CnDWzqQfXNSKh7RP3W/HM/ALis7tM7yP/yf0QDV45+FxpgF4a/ACJBdgDmg5jeOKqbTaxc6r1j6TWNYSc2gsxP7AdnlDcs4kq1ruhw/5APxMI+JCqdlbCdQc0Oq46YLsDBTayZkzVI98jKNNFKo1YXi/jkp1eq/f7p/9/bLK0qPcXhzTgBa5j4yLXDMTxaZ8CE9e27iD2Tpw7wjrGhzOMVG6iAHGM1KdWBzIOTgfEbj5KplPJfavsF9S2tqobUNQNY3A2k52J1R9OmGlwPZknLLM4RvXmVx0ZvGNc99pcNY1mNznUnhrWfeJjICDPDfC916cbWFG2NQ0y7qq1m9waQJFO9p1nRPHA4Lxun0naGU2dW/sUdp05lpBN+1zWEDg3Fn6ICpdsG6Bpg29eav+kOqfNTLF2BGeRB7s9FZ7W6HVqIptAq1K1QUJpCg4YXVqLqpYamIgubgOUCRJyAV1ddPadR1Uup1gy4FUXFNjbVmA1qTqbn0arWB9RwxGOs+ySDJzXL+mtqWU6RtqrqbBRDTU6mo5vU2dS3ZUwO7D3Bz2vhwjLuUAxzdk1zWNuKNXrwSOpwO6wQMRlvCM50jPRO3mwrmkw1KtvVpsDsJe9ha0OJIDZO+QfJX9bpVbPr16jqdz+3txa1CHUWubRbQtmNexrWgdYalBxIyaWugQq7am07Q2jLe3ZcsLKrqpNQ0sNR7zhx1MOctpgNaBkJcd5QFChIhAIughCAVCEIAT9iJqM/jZ+YIQpB9WUdPAJ2nohCkHNVd2oQhQBt57NTvPwCK3vM7z+UoQpAxeD/qUfzhO1d38XzQhQT0Rbj3h9faCmMPwHwQhSQZH2hsBsruf/YefEQQfNfPBQhQBEFCFAOCgIQgFQhCkH//2Q==" 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" 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" 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Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-76063494169139242412014-07-10T07:09:00.001-07:002014-07-10T15:25:06.537-07:00The Coo CoosFriendship means so many different things to me and it's hard to explain to some people. Our group of friends have been together since grade school and have cried together when you think you can't take anymore and celebrated life when your life rocks! My girls are the coo coo's- you may remember the Ya Ya sisterhood, well it is very similar to that. These are the sisters that I chose, the ones that know all my fears, lived through my faults and embraced who I am today. <br>
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<a href="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/1464621_10202563720635034_22068892_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="133" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/1464621_10202563720635034_22068892_n.jpg" width="200"></a><br>
Friendship means standing by your best friend on their wedding day when you know they are following their heart; not necessarily their head. It's driving four hours one way when you best friend gives birth, then picking up and driving back home that same day. It's being the first one at the funeral home when you loose a loved one unexpectedly. Friendship is blasting "Like a Virgin" in college and dancing around your apartment for hours; laughing and making memories. <br>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10462974_10204376376150289_8885491086585337519_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="331" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10462974_10204376376150289_8885491086585337519_n.jpg" style="height: 331px; width: 332px;" width="332"></a>Friendship is not judging, but understanding. Understanding that we are all different and we don't have to have the same life as everyone else, and we don't want to. It's realizing that you have been friends for 20 years and so proud of the mothers, wives, and women they have become. You treat their children as your own and understand that it's okay for them to have other friends. Friendship is not letting distance make you grow apart, but having a phone date with a glass of wine is just as fun as a girls night out. <br>
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The Coo Coo's embrace their imperfections as mothers and women and rely on each other to help them get through life. We laugh until we cry and cry until we are cracking up. Life is short to not laugh at yourself. Friendship is saying your sorry. The Coo Coo's understand my love for the red carpet and know when I need a hug. <br>
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<a href="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10492305_10204391540289383_5454239804818190866_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10492305_10204391540289383_5454239804818190866_n.jpg" width="204"></a>Friendship is forgiving before you even know you did something wrong. It's really being there...literally. Knowing that as we get older life gets busy; don't let time be the reason you go weeks without talking. It's calling because you heard a song on the radio or saw something so funny that only your fellow coo coo's would understand. <br>
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This past weekend I went back home to Avon Lake and was able to be reunited with these girls. We laughed, we talked and we cried. We went and got best friend tattoos and now are bonded for life! I got to see their children and hang out with their loved ones- everything about last weekend was awesome. <br>
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I can only hope that my daughters will have friendships as solid as ours. Ones that aren't scared to tell you the truth, but don't judge you in the meantime. Friendships that celebrate everyone's accomplishments and aren't competitive in nature. Ones that are honest but comforting when they were totally right and you didn't listen. A friendship that is easy; one that doesn't require you to dress a certain way or be in the same economic class. Once they have these type of friendships, a Coo Coo is born! <br>
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Birds of a feather flock together....<br>
<br>Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-68553208780190698962014-07-10T06:26:00.002-07:002014-07-16T07:21:47.725-07:00Cochlear Implant ChildBeing a mom of a child with cochlear implants is different. I can't really explain it any other way but just different. Now that I have a hearing child, it makes it even more relavant that my first time as a mom was...different. Ok, ill be honest, it was HORIFYING. Before Riley was able to hear I couldn't soothe her with my voice. She didn't hear the sounds of the television or vacuum cleaner to wake her up. She never turned to sounds or was startled when I walked in the door; this is all stuff I am learning right now with Emerson. <br />
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Cochlear implants parents experience different things that eventually seem "normal", whatever that is. Nothing surprises you and you are constantly aware of your surrounding. I have been thinking about how my life is different and thought I would make a list. You know you're a mom of a child with cochlear implants if:<br />
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<ol>
<li>You use the word CI more than eat, sleep or bath.</li>
<li>calendars do you no justice- I live day by day to make sure everyone (including daycare, grandma and dad) is on the same page with days we have therapy- which is three times per week. </li>
<li>You will be amazed by how many times you can say "moo" or "quack" in an hour (200 to be exact). </li>
<li>Everything is a teaching moment</li>
<li>Troubleshooting a red light is like diagnosing a chronically ill patient</li>
<li>you are terrified of plastic slides</li>
<li>You are on a first name basis with you audiologist and the company that makes your implant- in our case Advanced Bionic. </li>
<li>Fed Ex comes to your house about once a week</li>
<li>People stare at you- and your child. It makes you sad but they do. </li>
<li>When traveling anywhere, you grab extra cords, batteries, processors and anything else you can find.</li>
<li>You constantly fear your child throwing their CI in the toilet- my worst nightmare</li>
<li>You hear things- things you never really "heard" before, you hear. Cars driving by can be so exciting to someone who has never heard them</li>
<li>When they are sleeping you can be as loud as you want; this is also good for bad storms in the middle of the night. </li>
<li>The I love you sign is your family symbol; and we don't even use sign language</li>
<li>When someone says "are you deaf" in public, I get nausaus in my stomach</li>
<li>Brown Bear is your favorite book you read everynight</li>
<li>You dread the day you have to have "the talk" and answer question on why she is different from her sister and everyone else. </li>
<li>You know what "Ling 6" and "Learning to Listen" sounds are</li>
<li>You can't understand why parents teach their kids the alphabet in the bathtub</li>
<li>waterproof CI's are the best thing since sliced bread. </li>
<li>You look at your child and still get an overwhelming sadness; you're still not over it. </li>
<li>You realize your child's education is your responsibility; not the states or school systems</li>
</ol>
I sometimes wonder what life would be like if Riley wasn't born deaf or didn't have cochlear implants. The reality is I couldn't really imagine her without it. Its a big part of who she is and who we have become as a family. She will never know any different...and that's okay with us!<br />
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Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-31782239235051518292014-07-03T13:24:00.003-07:002014-07-03T13:24:47.445-07:00She's HERE!Well two months ago she's here. I have been a really bad blogger and I apologize. It wasn't intentional, it just happened. Now with two babies under two life is pretty<strike> crazy</strike> amazing. I also have been contemplating what to do with my blog since I now I have to babies. I created this blog as a journey for me, on my road to motherhood, then it became a mom blog and a baby book for Riley, then it became all about riley and her hearing journey; I'm going to keep it to that. There may be some parenting, mommy posts here and there but I want to keep the Mae flowers and focus on her journey. Now more than ever I am so motivated to get her access to sound and developing expressive language.<br />
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Now back to Emerson Marie....<br />
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She's an angel. Such a gem. A beauty. I can't imagine my life without her already. This experience of motherhood the second time around is just as amazing. The love keeps growing for these girls. I never knew how I could love more than Riley Mae, but I do. It just happens. <br />
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Emerson passed her hearing test with flying colors! Thank you jesus. Even though we were totally prepared if she didn't, I thank God she did. Having a baby that is hearing is a whole different experience. <br />
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Riley love Emma. She runs up to her if she's crying. She pets her and pats her back. She tries to pick her up if she's crying; until I run up because she might throw her across the room:) I am just so proud of how she has taken to Em. I was nervous about her being jealous but that isn't the case at all. She's going to be the best big sister. <br />
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My heart if complete (for now). I have everything I want right here in my little family. Emerson makes everything better. I can't wait to see them grow and go through all of life's challenges, tribulations and most important memories:) </div>
<br />Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-46456771916394088902014-05-10T17:48:00.002-07:002014-05-10T17:48:43.289-07:00Mother's Day to me….Mother's Day is a holiday that means so little to some, and the biggest day of the year to others. Everyone has a mom in their life. You could be a mom, you have a mom, someone like a mom, your best friends are moms, you're a dog mom, you have a step mom or maybe you are a mom to be. Mother's day means so many different things to so many different people; to me mother's day means taking time for whoever that special mom is.<br />
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Mother's day to me means sleepless nights and long days. It mean's long hours of speech therapy so your daughter has endless opportunities. To me it means watching Mickey Mouse clubhouse over and over and over, and secretly loving it. It means shearing a popsicle on the porch before bed; going through countless bubbles and saying "POP" over and over.<br />
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To me mother's day is going to target for diapers and coming out with a couple outfits because the girls need one more pair of leggings. Some days it's not taking showers and forgetting to eat. It means going to the grocery store is your "get away" for the week. It means worrying that you are making the right decisions for your children; it means your diet consists of chicken fingers and mac and cheese because that is the only thing your children like to eat . It means putting someone else's needs before your own.<br />
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To me mother's day reminds me of all the mom's that have taught me about motherhood and paved the path I now walk down; all the veteran's in my life. I thank you. I thank you Jill for teaching me about time; time is a true gift. Spend time with the ones you love. You constantly amaze me with your strength and love you have in your heart. I look up to you for being a single mother and beating all the odds. Riley is lucky to have such a great godmama. Thank you Leslie for showing me that you CAN do things with little time. No lie- you are amazing. I compare my crazy life to yours and don't know how you work full time and have 5 kids, a dog and a traveling husband.<br />
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Mom- thank you for loving me unconditionally. Now I know how a mother loves their children and realize that you are no different. You had me at a very young age and made the best decisions you knew how to at that time. All those decisions made me into the person I am today; the mother I am.<br />
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To all the new moms in my life- you are amazing. Never doubt yourself and never compare yourself or your mothering values to others.<br />
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Everyday is mother's day because I think about what motherhood means to me daily. However I like to spend Mother' Day thinking of all the mothers that do so much for others and little for themselves. To my mother in law, my coworkers, Joyce, my friends, my boss, and everyone else I forgot- Happy mother's Day! I wish you have a great day no matter how you choose to spend it. You are amazing!<br />
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<br />Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-23556801526788758292014-03-27T07:08:00.001-07:002014-03-27T07:22:29.789-07:00To my first born....My Sweet Riley Mae,<br />
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I sit here an begin to type and think about everything I wish I could put int this letter. In 20 short days you will no longer be an only child; we will be bringing another loving piece of this family in the world. In 20 short days your life will change forever. You will never know the difference, you will never know what life was like without your sister at your hip- but I will. I always will.<br />
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There's a part of me that wonders how I could ever love another child like I love you. How on earth can my heart fit all of that love into my life? I have heard time and time again that it just does. All your children fit into your life like a puzzle, that with so much prayer, came together just as it should. You are by far by biggest accomplishment so far; there is no degree or success at work that will ever compare to how proud I am of you.. You are my first born and that will never change. You made me a mommy. I can't remember my life not being your mommy. <br />
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This past eighteen months has been the scariest, most painful, happy, most awesome time of my life. The challenges you have already over came lets me know that one day you will walk at my front door and be able to stand up to anything that comes your way. Stay sweet. Don't let the world change that. Don't let the bitterness of a situation ever take away your sweetness. Sometimes I wonder how you are my daughter because you are the sweetest, happiest, little social butterfly I know; How did I get so lucky? <br />
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I know you are my angel, you're our miracle baby. God sent us a message that struggle or challenges doesn't come from things we create- they come from things out of our control. Overcoming obstacles that are out of our control make us who he intended us to be. They make us stronger. Wiser. I wouldn't change one thing about our life with you right now. Every day I hear a new sound come out of your mouth makes every day more rewarding with you. <br />
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I know that you will be the best big sister that Emerson could ever imagine. I'm sure that one day when you are teenagers you may want to trade her in for a newer version, then just before you know it, you can't live your life without her; your best friend. Between the slumber parties, tea parties, dance recitals, boyfriend stealing, hair pulling and clothes stealing, you will wonder how your life would ever be normal without her. I never had a sister but I hear from so many people that sisters are the best gift in the world. That their sister is and will always be their best friend. I wish that for you two. I pray that life makes you different but still puts you on the same path. <br />
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Riley, we love you more than you will ever know; More than spring time; More than chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream; and certainly more than a nice new pair of shoes! Here's to a new adventure for all of us.<br />
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<br />Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-21385712006253145432014-03-24T06:35:00.001-07:002014-03-24T06:35:47.700-07:00As long as they're healthy....This post may be controversial for some parents but it is something that has been on my mind a lot lately, especially because our second daughter will be here in 3 short weeks. So many times I hear expectant mother's say " As long as they're healthy". This usually comes when asked " Are you hoping for a girl or a boy", <i>which in my opinion is a really dumb question to ask someone anyway</i>. Yes, maybe they have hope for a little girl, or want that future quarterback, but just because the ultrasound says the other doesn't mean they are unhappy parents. Are you not going to love your child the same if it is a boy or girl? <br />
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When I hear mom's say "as long as they're healthy" makes me think: What if they aren't healthy? Are you going to send them back? Will you not love them? Will your life be ruined? I pray everyday that Emerson is a healthy baby girl but I just can't be sure. Now Riley was a healthy baby but was born deaf; is that considered in the phrase "as long as they're healthy". The more appropriate answer would be " We will be thrilled with a boy or a girl; we pray everyday that they are healthy".<br />
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One God knows if your baby is going to be healthy or not; why put the impression out there that as long as they are healthy you will be happy. Somethings you can't control and through our hearing journey I have learned to let go of the uncontrollable. I can't imagine Riley any other way and I'm sure every parent that has a child with a disability feels the same. It has changed their life in some miraculous way that everyone with the "perfect", "healthy" children could never understand.<br />
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Please, the next time someone ask you that boy or girl question, think about your answer and how your future would be with a child that is not health. Think about who you are talking to and what is really going to matter when you have your beautiful baby girl or boy in your arms. The love you have won't be determined if they are healthy or not.<br />
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That is all. Happy Monday:) 20 more daysShannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-23195092713522075802014-03-17T14:30:00.000-07:002014-03-17T14:30:16.581-07:00Then and NowSt. Patty's Day is seriously one of my favorite holidays. There is something about being lucky, 4 leaf clovers and lepracauns that just make me happy; besides the fact that you can drink green beer and not get looked at like your crazy. St. Patty's day this year really got me thinking: Boy Have times changed! Not only am I giving up my green beer and irish car bombs for baby bottles and spit up, but there are other areas in my life that have just...well changed. Thinking back to then and now......<br />
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Then: I would get up at 4am and go out for st pattys day, drink green beer all day and all night. I would by decked out head to toe in green and love every minute of it. Now: I had trouble finding a green shirt; I ended up borrowing from Josh because my pregnant belly is too big and will probably be in bed by 9pm.<br />
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Then: I would go out and buy anything I wanted. If I saw it, I like it, I bought it. Now I feel guilty for buying myself a $20 shirt. <br />
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Then: I would watch sex and the city and live my life kind of like I was one of the cast members. Now: I live in the county and am 8 months pregnant- sex is the farthest thing from my mind:)<br />
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Then: It wouldn't be a weekend if I didn't have something going on or some gathering to go to. Now: the best weekends are the ones relaxing with my little family.<br />
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Then: I only had pictures of my friends on my Facebook and camera. Now: I think Riley is, if not in all, in like every picture on my account. <br />
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Then: Date nights consisted of going to a dinner, a movie, maybe even an awesome concert. Now: if we can stay up past 10 to watch a movie we feel good about ourselves!<br />
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Then: Bud Light Bottles were my go to beverage of choice. Now I prefer only Tommie Tippee Bottles. <br />
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Then: I didn't know what true love was. Now: I can't imagine my life without Josh and Riley Mae and soon to be Emerson.<br />
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Looking back from then to now, From college to present time, From Ohio to Indiana, I get this feeling that even though you don't think things will change, they do. I grew up. I remember back to college and I thought that was the rest of my life; in reality my life is just beginning. I never thought that I would live me life by labels but now I do. Wife, Mother, Friend, and Daughter are the labels that I live by and the ones that make me realize that NOW is exactly were I want to be.<br />
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Happy St. Patty's Day!<br />
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<br />Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-9907179487810372292014-03-12T12:45:00.001-07:002014-03-12T12:45:51.230-07:00Noone said it would be easy.....<br />
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I have to admit: I have some fears and confessions that have been floating through my mind lately, especially with baby coming in less then 5 weeks (YIKESSS). I do things my own way most of the time and these are so random that you may wonder about my pregnant state of mind- I know I do. However, this is really happening in my mind...scary I know. <br />
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I confess....</h3>
I'm not the best mom on the block. I don't look up everything on the internet and go by the stats that the national journal of pediatric medicine provide. If I give her a little too much tylenol one day...oops she seems okay; We role by how riley reacts to most things. I dropped the comparing and research long after the failed hearing test and the fact my daughter still isn't walking. I have no idea what I am doing half (ahem, most) of the time. She beats to her own drum.<br />
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I love taking showers but I alsolutely hate getting ready. I usually take a shower in the morning and night (yes that's how much I love them) but if I could walk out of the shower dressed, with my hair dried and straightened, and my make up done- that would just make my life amazing.<br />
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I am unorganized and messy. THERE! I said it. I'm not dirty by any means but i like my closet and my car to look like a natural disaster just went through it. Josh is the complete opposite. It actually makes me laugh that he gets hives when he goes into my car sometimes. Ha<br />
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I miss my best friends. That is all.<br />
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I used to be really into "How I met Your Mother" then life happened and I stopped. I wish I just knew how he met the mother so I can stop wondering about it.<br />
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I would buy a new bag or purse every month if I can afford it. It's actually one of the reason's I teach Spinning classes. They really don't even have to be all that expensive; it's the one way I stay organized. Just get a new bag!<br />
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I'm slightly obsessed with the Pantone color of the year. I just bought a new pair of hunter boots in purple (closest I could get) and my calves are too fat to fit in them. This is where pregnancy drives my crazy. <br />
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I fear....</h3>
Anything under the water. I won't even go on a cruise because something "could" happen where we are surrounded by sharks or whales. I mean, have you ever seen titanic? I have.<br />
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That my heart isn't big enough to love my two girls equally; I constantly wonder how this new little angel is going to fit in our family. How could I love anymore than I do Riley? Can you mom's help me out.<br />
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looking back one day and not remembering the little things in life because I am so busy with the big things. I am on constant go go gadget mode and sometimes I don't know how to slow down. Before I know it my girls will be having there own baby girls. PLEASE SLOW DOWN TIME!<br />
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Wrinkles- most everyone knows this about me. I try to stay out of the sun- or use major SPF, I exfoliate and use moisturizer twice a day. I want to stay looking 30 for the rest of my life. If Cindi Crawford can do it so can I. Right?<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">No one ever told me life would be easy....they just said it would be worth it</span>! </div>
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<br />Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-767847093020163844.post-7390301897845257152014-02-24T14:51:00.000-08:002014-02-24T14:53:38.902-08:00Like Mother Like DaughterWhen I was growing up and thought about being a parent, I mostly figured I would be a boy mom. Yup! That was going to be me...football, lot's of food, and toy cars. Well God sure did play a trick on me because now that our second daughter is almost 7 weeks away, ahem, I consider myself a total girl mom.<br />
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I have been reading a couple different mom blogs that got me thinking about about the responsibility of being a girl mom. The responsibility of being the same sex parent and getting the opportunity to raise daughters into women. This would come easy to me if I were the person I want them to be. Not that I am a bad mother or women in general, but I want them to grow up to be better than me. I don't want them to experience the same things I did or go through the worst to get through the best. I want to be a role model, a mentor, a friend and most importantly, a mother. I want when they are 30 years old to role their eyes or walk really fast somewhere to stop and say "Oh my....I'm just like my mom," and be proud.<br />
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Our girls are going to learn a lot from their father but I think they will rely on the girly aspects of life, love, success and happiness to come from me. Dad's going to be more of the outdoor, fishing, hunting, don't let the boys anywhere near my girl type of dad, and that's okay. Lately Riley has been obsessed with bracelets and necklaces; she won't take them off. Like ever. All I keep thinking is "where did she get that from", and everyone keeps pointing right at me. Really? Am I that girly? So it got me thinking...<br />
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I want to raise my daughters to be confident, loving, a great friend, kind, and a family girl. These atributes have to come from me, come from what they see. They will look to me for the decisions they make and hope I will support and give them advice on love and life.<br />
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If I obsess about food and exercising then they will grow to look at only the exterior beauty and not see what's inside. Even if we think we don't do it- we do. As women we are always criticized on our weight and looks that this rubs off on the ones that look up to us.<br />
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If I look in the mirror and only see imperfections all the time- my girls will only see imperfections with them. If I don't want to take pictures with them because I think I'm too fat or I don't like my smile then they will see that and it will influence their inner beauty.<br />
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If I focus on success more than family then it will teach them that family comes second and your career is first. When in reality I do the most I can in my career because of my family- to give them the things I didn't have and hopefully they will look up to me for my dedication and committment to both.<br />
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If I don't love their father like I should- they will learn how to love like that. I want them to learn how to love like we do, not like we don't. I want them to find true love and not rely on any man to take care of them because they can.<br />
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I want them to look at my best friends and me and know that true friendship is a bond like no other, just like sisters. I want them to know that there are some people that aren't your friends and you don't need people that use their power or do not take pride in your accomplishments as much as you do. I need to be that friend first for my daughters to learn that.<br />
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You see, being a girl mom is a blessing like no other but it is a scary road. You have to put your best foot forward and know that even from 18 months old, your babies want to be like you. The things you do influence their decisions and when it's all said and done, when they are mothers themselves, they will look around one day and be proud to be JUST LIKE THEIR MAMA. <br />
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Wish us all luck!Shannon N. http://www.blogger.com/profile/04396586355031768248noreply@blogger.com0