New Year, New Outlook

We are just getting started on Brinley's journey...
Dec 2009 we got the diagnosis of profound bilateral hearing loss. English Terms: Brinley is deaf.

I'll be documenting Brinley's progress every step of the way. This will be my outlet in getting my thoughts on paper (well, computer) and maybe you will get something out of this too. You will learn what it means to be deaf, possibly be inspired to pick up a few sign language books or next time you see a child with hearing aids or Cochlear Implants you will know what it took for that child to get where he/she is today.

Modern technology is amazing!

"HARD DOES NOT MEAN IMPOSSIBLE"
Brinley Shay Reiswig


Sisterhood

Sisterhood

If we only knew then what we know now...

ALL SMILES WITH MY HEARING AIDS

ALL SMILES WITH MY HEARING AIDS

Mommy's Angel

Mommy's Angel

Upcoming Appointments

Jan 7th, Modesto

2:30pm Meeting with MCS/ SCOE Early Start Eval.


Jan 15th, Oakland
9:00am Speech Therapist Apt
10:00am Family Psycologist Apt
2:30pm First Audiologist Apt with Sara
3:30pm Meeting Dr. Murray, Implant Surgeon

Jan 29th, Oakland - Sedated CT Scan





Stanford here we come!


Feb 9th Meet Surgeon Dr. Blevins, get surgery date


Monday March 29th, 5 hr Surgery at Stanford

Activation 4/20 and 4/21

Follow up 5/17 and 5/18


Friday, April 15, 2011

1 year Anniversary


April 20th marks the anniversary of Brinley's activation of sound, 365 days of hearing. I'm nervous and super excited about making it to this point. A year ago when we were told Brinley was deaf I was extremely depressed and thought to myself "what in the hell are we going to do"? My thoughts were what kind of life will she live? What does this mean for Danica? In a way I felt a little jipped, mad at God for not making my child "perfect".
MY OHHHHHH MY how time changes everything. I pray every single day (more than once) to God and thank him for my daughters. They are both perfect just the way they are. I've accepted this fact and my life has been able to move forward at lightning speed. So has Brinleys.

On Brinley's hearing birthday I'll post a short video with her progress. Today in speech therapy her therapist was thrilled, Brinley had 5 new sounds,YAY! For those with special needs kids you Mommies know how we celebrate the small things!

*Driving in the car looking out window Brinley will yell "WOW! Dan-KA (for Danica) CHIRP CHIRP" when she sees a bird or Itty At for Kitty Cat.
*Yesterday when finished with lunch "Mommi, All Dun"
*Looking for our dog "Ju diss (Justice) Where are ooooo (you)?"
*Rocking her baby "Shhhhhhhh, baby Ni Ni"
*Da Da bye bye

These days are so special and I'm thankful to be home. At Target the other day I was pushing the girls in the stroller telling them a joke and laughing when Danica asked me to stop the cart. I did and asked her "what's wrong honey?" Her reply was so precious. She said "Nothing, It just feels so great to have a Mommy". Totally unexpected and beautiful. Our children are a relection of ourselves and by the love Danica and Brinley show others-and while there's always tons of room for improvement
I must say we are doing a damn good job :)

In closing I thought I'd post my inspiration for creating this blog. 16 months ago, the day I found out Brinley was deaf I was driving home from Oaklands Childrens Hospital when this song came on. It took on a entirely new meaning to me and my life. Anyone that has daughter's know that special bond that is unbreakable. Thanks for reading...
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