Babbling Baby

As the holidays approach, I've been feeling very thankful for many things in my life. And Everly is at the top of the list! As of this week, she has been "hearing" for seven months. And this week her babbling, imitation, and expressive words have exploded. She has a few clear words: dada, mama, more, up, uh-oh, go. And she has several half words that will be full words very soon. For example, she says "oh" for open, "buuuhh" for Brooks, "neen up" for clean up. She has others but you get the idea. With each new sound, my heart explodes and I continue to be amazed that my deaf baby is hearing and speaking to me...

Last month, she had another mapping session with her audiologist. These sessions are long and boring. But she did amazing. Essentially they have to test and reprogram her implants. She has to sit in a sound booth and try to react to sounds (this didn't go very well). And then she has to sit on my lap in the small room for more than an hour with her implants hooked into the computer. I think most kids, or adults, wouldn't last that long. I was sure proud of her.  Luckily her next mapping session isn't for another six months.

It's been a special year for us and we are fortunate that life continues to be positive in so many ways. I wish everyone a happy holiday season! I'm thankful for each of you that support and follow along with Everly's journey. 

Everly loves to sweep!

Brooks and Everly love to play together

Loved the aquarium

Silly siblings

Riding the tractor at Tanaka Farms pumpkin patch

Everly wears her behind the ear processor for most of her therapy sessions. She's getting used to it!

Boo!

Brooks and Evvie are starting a harmonic band

With her friend Ruby at the John Tracy Clinic

Lots of cousin time in Arizona visiting GG 

Evvie LOVES her cousin Tahsa and tries to copy everything she does

Snuggling siblings

Everly threw her implant from a second story staircase. Luckily I found it. Can you spot it?

Busy kiddo

Watching the ponies with her buddy Tatum

Everly's first hunting trip. She wasn't too impressed :)

Helmet. Goggles.  Ready for ski season!!

Playing her baby grand piano many times a day.

Taking a break with Cooper during a walk at the Back Bay.

Halloween! 

No pants. No problem.

Everly loves playing with her babies. She rocks and feeds them. 

Fun outing at Zoomars petting zoo.

Feeding the guinea pigs. Gentle Everly! 

Typical bath time 

We play outside all the time. Thankful for our long driveway.

Calling for Brooks

Evvie started swim lessons. This is as far as she got the first time.  She usually loves the water but had some stranger danger issues with coach Dan...even though she watches Brooks swim with the same instructor every week.

Enjoying the empty beaches! Love were we live. 

There's just something about a deaf baby playing the piano :)