In Anna news, we officially have spontaneous reaction to environmental sounds. Yesterday, Anna heard a toilet flush in the next stall of a public restroom. Who would have thought we would celebrate public toilets? But when your deaf child hears a toilet flush, and you know the reaction is real because she didn't see it happen, well, there's reason to happy dance! Anna has also reacted to cooking sounds (spoon tapping the pot and oven beeps). She has been activated only 10 days, so I think this is great progress! Also, tonight, when Amelia was getting ready to read Anna a story and Anna had already had her bath and we had put her device away for the evening, Anna asked to have it back for storytime. Another victory! Not only does Anna want to wear it, but she seems to understand that she will get more out of storytime with it on. Go, Anna!
We have been coached to treat Anna's hearing like that of a young baby -- talk to her, reinforce sounds, etc., but DON'T go around banging drums and ringing bells behind her head. Okay. I'll stop. It's just so incredible to see your child turn her head to sound when she has never done that before. I don't use this word lightly or cheaply, but I will use it here because this is what we have: MIRACLE.
Amy
Yay!!! This makes me soooooo happy to hear about y'all's miraculous successes!
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