Ben at 8 months

I'm back from a VERY LONG blog break and there is so much news to share about Ben. I can't believe it has been so long, but this summer and the beach in August and then getting four kids (well 5 if you count Ben's Early Intervention) back to school have had me running like crazy the past few weeks. I am exhausted, but so excited that we have been given two dates for Ben's bilateral CI surgeries at Johns Hopkins: October 28 and December 9! We took Ben up to Johns Hopkins for a hearing booth test in August and asked if they would consider doing Ben's first surgery in October when he is 9 1/2 months old. We are still awaiting the insurance approval and it is complicated by the fact that we have recently changed to a new insurance company because of Nathan's new job (another bit of excitement around here). We are praying that this change will not push the surgery date back. We are going to be at Johns Hopkins (about 1 hour and 20 minute drive) three times in one week at the end of this month for an Auditory Skills Assessment, a Speech and Language Evaluation, and a hearing booth test, as well as the very important device selection appointment. We are getting very close to making a final decision on the CI brand Ben will receive. It is a difficult decision as we have talked to people who have been very happy with both of the main brands (Advanced Bionics and Cochlear America).

Ben has been continuing with his weekly AVT appointments and today had a visit from his new EI teacher. She has worked at the John Tracy Clinic in LA, so we are excited to have someone with a strong oral deaf education background. He is scheduled to have a CT scan next week at our local hospital. He will be put under an anesthetic for the scan - it will be the first of three times in the next few months. Ben has been growing so big - I think he must be at least 20 pounds now! He is presently cutting his 7th tooth and has started eating Cheerios and small bits of table food. Ben has also started crawling!! He started scooting around on his belly a few weeks ago and today he officially got up on his hands and knees. Everything around this house is about to change!

The other kids are doing well, too. Abby started fifth grade, Sam second, and Grace first, with Ella attending preschool three mornings a week. Things are starting to settle into a routine with Nathan at his new job and the kids in school, but I think it will be a little while still before I get back in the groove. Ben's CI surgery will be here before we know it and that will bring more changes and challenges - but it is what we have been waiting for all these long months. To think that our baby will hear soon is just too amazing to put into words. I can't wait to get to the other side of this journey.

I want to post photos of our wonderful beach vacation and more updates, but I will save it for next time. The biggest news is that Ben has his surgery dates - it is really happening!!