Zoo Trip

Today Ben went to the Zoo.

He loved the elephants. He jumped and giggled saying "ene ana, ene ana".

We had to drag him away from the pigs (iggys).

These penguins knew how to show off. Ben waddled saying "peep, peep, peep".

When we left he waved and said, "Bye, bye ena gena".

Cousin Maddie and Megan made sure Ben got to pet every pygmy goat,

ride each concrete animal

and ride the fake horse.

The left over sugar from this elephant ear may have led to his populatiry in the petting zoo.

This beaver is trying to convince Ben to be a Beaver fan.

But Ben loves his Ducks!

We had a wonderful, long day. Complete with a good-bye hug from a really big bear.

Not So Sure

Ben's second implant activation was quite a bit different from the first.

.

He did not want the processor anywhere near his ear or the magnet put on. After some convincing and a lot of distracting, we were able to get the magnet on long enough for Dr. Don to turn the sound on. Ben startled so suddenly the block in his hand flew in my face, leaving a pretty shiner under my eye.

Each time we attached the magnet, so Ben could have some sound, he winced and tried to pull it off. He said "all done" over and over.
.

I didn't have much better luck that evening either. Since Ben wants to be just like daddy all the time, daddy wore his new ear for a while. Ben caved in and wore it for a few moments after that.

The next morning, I held his arms down, stuck his ears on, and headed outside. Ben spent over an hour playing with both ears on!Distract...

distract...

A busy boy with TWO EARS

Today, day 3, has been even better. Ben wore both ears most of the day. At one point, he had only his new ear on. I had to call his name pretty loud before I got a reaction. The sound is still pretty low.

After dinner, Ben took his new ear off and signed hurt and pointed to his head. I'm not sure if the surgery site is sensitive or he was just tired of listening. Either way, it's his choice (or luxury) to turn off the sound and rest for a while.

Lot's of changes for a little guy!

Happy 4th!

Ben celebrated his Fourth of July in true American style: family, BBQ, and fireworks.

.

He enjoyed some yummy BBQ ribs,

hanging out by the fire with Grandma Mary,and roasting marshmallows with Daddy.
Ben loved his first roasted marshmallow.


He even tried holding a sparkler. It was a bit scary but super fun.

Bilateral Ben

Ben had his second Cochlear Implant Surgery yesterday at OHSU. We were lucky this time, because Ben was the Dr.'s first case of the day. Poor little Ben only had to wait an hour and a half for his surgery time. By the time they finally took him, he was starving and terrified of anyone wearing a blue outfit. He gladly said bye bye as we walked him down the hall to the OR. He had no idea what was to come.

We were called back to consult with the surgeon after only 2 hours. He said everything went perfectly. No complications, no gushers, and all the electrodes fired when the audiologist tested the implant!

After another hour and a half we finally got to hold Ben again. He was confused, groggy, and mad. The nurses were insistent on Ben drinking something before going home. But, true to his personality, Ben stuck to his own plan and refused. They let us go home at one o'clock!

Ben slept, puked, and moaned the rest of the day. He was not a happy camper. Later that night, he drank some apple juice and ate one of his favorite peanut butter cookies.

Day 2 has been much better. He woke up this morning with the gauze and head strap around his mouth. It's earlier than recommended to have it off, but we were surprised it lasted that long.

He started holding his head up on his own mid-morning and was able to eat lunch in his high chair.

Overall, Ben's recovery has been better this time around. Our biggest problem is trying to keep him from falling. His balance is terrible but doesn't stop him from continually trying to walk, crawl, and sit on his own. He doesn't want any help and pushes us away.

I dug out Ben's old walker. This gave him some ability to get around on his own. We have even had a few smiles today (and five popsicles. Mom's a sucker!).

Ben's activation will be on July 6th. Soon he will find out how worthwhile these two miserable days have been.

Neigh

On Wednesday, July 23 (in two days!) Ben will get his second Cochlear Implant.
We are nervous and excited all rolled into one.

We have done lots of reading and research to help guide our decision. Ultimately, we are thinking about Ben's future as a hearing and speaking boy. In this case, having two ears is better than one.

Ben has been talking and listening so much lately. He just loves to listen and mimic sounds people, animals, or objects make. Whenever we get out of the truck Ben says "ep ep ep" along with the beep of the open door.

Today he was waving "die, die" (bye, bye) to Grandma's horses and signing horse at the same time. If you listen closely, he says "neigh, neigh" when I ask him what the horse says. He was at least 20 feet away from me with his back turned!

He hears. It's amazing. I can't wait to hear what he will be saying after 5 months with two ears!

Ga Ka

I use Ben's blog as a place to save memories. To document his hearing, development, and show off cute pictures.

.

A blog is a ridiculous place to try to pay tribute to a man like Ben's Grandpa Paul. Our hearts ache for Ben's loss. Without knowing it, he has lost one of his biggest fans, one of his very favorite people, a man that would have loved to play with him for many more years. Ben doesn't feel the sadness, and that's good. But, we see what could have been for Ben and his Ga Ka.

.

In 16 months, Paul bragged about his Little Ben, supported his parents in some very difficult decisions, and loved his grandson so much you could see it on his face.

He was the first we told when we found out we were pregnant. Paul was back early the next morning with a dozen roses.

He arranged Ben's ABR with the best audiologist at Dornbecher in record timing.

He made sure we had the best ESD audiologist and TOD.

He offered first to hold Ben, so Mommy could finish eating dinner.

When Ben fell in love with his swing at daycare, Paul bought and installed one
at his house. Then spent hours pushing him in it.

He came to our house, lit a fire and made it cozy warm for us when we came home from Ben's surgery.

He fed Ben bit's of ham as he carved it and Ben begged like a puppy at his feet.

He always scooped Ben into his arms as soon as he walked in the door.

He spent countless hours walking with Ben, naming each thing Ben pointed to.

When Ben started crawling and mommy the rule that everyone must take their shoes off, he was the only one that did. Every time.

He commented on and celebrated each milestone Ben made. Little ones, only a Special Ed teacher would notice.

When babysitting Ben, he managed to put Ben's diaper on backwards. Twice.

He filled Ben's Easter basket with his favorite snacks and drinks.

He gave Ben lawnmower rides.

It's impossible to remember or list everything I want Ben to remember. He just needs to know his Grandpa loved him.

Loved him.

And he taught Ben's Daddy how to be just like him.

Bye bye Ga Ka. We love you.

We miss you.

Beach Time

Today Ben enjoyed his first walk on a windy Oregon beach.

He was more interested in the birds than the waves.

The loose sand was bit scary.

We had to leave after his repeated attempts to introduce himself to a strangers dog.

This is his "If I smile real cute, I can do what I want" face.

Thankfully we are still faster and stronger!

Busy Ben

Ben helped Mommy and Daddy work outside all weekend.

Always looking for adventure.

He has his stick and he's ready to cut it.

Ready to help.

These two boys are meant for each other!

Daddy's Boy

Ben was Daddy's little shadow this weekend.

He loved ridding over the bumpy lawn.

Daddy's big helper.

Ben loved spraying himself in the mouth and drinking the water. Yuck!

Truly, all boy!

Moo

While Ben was eating breakfast the other morning, he looked out the window and saw the neighbors goats. He signed cow and said, "MOOOOO".

Close enough for me!

I was ecstatic.

We just had to go see those 'cows' up close.

Ben brought a treat to share.

Before you give away a treat, it should be tested.

I guess it passed.

Those 'cows' were pretty fun!

Easter

Ben had a fantastic Easter! He ran all around Grandma and Grandpa's house collecting eggs.

Then he took his eggs out of the basket.

They were hard to open.

But ...horray!




The Easter Bunny filled Ben's eggs with delicious dried fruit.
He ate all of it.


Cousin Maddy showed Ben how to blow bubbles.

Ben tried to catch the bubbles and eat them.

Possible the best part of the day was Grandpa's ham.

Ben parked himself like a little puppy at Grandpa Paul's feet for a pre dinner snack.

Happy Easter!