Better Days Ahead!

Over the last few months Traxton has had multiple ear infections. Recently, his ears have just been full of gunk that wouldn't clear up with antibiotics. Because of his hearing loss, the infections made his hearing even worse. We really couldn't afford to have the reoccurring infections impact his long-term hearing, so I pushed to have tubes placed. We felt like this was the best option to clean them out and hopefully prevent any more infections. So on Tuesday morning we went to the hospital at 6 am for his surgery. It was a really basic procedure which literally only took fifteen minutes. He did so well that once we got home and had a nap, you couldn't even tell that anything had even happened. I have also even been able to tell a difference in his hearing. He has been responding better in only the short time since the tubes were placed. He also got his first tooth yesterday. Kind of a big day for our little one.


He was such a happy boy while waiting to be taken to the OR. A little different than when they brought him back.

PIP Camp!

This weekend we traveled to Salt Lake for the Utah PIP (Parent, Infant Program)camp. It is put on by the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind. What an amazing experience this was. Just seeing how many families there are who are either in the same situation as us or worse was so overwhelming. Treyson even commented on how many kids there were with hearing aids on. It was such an eye opening experience to see so many kids with either hearing aids or cochlear implants on. There were even a lot of kids with other more serious medical problems as well. The camp was themed around a cruise so all their classes had something to do with that. On Saturday they had classes for the kids to go to while the parents had guest speakers. Both Ashten and Treyson loved their classes and the leaders were so good with them. They were actually only a few of the hearing kids in their class. When we met back up with the kids at lunch, Ashten said that she wished that she had hearing aids. I got all emotional when she said this, just because I love how innocent and non-judgmental kids are. We also saw a little boy who had multiple medical problems and had to walk with a walker. Ashten asked why he had to have that, so I said to help him walk. Ever since then, she has said that she wants a walker to help her walk as well. Instead of seeing all these kids as different with their hearing devices, oxygen tanks, and walkers, they saw something that seemed cool.
Our guest speakers were so good. Justin Osmond, who was born deaf, talked about his life and how he has overcome so many challenges. I sat in my seat and cried the whole time. At lunch we sat with a small group of other parents and talked about our stories. It was so neat to hear how other parents have struggled with some of the same things as we have. Knowing that we had our experiences in common brought a feeling of closeness and unity. It was really nice to see and talk to people who have been through exactly what we have and who really know the feelings you feel as a mother towards your child who can't hear. The fears about the future and the unknown.
The whole camp had such a spirit about it that made me want to cry. Everyone was there with the same goal in mind; to help their loved one. I am so glad that we decided to go and my kids are already asking when we can go again.

Mr Mess-Maker!

We have officially arrived at the stage where Traxton is into everything. He will open and empty anything and everything that he can get his hands on. I am realizing that our house that was once child friendly, needs some work. A lot of our child locks for our cabinets have broken and need to be replaced so that we can contain his messes. Treyson gets so worried when Traxton gets into things. He must be afraid that he will be stuck cleaning it all up. I try to tell him that Traxton is fine and that I will clean up the mess, but still doesn't handle it very well. Besides the messes, Traxton is at such a fun age. He loves to crawl around and follow the kids, or usually me, and make himself part of everything that's going on. He still loves his mom and seems the most happy and content when he is in my arms. Sitting by or on me isn't good enough, he climbs up me until he feels like he is close enough. Sometimes it makes things hard, but I sure love that he wants to still be my little cuddle bug.



Traxton doesn't want to ever miss out on anything, including bedtime stories.

Our Future Firefighters!

Last week Jared was called by the fire department to help them take care of a swarm of bees. I was working so he had the kids with him. The firemen were so nice and gave my kids these cute little hats, which they have worn all weekend. The ironic thing about it is that Ashten has said that she wants to be a firefighter for a while now and Treyson has said that he wants to be a fire pole. Yes a pole!!! Now they really want to. I am glad they had a good experience and the firemen were so good to them.