Sleepy little Ammon.
Big brother Solomon giving him kisses!
We received some really sad news this week about some close friends who gave premature birth to baby twins and one baby passed away. The other baby is under 2 pounds and is in the NICU. It was heartbreaking to talk to my friend but she said she and her husband have really felt the spirit this week and has felt comforted. We are so sad for them and are praying for them and the baby.
On the heels of their news we learned our own sad news about Baby Ammon. Ammon failed his hearing test as a newborn in the hospital but they said it happens and we should bring him backwhen he was older. He is now 3 months old so I took him back to the hospital yesterday for a follow up test thinking I would be in and out in a few minutes. Unfortunately Ammon still didn't pass the tests and 30 mintues later the doctor was saying things to me like Sensorineural hearing loss and otoacoustic emmissions test. I was shoveling Nibs into Solomon's mouth trying to keep him quiet and shushing Ruby who was singing "La la la la elmo's world" as loud as she could, and needless to say was having a hard time understanding what was happening.
On the heels of their news we learned our own sad news about Baby Ammon. Ammon failed his hearing test as a newborn in the hospital but they said it happens and we should bring him backwhen he was older. He is now 3 months old so I took him back to the hospital yesterday for a follow up test thinking I would be in and out in a few minutes. Unfortunately Ammon still didn't pass the tests and 30 mintues later the doctor was saying things to me like Sensorineural hearing loss and otoacoustic emmissions test. I was shoveling Nibs into Solomon's mouth trying to keep him quiet and shushing Ruby who was singing "La la la la elmo's world" as loud as she could, and needless to say was having a hard time understanding what was happening.
After all the kids were buckled in the car and I was driving away from the hospital it started to sink in that my baby might be deaf. We won't know for sure all the details until next week when we are going back for more comprehensive tests...but the best case scenario is Ammon just has air bubbles or fluid in his ears. The "okay" scenario is that Ammon has mild hearing loss and could hear with hearing aids. Worst case is that he has severe hearing loss. The truth is, after hearing the news of our friends babies, and considering all the things that could have gone wrong with Ammon's birth, we are sad of course for him, but we are okay. This is definitely something we can deal with and we know that on both sides of our families we have tons of support and lots of people willing to learn sign language or do whatever we need!
Ray did his own little hearing tests on Ammon this morning and clapped and yelled close to Ammon's ears. It was cute. Ammon didn't startle but he did open his eyes. I don't know what that means! It would explain why Ammon is THE BEST sleeper ever...he can't hear all our noise! So we go in next Wed. for the tests and we will let you know what happens. Ammon is such a sweet baby and we have always known he was supposed to come to our family. Please keep him in your prayers.
11 comments:
Shannan - that IS sobering news. I'm praying for a best case scenario, but only because you have SO much on your plate right now. Then again, you are probably one of the most competent people I know and could handle any "trial" that came your way. And, having had a special needs member of my own family growing up, I can say only that, looking back, it was nothing but a blessing.
Having said that, I'll keep you guys in my prayers.
I will keep you in my prayers too. Life really is a school of lessons and learning.
I'll pray for you too and hope that all works out for the best.
Good luck. I know how you feel, but know that hearing aids have been the biggest blessing for Sydney. Expensive, yes. But totally worth it and our world is quite different now that she can hear better. We will add you to our prayers.
I went through the same thing with Megan, my 5th child, when she was born. She slept through EVERYTHING and din't flinch when the other children made noises close by. At 4months she failed all hearing tests.
Two days after a ward fast, we took her in for the BIG GUNS testing and, lo and behold, she heard perfectly.
Expect miracles. Plan on them.
We can't define what they look like .... could be recovery, could be awesome high-tech hearing aids.
I love and miss you Shan.
XXOO
Here's hoping for the best case scenario, even though you'd be able to handle the others.
We are praying for your family and know that everything will turn out how it's meant to. We love and miss you all TONS!!
Good luck with all the testing next week -- I hope not knowing is the worst part of everything.
My brother's little girl who has hearing loss turns five next month, and about two years back she decided she didn't want to sign anymore; she wanted to talk. These days you'd be hard-pressed to get her to stop talking!
My cousin's little boy is also deaf, and has a cochlear implant. He's not yet even one. My cousin says it makes a difference already.
These days there is so, so much out there to help little ones with hearing problems. There are so many GOOD programs locally (meaning in Utah) that are specifically for children with hearing loss.
Your little family is awesome! We'll be waiting to hear what you find out!
Your family is in our prayers. I hope everything goes well with the next test. We miss you guys!
Thank you for sharing your joys and struggles. Give baby Solomon a love for us. We love you. All will be well.
Loves,
Stacey Wade
Your perspective is very humbling. He is even MORE blessed than ever to be in the hands of such loving and competent parents! No matter how this turns out, he has been given a great gift to come to your family. I hope the week goes fast for you until he can be tested again. Not knowing for sure must be so hard! You are in my prayers.
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