ONE YEAR OLD!!!

This past week my sweet baby Sadie turned 1 year old.  I cannot believe how fast the first year went.  I had no idea what the journey of parenthood would entail, especially one with a hearing impaired child, but I could not be more blessed with a perfect daughter.  I love her for exactly who she is and am so proud of her accomplishments thus far.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for my sweet princess.

We started Sadie's birthday off at the Lake of the Ozarks. She got to spend some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Lovins and her cousins Caleb and Nolan during the day, and then in the evening we hit the pool.  Here are a few pictures of her opening her presents from Troy & I while we were at the lake.

 Yes, I made my baby cry on her birthday.  I took out her pacifier so I could see her face and hear her talk when she opened her presents.  Cutest sad face ever!!

Bath time after we hit the pool.  Had to wash all that sunscreen off!

Saturday morning we headed home from the lake and had Sadie's birthday party that evening.  The theme was "Hats Off to Sadie, She is Turning One."  For anyone that doesn't know, she is OBSESSED with hats.  She doesn't really like to wear them, but she loves to hold them and say "HAT."  So I figured the theme was appropriate.  And boy did she LOVE it.  She had such a great time seeing everyone in their hats! 

Just Like Everyone Else

As you probably recall from my previous post, Sadie is in a study for Children with Hearing Loss.  When we met with the folks from Boystown, I had to fill out about 6 different questionnaires with 100 questions each.  It was very overwhelming, but apparently very worth while.  We got the results from my responses and I am thrilled to announce that Sadie is doing fantastic.  The results show that Sadie's Development & Language is in the same range AS CHILDREN WITH NORMAL HEARING!!!!!!!  In fact, in terms of receptive language, she is doing BETTER than children with normal hearing.  I had to look up exactly what receptive language meant :) and it means that she demonstrates an understanding of what you are asking/telling her. 

After I saw these results (and re-read them like a thousand times), the first thing that popped into my mind was "Did I lie on any of those questions?"  :)  And the answer is I really don't think so. I was as candid and honest as I could be.

I have attached the report below.  The area shaded in gray is where Normal Hearing Children reside.  The X's are where Sadie is at. 

Whatever it is that we are doing, I plan on continuing because apparently it is working!!!  I truly believe that she is doing so well because of all the wonderful people in her life that have helped her along.  A huge THANK YOU to her grandmas and her Granny Nanny Kathy for watching her each week and helping her advance so much.  And of course a special thank you to her Speech Therapists Stefanie and Stacy!

Pat the Bunny

Sadie has recently decided that her new favorite book is Pat the Bunny (big THANKS to Mark and Kathy F.)  She ALWAYS reaches for this book first and carries it with her when she crawls around.  Sadie has gotten very good at doing everything the book tells her.  Just watch!!!