House Call

Today, the doctor called Mike and I. Let me clarify since everyone is officially now confused, this is the doctor that will perform the outer ear surgery/reconstruction. Inner ear surgery at this point is not happening. Although, we are waiting on that doctor in VA to call us as we have questions regarding the option of opening up an ear canal for the purpose of using a conventional hearing aid. The doctor seemed like a very nice man and we are looking forward to working with him. He answered the few questions that we had and got the additional information he was needing regarding Ryan. At this point, we are looking at the first surgery happening in January/February and scheduling the second in June. A six month window between surgeries is what he recommended. We will know more and have more specifics once his assistant is able to muddle through our insurance and once we figure out all the financial aspects. We are not looking at the same expenses as we were when we were considering the combined surgery, but it is still a very large sum that is upfront and out of pocket. It is very comforting feeling a peace about the whole process and the doctor. We are so grateful for those that have walked before us. While it is still months away, we are excited for Ryan and the path ahead!!!

Caves & Jesus: How they relate to swimming!

Two weeks of swim lessons - DONE!! It has been a long two weeks traipsing back and forth for swim lessons. By the time we got up and moving in the morning, it was nearly time to leave and then by the time we got home it was only a few hours until Mike was due home from work. So, that left very little time to do much. The kids enjoyed every moment of their lessons - Thanks, Grandma! Morgan is "officially" off the hook for an further lessons unless he chooses to take more advanced classes. Rylee can float on her back by herself and can paddle around at a very basic level. Ryan can float with very little assistance and has the kick down (And he seems to have perfected the skill of lapping up the pool water like a puppy! :o) I think several trips to the local pool will be on the agenda in July. I believe that the more opportunities they have, the better! We will continue do follow-up lessons either in the fall or spring.

The other day on the way to swim lessons, Ryan began telling me about how Morgan got water in his ears when he was swimming. He then proceeded to tell me that he doesn't have "caves". So, he doesn't get water in his ears. Okay, that was out of left field... Ear canal now = head cave!! Hmm... Wonder what he thinks about his nostrils! ;o)

On Wednesday night, I overheard a conversation between Rylee and Ryan. Yes, it was as interesting as always...Ryan was telling Rylee that he was Jesus. Trust me, this does relate to swimming... Rylee was trying to dispute his claim, but he was having no part of it. Out of frustration, Rylee proceeded to challenge him. "Well, if you are Jesus then tomorrow at swimming you need to walk on water!" Oh, yes, that is what she said! Ryan instantly dropped the subject and she did not bring up the challenge again.

WOMB 2010

"Weekend of Male Bonding" happened during the week this year as the Phillies were scheduled to play Monday thru Wednesday. After last years excruciating heat, the boys opted for two night games. Since they had gotten four free tickets from Mike's boss, they went to Monday's game with Marc and Jacob (local friends). Yesterday, they reportedly lounged in the hotel, savored some Popeye's chicken (Mike loooovesss fried chicken), went to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and took in another ball game! Phillies won last night's game 9-6. The boys, as always, had a wonderful time and enjoyed their time together!!

Crazy week!

We have been busy, busy!! Swim lessons started for all three. Rylee and Ryan have had the best time and just get in and giggle. Morgan didn't quite have the choice about taking lessons. We promised him that if he could prove to us that he could hold his own and swim in the deep end without struggling that we wouldn't make him take any more lessons. Well, he has proven himself already. Any other lessons will be by his choice after next week. Because Ryan's BAHA can not get wet, I have been sitting poolside the last week. Luckily, I was there on day one as I was nearly in the pool for a rescue. The child has no fear of water and it scares me to death!! Both instructors were further away doing one-on-ones and Ryan decided to wander away from the wall. He is very clear of the rules now and the instructors are communicating well with him. So, mom has moved away from the side and is now sitting in the bleachers with the other parents.

On Thursday, we sent photographs of Ryan's outer ears and information to the plastic surgeon in CA. So, we have begun another waiting period. The coordinator asked us when we would be interested in beginning the process. Not knowing how our insurance company will help, we have given the office a few possibilities. One being doing both surgeries between September and December of this year or beginning in January of next year. I don't know the time that needs to be given between surgeries so, I don't know if this is even a possibility. Once again, so many unknowns until we begin walking down the path.
Renovations are still going on...We are in week 3 of dry wall. The cabinets are nearly in for the bar/kitchenette area, carpet is getting ordered today, and final gallons of paint being bought. We hope to be done by mid-July.

Atresia Repair - Option or Not An Option?!?

Today, we received a phone call from Dr. #2 regarding the atresia repair surgery (inner ear reconstruction). And, the answer was the same as Dr. #1. Atresia repair surgery is not an option for Ryan. He scored a 4-4.5 in his right ear and a 5 in his left ear. Obviously a 40-50% chance of restoring hearing is not enough to justify the procedure or risk. This doctor was so nice and if anyone is looking for a good ENT in the state of Virginia, email me!! We are thankful that God has been so gentle with us along the way and that He has given us such great peace!! We will review this doctor's written report once we receive it and may ask a few questions as he did mention surgery for the purpose of wearing a traditional hearing aid. This door has closed and we will begin to walk down this next path of outer ear reconstruction. We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers that have gone out concerning Ryan and this particular surgery.

Happy Father's Day!!

High Sea Expedition & An Expedition in Life

We have spent our evenings this week at Vacation Bible School. This year, Mike and I decided to help in a different capacity. We have been serving as Crew Leaders to a group of 6 girls (soon to be 3rd thru 6th graders). It has been a great experience and I have thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to bond with a small group of girls.

Rylee, Ryan, and Morgan have all been in different groups and are each having a blast!! I must note that although VBS is geared toward teaching the children, there is something in there for the adults as well. I have had the awesome opportunity to witness God working in a mighty way and it hasn't even been through a child that is assigned to my group. In fact, I barely see this child from 6-8:45 pm and he is on the complete opposite side of the sanctuary from me. It hit me hard last night and I am so very thankful for God's little nudge. You see, we are still waiting to hear from "Dr. #2" regarding Ryan's candidacy for the aural atresia surgery. The waiting game is what it is and I have absolutely no control over it. God does know the answers we are seeking and is working even as we wait. I have never been so at peace (I would tell you I was at peace before and I truly was) with whatever the outcome is for the results as I am sitting here today after witnessing Ryan over the course of the last two nights. I am in awe!! Ryan has thoroughly enjoyed VBS and is especially taken with the music that is sung during the rally before and after VBS each night. Our child goes to church singing those songs in the van and leaves the church singing those songs in the van. He sings them throughout the day and as he goes to bed each night. In fact, he learned the words before the other two. He can hear even amidst the chaos! He is and will continue to be perfectly and wonderfully made ... With his BAHA, he can hear and he can express himself and he can sing. And, that is the sweetest sound EVER!! If God's plan is that he not have the atresia repair surgery to restore hearing without aids, then Ryan will continue singing his little heart out and and he will continue to fulfill God's will for his life. Whatever those results bring, I can say that I have never felt God's peace more abundantly than in this very moment!!