Life is Bliss - Lily's Cochlear Implant Journey

The Halloween Experience

There is not much Lily missed about Halloween.  We had the whole experience including making cookies, reading loads of books, attending lots of wonderful Halloween parties and of course Trick or Treating.  Thanks to everyone who added to the flavor. 

Lily learned all about skeletons with bony fingers, cackling witches that say "Hee Hee Hee" and that a "Thank You.  Happy Halloween" always follows the neighbors filling your basket with candy.  We shared many fun experiences with our friends and family and Lily is already plotting next year's costume. 

 

 

CI Sertoma Club - Ice Cream Social

We loved going to the annual Cochlear Implant Sertoma Club Ice Cream social at the UNL dairy store tonight.  Not only was the ice cream fabulous and the weather perfect, but we loved seeing everyone with their CIs.  There are both adult users and a number of little kids.  Aunt Kelly, Uncle Eric and even Uncle John got to join us for the fun. 

Lily was talking non-stop and "entertaining the audience."  She decided to engage each person watching her by pretending to give them a letter off the sign.  Maybe she was hoping for an M&M which is her favorite "treat" (as she calls it) right now. 

We also met Briggs and his family.  What a doll.  He's only 14 months, but well on his way to talking and listening like a pro.  (So good to meet you guys.)   Watching Briggs was exciting.  We were in a similar place one year ago and what an amazing year it has been.  

Listening to the Rain

Lily and I spent three minutes last night listening to the rain.  As we were sitting reading books before going to bed, Lily paused as she heard the rain hitting the roof. She sat very still and just listened.  It helped that she was exhausted from the CI Sertoma Halloween Party, but it was thrilling to watch her listening to the sound of the water droplets crashing down overhead.  It is hard to describe rain to a 16-month old, but since it has rained for the last three days, I think she is catching on.  Rain is one of my favorite sounds.  Now I know it can be one of Lily's favorite sounds too. 

CI Sertoma Club

Tonight we attended the Cochlear Implant Sertoma Club.  This is a traditional Sertoma Club, but many of its members have Cochlear Implants.  It was the annual ice cream social at the UNL Dairy store.  Wonderful ice cream and a great chance for us to chat with adult CI users and families of kids with CIs.   It is encouraging to see all the kids growing up and their language blossoming.