Monday, February 16, 2009

Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!

No, he didn't say mommy (yet), but he signed it! I've seen it a few times before today, but not for sure. Today, we were certain! Lucas is a mama's boy, and his daddy definitely confirmed that he was asking for mommy. He was also turning consistently to his name today for the first time. He would turn and smile, and I would reinforce it with his name sign. What an eventful Lucas day!

So, I decided after I posted those videos last night, that I should try Overstream to subtitle them. I was checking out Deaf Village, and I noticed that my post hadn't been picked up. And I thought maybe it was because I hadn't subtitled my videos to provide equal access to all readers, so I thought I would give it a try! My timing wasn't perfect, but not too bad for my first attempt! I will do that from now on...

I am really enjoying my time off with Lucas (I'm sure you're not surprised...). I feel very blessed to be able to take this time off during a time of so many Lucas language firsts. My stress level has decreased SIGNIFICANTLY, and I'm actually enjoying life. I really like to read, and during crazy 2008, I didn't read a single fictional book. I spent all of my time reading and learning about hearing loss, cochlear implants, communication methods, Deaf culture... and I never took the time out to read for pleasure. Well... since Christmas I've read 4 books! It's been liberating. I'm addicted to the Twilight series. I'm in the middle of Breaking Dawn, and I don't want to put it down! I've also had more time to blog.

There's been a lot of blog talk lately about deaf communication methods. It's been making my head spin, because I sooooo badly want to be making the right decision for Lucas. We want Lucas to be 100% oral and mainstreamed... that's our goal, period. But we want him to learn sign language too, to give him options. So, we're using auditory-verbal strategies and are continuing to use sign language for baby communication, and for times when he's not wearing his CI. AND, we're staying flexible. I think that's most important - we will continually assess and make sure that Lucas's needs are being met. I once received great advice from Christian's Mommy (thanks!!!) to keep an open mind about communication methods and just to follow Lucas's lead. That's exactly what we're doing: the Lucas method.

And, happy belated Valentine's Day. Here's a picture of Lucas last year on Valentine's Day (2 days after we found out he was deaf) and a picture from this year. Don't you just love this year's picture?



4 comments:

leah said...

That Valentine pic is so sweet! Lucas is going to do great with parents like you guys!

Christian and Lily's Mommy said...

I love that Valentine pic! It sounds like you are at a much more peaceful place...so happy for you!

Morgan's Mommy said...

That picture is precious...you are Wonderful parents and Lucas is very blessed!

tammy said...

Lucas has just taken off with his CI's! How wonderful! Congrats on the mommy sign! We're still waiting for daddy or mommy, he knows them receptively, but it's like a race to see which he'll do first! haha Love his Valentine's pic - just precious!