Playing ball when you’re deaf

She's come a long way since she got her first glove in 2003.

Riley’s had two softball practices with another set for Saturday. She’s paying better attention this year, but we still need to figure out a better way to communicate than just yelling at her. It’s hard for anyone to hear a coach yelling from the dugout during a game and even harder when you’re hearing impaired. That’s one reason we’re considering an FM system … so she can hear easily whether she’s on the field, in the classroom or out in the backyard.

Another family offered to let Riley try out the system their children no longer use, so I think a phone call is in order. Of course, the system will have to be tweaked to complement Riley’s hearing and programs, but we should get started on this soon.

The first two practices were COLD – the poor girls were bundled up so tightly they could barely move! And you know how much it hurts when you swing the bat and don’t hit the ball solidly. Ouch!

She batted right-handed the first practice and did OK, but she switched back to being a lefty the second day and did even better. I’m going to let her decide how she’s most comfortable at the plate. Lefty or righty, it’s her choice.

The coach worked her out at second base and Riley did really well for her first time on the field since May. Several of the other girls played throughout the fall and are also playing on a travel team during the community season, too. They’re getting a lot more reps, but Riley will catch up.

I’m the dugout mom again – keeping the batting order; making sure helmets, batting gloves and bats are where they’re supposed to be; helping the catcher get dressed; bandaging any scrapes or strawberries; and yelling for mom or dad if I can’t help. Basically, several moms are tag-teaming to take care of everything from uniforms to snacks to picture day to concession duty.

Ryan might pitch, if he can work out his schedule so he can be there e

nough. It won’t be fair for him to start as the pitcher and have the girls get used to him then have to rotate someone else in.

We’re all ready for spring and softball and warm weather.

Edited: March 3rd, 2010

How do you map an ear?

Audiologist Emily Rector checks the connection between Riley's CI processor and the computer.

Yesterday I talked about taking Riley to her mapping appointment at the HEAR Center. You’re probably wondering what that means. Mapping means programming. It’s a little like upgrading the software on your computer. Sometimes your computer slows down or needs a boost to do some new processes.

Riley wears her CIs everywhere but in the water and to sleep

Same thing with the CI processors, which are the pink and blue devices you see Riley wearing. They contain tiny computers that need occasional updates.

The cochlear implant processors have to be readjusted at various intervals depending on how long a child has worn them. For example, when Riley first got her CIs, she had to get them mapped every month for the first couple of months. Then every three months for a couple of years. After nearly seven years, unless she’s having trouble with the CI, Riley’s map is updated every six months.

The audiologist hooks the processors to her computer and updates the software on them. This mapping sets the devices’ electrode stimulation levels in Riley’s cochlea so she can detect soft and loud sounds comfortably.

Over time, Riley will adapt to the settings. What was once too loud might become too soft as her brain’s auditory center gets used to the sounds. Then we’ll go back for another mapping session.

Edited: February 24th, 2010

Focusing on my subjects

Here’s the blogging schedule I’m going to try to keep so I’ll have some focus. If something comes up, I’ll be flexible even if it doesn’t particularly fit the day. Maybe this will help me be more organized and consistent.

Media Mondays (pop culture, writing)

Worth it Wednesdays (cochlear implants/hearing loss/family)

Fitness Fridays (sports, workouts)

Edited: February 22nd, 2010

Coping with a child’s hearing loss

Ryan, Riley, Tiff at Lullabies on the Links benefit golf tournament

ADVANCE for Audiologists magazine featured my family’s story as part of a series on Maintaining Patient Dignity. The piece is called The Coping Parent:

“In many cases, the parents of hearing-impaired children may need more counseling from their audiologists than the patients themselves.”

The article talks about ways audiologists can make it easier for parents to understand and deal with a diagnosis of hearing loss. And do it without belittling or being condescending toward parents.

Frank Visco, the assistant editor, did a wonderful job telling our story and putting together a slideshow of Riley. He found us through my post Delivering the Diagnosis: Your Child Is Deaf. Please visit the magazine’s site and leave a comment if you enjoyed the article.

Have you ever had a doctor or nurse make you feel like dumb like our first ENT did? How did you handle it? What else can doctors do to help patients’ families cope? Leave me a comment. Thanks!

Edited: February 19th, 2010

Rock out while helping deaf kids hear

Edited: December 23rd, 2009

Losing a pet is hard for an 8-year-old

December has been a tough month: Daddy is back in the hospital with a serious infection, and he is scheduled for major surgeries Wednesday. My grandmother fell for the third time since summer and is now in a nursing home.

And last week, we had to let Carlo, our 11-year-old lab mix, go to a better place. Ryan and Riley had taken him to an emergency vet a week earlier because he was eating very little. They came back with a diagnosis of fungal pneumonia and prescriptions for pain and antibiotics.

The meds did nothing, so our regular vet came to the house to check on him. Carlo was laboring to breathe, could hardly walk and completely stopped eating and drinking. Our vet listened to him breathe and checked him out and said it was either fungal pneumonia or lung cancer. We had already discussed a plan and once we had confirmation that we could do nothing more, we made the decision. And it was hard. Riley gave Carlo a hug, and we sent her to our neighbor’s. Ryan and I stayed with him until the end, crying and talking to him.

Carlo was the sweetest, goofiest dog. When it came to eating, he was like a vacuum. He loved to run around in the backyard, and he loved our first dog and his mentor, Eboni, whom we lost several years ago when Riley was very little. And he loved us.

I miss him snuffling against the back door when he wanted in. I miss his barks when we pulled into the driveway. I miss him looking at me with those big eyes when he wanted to go outside.

That night, Riley asked when the angels were coming to get Carlo and if we were going to put his body under his tree. She asked if he was going to play with Eb and Bonnie (Nanny’s late dog). She asked if he was going swimming. We said yes to all. We tried to explain about his spirit, but that was fruitless. We didn’t have the words to get it right. She drew a card for Carlo and Eb and took it to school and all her classmates signed it. Isn’t that the sweetest thing you’ve ever heard?

The photos below show a 20-month-old Riley checking out Eboni (red collar) and Carlo; Ryan helping Riley get to know Carlo a little better; Carlo hanging out on the patio; and Carlo “opening” his Christmas present last year. In the drawings, Riley encourages Carlo to go see Eboni in heaven and marks Carlo’s final resting spot – under his favorite tree in our backyard.

Edited: December 15th, 2009

Riley at random

Roller skating, Red Robin, Railroad tracks, Roll Tide Roll!

Edited: November 27th, 2009

Thanksgiving will be extra extra special

Daddy is home! He was discharged from the hospital yesterday, and Riley and I were there to meet him and Momma when they pulled into the driveway. He’s doing well, but it’s going to take some time to get back in the groove.

And NO CIGARETTES! He’s been without the smokes for 19 days now, so that’s a good start. He started physical therapy today, which will be twice a week and last for four weeks, and a nurse will be by to check on him twice a week. And, of course, Momma is a very capable woman who can take care of anyone.

Not only is Dad home and healing, Michael and Robin are set to have baby No. 2 any day now. Griffin’s actual due date is Sunday, but we’re all hoping he’ll be ready to make his grand entrance before then. Robin had a tough time with Lincoln, who’ll be 3 in December, so we all pray this time will be easier and faster. Unfortunately, they live seven hours away, so we won’t be able to make it for his birth. But I can’t wait to get the phone call!

So we have plenty to be grateful for this Thanksgiving! And, believe me, we are very thankful!

Edited: November 20th, 2009

Who had more fun at Disney World?

Edited: October 25th, 2009

Walt Disney World: I wanna go again

Just a little taste of the fun we had at Walt Disney World. It was the best vacation ever!

Edited: October 25th, 2009

"I’m late! I’m late," said White Rabbit

Riley had a blast at Fantasy Playhouse‘s production of Alice in Wonderland. Below are photos of her with Alice and the Cheshire Cat. The Cat (Laura Price) was so awesomely cat-like in both voice and movement. And Alice (Kailey Looper) was convincing as a scared girl whose anxiety resulted in just a touch of brattiness. Kailey’s mom is a volunteer at the Playhouse, and she introduced Riley to Kailey after the show. Thanks, Kailey’s mom!

Following are also photos of the Queen of Hearts and her court playing croquet and the Mad Hatter being absolutely maddeningly funny. The whole cast was terrific, and Riley was thrilled to get autographs and pictures after the show.

We can’t wait to see A Christmas Carol, Beauty and The Beast and The Wizard of Oz! If you’ve never been to the Fantasy Playhouse, what are you waiting for?

Edited: October 14th, 2009

Hearing Anniversary: Cochlear Implant

Six years ago today we saw our lives change with the help of amazing technology, amazing doctors and nurses, amazing audiologists, amazing therapists and amazing family and friends. See for yourself …

Right now she’s using her bionic hearing accessories to listen to Spongebob, dance to “Get Up Offa That Thang,” sing to “All In This Together” from High School Musical and read “Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook.” Life is sweet!

Edited: October 9th, 2009