Almost 1 yr Post Implant Surgery

I can't believe how quick time flies - I know we all say it - but it really is sooo true. In a couple weeks will be the 1 yr anniversary of Mallie's Cochlear Implant surgery. One of the best things we could have ever done for our little peanut. In the last month Mallie has really started to try and say words. It is the most heartwarming and amazing thing to witness. The first few months were rough as we went thru patches of her not wanting them on and trying to tweak her programs just so. It is so hard to know when she can't tell you what she hears. In the last 6 months the sound booth tests have proven she can hear very well. She has been a sponge for the last year - learning what sound is and what to listen for - just like a newborn does after they arrive. So even though she is gonna be three this year - she has an adjusted hearing age of a one year old. I have to admit at times because she would not make new sounds for the longest time...it could get a little discouraging. I know not just for me but Cathy G (her speech therapist) and all others who were witnessing this miracle of technology. Somedays I would think is she ever gonna try to make new sounds, or ever gonna talk? Well all that changed a few weeks ago when she said UH OH. Since then she has been starting to really "babble" and just this week she added "May May" to her vocab and "ieieio". She also says "ish" for fish. EEEEE for please. she can bark like a dog, meow for a cat, make elephant gesteres and noises, she does very well with animals. The most amazing thing is how well she understands words and what you say to her. Even if she is not speaking directly or clearly now - she understands so much. She also incorporates some signs in with her communication skills. It really is freakin amazing!!! I know she is deaf and always will be, but this technology is allowing her to communicate so much more to the world and for that I thank GOD everyday. It is not enough for her to struggle with being so little for her age - at least this ONE thing helps her be more in tune with our crazy world. As for her size - we have been giving HG hormone shots now for 6 months and the endocrinolgist is very happy with it so far. She is still obviously not on the charts but so much with her muscles and for sure her size is improving. She is in 6-9 month clothes right now but I anticipate the 12 month stuff to start working by summer. GH is not a miracle or quick fix - she will need to take it for a long time and the hopes is to get her caught up to her age group. I am most happy with how its helped her physically - she is scooting all over the place and she does it very well. Also she is getting closer to crawling (not sure if she will) but she gets in the position pretty good. Also her leg strength was non existent and she can stand for short bursts on her own as well as stand up from a sitting position with some height under her. All in all she is doing so great and I could not be happier for her at this moment. I also can wait to see what the next month brings.