We have been amazed at the words and sounds Olivia is making. She can say 10 words and definately knows how to get attention when she wants it. While we were in Philadelphia, at the suggestion of a cardiologist, we made an appointment to see an ent to check her ears. When she was a baby, olivia passed her hearing screen with flying colors and hasnt had one ear infection. KNOCK ON WOOD!! We are not doctors, so we scheduled the appointment for when we got back. Yesterday, I took Olivia to the ent and audiologist. After testing her eardrums, it looked like she had fluid in her left one. That took the traditional test out of reach. The audiologist said we could try a test that is really meant for three year olds and see what happened. After sitting in a sound booth for 30 minutes and Olivia turning to noises on que I thought we were good. When she opened the door though, I knew something was wrong. There is a certain look all doctors get before they lay the bad news on you. It is a look like I am so sorry to tell you this and I am so glad I am not in your shoes. But back to the story... So apparantly Olivia was pretty consistent in her lack of response to certain high pitched sounds. The audiologist, not knowing about Olivias history, started to ask questions. When I explained that she lives in the 70's oxygen wise all the time, she immediately stated that Olivia needed further evaluation by a pediatric audiologist asap. The sooner we get her evaluated the better so it wont affect her speech. If she does have hearing loss then for christmas, Olivia will be getting hearing aids.
As a mom, you dread to hear bad news about your kids, but when the news can make them a target for teasing it makes it even harder. Olivia's scars make her different already does she really need more? My sweet potato pie, I'll love you no matter what.
As Olivia and I sit in the car waiting for firework shopping to end, I can't help but look back at this past year. 2012 has been by far one of the most challenging years. It has tested our love, faith, and perservarance. Yet, while so much of the year has been filled with worry, so much has also been filled with wonderful memories. Olivia has learned to walk, talk, feed herself, sleep in her own bed all night, and most of all she has learned the love of her siblings. We know 2013 holds so much uncertainty, alot of which will affect our sweet girl, but we continue to hope. Hope for her health to improve... Her growth to continue....and the love to multiply. So 2013, while you are the only one who truly knows what you have in store for us, bring it on! Olivia is waiting.
