The Olive Pit

Last week was my dad's Spring Break so we decided to go on a road trip to visit my family in California! I think that my parents were a bit nervous about how I might do on the drive so we stopped in Ashland for the first night. We had a great view from our hotel room.

We also went to an awesome park where I went on the big boy swing for the first time all by myself.

Then we went out to dinner at a fun place and had a nice walk around downtown. I was pretty happy, and so were my parents.

The next day we traveled on to the Olive Pit, aka Corning, where I got to sample many olives (or "olves" as I call them). I was very happy in the car and even got to watch my new dvd, "Cars" (thanks Grandma!).

I immediately made myself at home at GG's house, look how pretty she is! Can you believe that she is my Great Grandma?! ?

 And then I got down on the floor to color with my grandpa and my dad.

The weather was very pretty and we went on many adventures to see the sights of where Dad lived when he was little. I got to see horses up close, so cool!

We also checked out the Sacramento River.

And some awesome rocks.

I went down a slide with Dad.

And we walked through a tunnel where I got to yell and hear my voice echo- I love that!!!!

I relaxed with Beary and Grandpa.

And played on the floor with GG.

I also got to hang out with my cousins (well they are the children of my dad's cousin). I really liked little Owen.
 

And I played trains with Dylan and had an Easter egg hunt.

Later on, we chased each other around, screaming and laughing. It was a good time.

I was sad to say good-bye to my California family, but I know that I will see them again soon. I had such a fun time and even slept well every night. We drove home in one day and I didn't even fuss for more than five minutes total. It was a wonderful vacation.

The Battle

I have challenged my parents to a nap battle. I recently decided that naps are so 2009, I don't need them (but I really do!). For the past week and a half it has been a battle of wills. Sometimes, I win. Other times, my parents prevail. The score is currently 4 to 6 (in favor of the parents), but I am trying to make it 5 today.....

In other news, my Auntie Crystal came for a visit this weekend! She is so fun! I did a lot of showing off for her, check out how I moved my leg so fast it's just a blur.

I wore my new Elmo sweatshirt and showed Auntie that I am such a big boy, I can say bye-bye to my favorite lovies without crying.

She also laid down on the floor with me, Dad and Beary, so cool.

Of course, I had to show Auntie Crystal all of my awesome dance moves (and jumps).

Dad practiced his moves with a blanket-scarf. Man, is he awesome or what!?

Later on, we colored together (yeah, my hair is a little wild).

And played outside where Auntie helped me pick a flower.

Before she left, we went to Costco with Grandma-and guess what?!? We met ANOTHER boy with blue implants!!!!!! He is about five years older than me but it was so neat to meet him!! Mom really enjoyed talking to his mom and getting to see how well a seven year old is doing with implants (he listens and speaks soooooo well). I sure am glad that we decided to go to Costco on a Sunday........ 

Now I miss my Auntie, and I can't wait to see her again soon. I guess that next year, she will be going to the same school that Dad goes- I will get to see her all of the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you Auntie Crystal!

Good Things

On Friday, we drove to OHSU for my three month MAP and evaluation with Don. Dad was able to come along to this one and it was a success!!!!! I sat in his office, hooked up to the computer, playing with toys and eating a delicious chocolate chip cookie (thanks, Mom:) just like I used to with my first implant. A far cry from a few months back when I would not even go inside Don's office without crying..... I got my ear adjusted a bit and was told that I am doing just great, I feel very proud of myself (and so do my parents!).

My Mom came down with my cold on Friday, lucky her. She slept a lot on Friday night and was able to be outside with Dad and I on Saturday- it was beautiful out!!! We walked downtown and went to the playground by the river. I watched (and heard) a train go by.

Played on all of the fun toys.

 

And yelled into a big plastic thingy...

Later on, I enjoyed a snack on the deck at home.

On Sunday, we went to brunch with Grandpa and Grammy Steph to celebrate my dad's (belated) birthday. It was very yummy and I had a very nice time.

 

 

The past few days I have been wearing my ears in the bath tub. I have not been splashing as much and don't put my head under water so this keeps my CI's dry. It is super fun to hear all of the sounds. Plus, Dad can talk to me while I am in there.

 

I have been extra vocal since my ear was adjusted on Friday. Today I howled and woofed like a doggy with my friend at Kid's Club...... On a not so great note, I am not into napping right now. This is the third day in a row of no nap, I don't think my mom is impressed. Oh well...............

Sniffles

I have had a yucky cold since Monday and it is really cramping my style.

Not only have I been sneezing and battling a never ending runny nose, but we haven't been able to do much outside the house. So I have been playing inside and coloring.

And watching Sesame Street and snuggling with Ripley.

 

This morning, Grandpa cam over for a visit and I immediately invited him to sit on the couch with me.

 

As you can see, Ripley was happy to see him as well.

Battery Life

When I used to wear my Freedom CI, I had rechargeable batteries, this was very nice. I love my new N5's but they do not have rechargeable batteries just yet. Since I wear two, I go through A LOT of batteries. At least they can be recycled.

Yesterday, I had another hearing test to see how I am doing with my left (newer) CI. Dad was able to come with me this time so that made things easier. I just feel really insecure in these situations and I hate not knowing what will happen next. Mom is great, of course, but Dad really helps to calm me when I am feeling apprehensive.

Anyway, I went into the booth with Dad and Angie and heard a lot of strange sounds. I looked around and buried my face in Dad's shoulder because I felt scared- but I consistently heard down to 20 db!!! Then Mom sang "The Wheels on the Bus" song into the microphone (lucky everyone who got to hear that little concert:) and when I could not see her I felt confused and cuddled up to Dad again- at 20db!! This is really good news because it has been hard to MAP my implant at OHSU since I get scared. Also, before my CI's, I couldn't hear sounds until around 70-75db (the lower the number, the better), which is very, very loud. 

I really do love my CI's, no matter how many batteries they use:)

February Sun

We spent last weekend at the beach and the weather was very nice for a change. On Friday evening there was even a nice sunset that I got to watch!

We went to Newport on Saturday to have lunch and go down to Nye Beach. It was chilly but beautiful so I decided to head down to the water with my bucket to check things out.

I found a neat little spot where I could play and scoop water, Dad decided to join me.

My friends were even there to play in the water, I made sure that they had a good time too!

When it was time to go, I did not want to leave but we quickly headed to lunch and I was happy about that.

 

When I woke up from my nap, little Avery was there! She is so cute that I decided to share my car and strawberries with her.

Avery's mom is also cute and brought bubbles to play with!

 

That evening, there was another pretty sunset- how lucky are we?!?

Building of Doom

After school on Friday we packed up and headed for the coast. On the way out of town, Dad drove us into this big, strange, garage type building and handed money to a man. We pulled forward into a scary looking machine and stopped the car. I was very suspicious when I started to hear loud, weird, swooshing sounds.

I quickly looked around to see what was going on (yes, that is graham cracker on my sweet little face).

The car was being pounded with water and a crazy spinning brush came out of no where and began scrubbing my window!

 

No longer enjoying this little "ride", I expressed my dissatisfaction and confusion to my parents.

And just as quickly as it had all began, it was over. Phew.

Steam and Sunshine

Well we finally got another camera, on Monday actually, but Mom and I have been pretty busy so I haven't had a chance to post until today. We have been able to play outside this week because there is FINALLY some sunshine! This morning, the sun was warming the frosty ground and my dad took me out to see the steam rising from the chairs and deck- so cool!

 
  

After Dad left for school, Mom and I went on a fun play date with some new friends- I had a great time and was very ready for my nap when we got home. When I got up, we headed over to Grandma's. I enjoyed the sun and a snack on the way over.

 

After our walk, Grandma came over to hang out while Mom packed for our beach trip tomorrow. I got to cuddle with Grandma and watch Sesame Street.

 

In other (and more important) news, two new friends have joined my clan- Grover and Oscar the Grouch!

 

All in all, it has been a pretty good week!