The Sweeter Side of Mommyhood

The Sweeter Side of Mommyhood

  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About Me
  • Let’s Collaborate!
  • Grace’s Story

Grace

October 14, 2016

grace-painting

I thought it was odd when Grace tugged on my arm and very articulately asked me to “stop saying mmhmm”. It was sweet and cute but she was serious and a little bit sad so I listened and tried really hard that week to be mindful of clear spoken language. I stopped giving that token adult noise that’s meant to be agreeable even when you aren’t paying close enough attention. But in the back of my heart, I was worried.

I thought it was odd when Grace started hopping off the couch and pressing her little finger to the television volume until I could hear it from outside. It’s too loud! I would say and she would shrug and tell me it was low, touching her hearing aid absentmindedly.

I thought it was odd watching Grace turn an adults face toward her hearing aid and ask them to repeat themselves. She has a stern way about her that reminds me of my Dad.

It was odd to see her so out of step at soccer and swimming. Usually able to get by and manage ok but lately just so dazed and confused she looked like a zombie. She kept shrugging and glancing at me, waiting for a sign cue or a directions she could hear and follow.

It was odd that she was ignoring me, everyone really, and doing her own thing. It was odd to see her frowning and struggling.  But she’s my need-for-downtime kiddo so I pushed it to the back of my mind.

It was odd (and to be completely honest incredibly frustrating) to constantly hear “what? What? WHAT?” After every question or comment or sentence directed her way. “what?” she’d say all. day. long.

graces-story-6

Each odd thing got a little bit less odd as I let it sink in that her hearing loss was progressing. I knew it was even as I typed to family that it could be fluid or wax or an infection or a 4 year old acting their age. On the morning of her school hearing test she just bopped out the door THRILLED TO PIECES that she’d get to see her audio friends. And I decided not to go to the gym or shower because I knew my phone was going to ring.

It did and I listened to how much hearing was lost and what the plan should be. I laughed and chatted and tucked the phone against my shoulder and cheek so I could finish loading the dish washer as my mind raced. No big deal I kept telling myself. I kept thinking back to her birth how I’d bartered with God before her brain scans. I’d prayed and prayed and asked over and over for Grace to *know* I loved her. I know without a shadow of a doubt that that girl knows I love her. So all bets and requests with God are off now. I haven’t been praying anything specific for our fierce four year old who drives me bonkers on the regular because I consider my prayers answered.

graces-story-2

We were so comfortable with her hearing aids, her school, her fantastic language development both ASL and spoken English. Our darling second born daughter- one purple hearing aid, brown eyes, brown hair. 3′ 2″ tall. Loves spider man and ninja turtles and Judy Hop Cop.

But now what? What’s next?

grace-in-hospital

grace-ear-check

We are so lucky that Grace is in the environment she’s in at school. She is completely surround by people who LOVE her and all these awesome kiddos like their own flesh and blood. She spends her days with experts in speech therapy and ASL. Her teachers are exceptional and the services offered on-site are phenomenal. She is bright and glowing when you see her there. So proud of her special place. The care and kindness and genuine love she has for all of the kids she knows there is enough to reduce any Mama to puddles.

grace-with-donkeys

So for now Gracie’s hearing aid can be adjusted to accommodate this new loss. We’ll see how she does with the adjustment and take it a month at a time. She will most likely get another aid fitted on the bad ear side again to keep her nerves alive for cochlear implants. We have no idea what the future holds but maintain that our best decision as parents is to give Grace every available opportunity to communicate as she pleases. *If* implants become something she could benefit from we at least want her nerves healthy and functioning so that would be something still on the table as an option.

graces-story-3

Grace knows she is deaf. She is proud of her Magic ear and loves to teach people sign. She knows all about her friends with implants and loves her friends with no hearing assistance at all. She will speak to you if that’s your preferred language or she will sign to you if you prefer to speak ASL. We don’t sugar coat that some things are hard for Grace. Soccer in an open field. Swim lessons in an enclosed echoey room. Finding my voice when we’re out somewhere like the zoo. Hearing me spell words. Understanding a book when she can’t see the readers face. Wandering too far in the grocery store, unable to hear my voice to get back. But she loves to teach people about herself and we love to let her.

Hearing loss for Grace is not an illness. It is not a virus that will clear up. She isn’t sick. There is no vaccine or cure or remedy. Hearing loss for Grace is a challenge she will continue to learn to navigate with lots of love and support. We live in a world full of noise and sound and that world changes drastically when you lose you ability to sense it. I’m not sure how Grace will feel about her abilities as she gets older but I hope she remains proud, confident, kind and determined for the rest of her life. As she is now may she ever be forever.

graces-story-4

My little bug.

Love you Grace.

Xo

Jacquie

You Might Like

  • 4 Skein Knit Heirloom Baby Blanket4 Skein Knit Heirloom Baby Blanket
  • A New Superfood Side from Chick-Fil-A!A New Superfood Side from Chick-Fil-A!
  • Sunday This List: Books and Bibles and BunniesSunday This List: Books and Bibles and Bunnies
  • Sally’s Blanket and Some Sweet Sister LoveSally’s Blanket and Some Sweet Sister Love
« Simple and Easy Knit and Crochet Project Ideas
Saturday This List: 8 Fall Faves »

Comments

  1. Kimberly says

    October 14, 2016 at 2:12 PM

    She seems like an amazing little girl who is proud of who she is no matter what! I will be thinking of and prayer for your family while adjusting to a different normal!

    Reply
    • Jacquie says

      October 16, 2016 at 7:28 AM

      You’re the sweetest. Thanks so much!

      Reply
  2. Aunt Sharon says

    October 14, 2016 at 4:47 PM

    What a lovely tribute to Grace and her village of teachers and care-givers, starting with YOU!

    Reply
  3. Kimberly ORosky says

    October 15, 2016 at 10:31 AM

    You are a wonderful mama and she is one lucky girl to have you and what sounds like a fantastic team helping her navigate this next stage of her journey. I pray that it’s a smooth transition for you all. This was beautifully written. I adore your sweet family and have so loved following along with y’all. Hugs!!!

    Reply
    • Jacquie says

      October 16, 2016 at 7:27 AM

      Thank you so much Kimberly!

      Reply
  4. Marcie says

    November 2, 2016 at 5:26 PM

    She’s gorgeous !!! Is there a book or video you suggest for 5 year olds to learn . My daughter learned about 30 words in her preschool and absolutely loved it , but now in kindergarten they are not teaching it and I feel like she could really benefit from learning this . May be she will be best friends with a child like Grace some day and need to know this language to communicate. If you have any suggestions I’d love to hear .

    Reply
    • Jacquie says

      November 8, 2016 at 7:07 AM

      We love the signing times DVD’s and then just youtube for literally everything! Song’s, rhymes, prayers, stories, etc. So much information there.

      Reply
  5. Grace says

    October 14, 2019 at 8:06 PM

    So cute mom

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Hey there! I’m Jacquie. Wife to my hockey loving sweetheart, Mama of four humans, seven chickens, and one labradoodle. I am a quilter, artist, photographer and Mom figuring out how to inspire other families to live their most creative life. Come say hi!
Read More

Subscribe

Featured Posts

The Best Buttercream Recipe Of All Time

The Best Buttercream Recipe Of All Time

March 6, 2022 By Jacquie Leave a Comment

Our Custom Home Build, All Finished! Part 1

Our Custom Home Build, All Finished! Part 1

January 29, 2022 By Jacquie Leave a Comment

Summer Rules! (a.k.a. the kid friendly chore chart.)

Summer Rules! (a.k.a. the kid friendly chore chart.)

June 16, 2016 By Jacquie 1 Comment

Amazon Associates Disclosure

Jacquie Dudt-Mulzet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Archives

Copyright © 2023 · Basil Theme by Themes Hub