HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Madison turned ONE on June 8, 2012.  We celebrated her birthday with a party at our apartment with family and friends on June 2^nd.  Madison had a monkey-themed birthday party.  Our daughter has always been fascinated by monkeys… In fact, one of the flower baskets that we received after Madison’s birth came with a stuffed monkey.  This animal quickly became Madison’s favorite toy.   In addition to a monkey birthday cake, we had a “balloon artist” from the neighborhood perform for all the little kiddies.  Madison had 6 little friends attend her party, and about 25 adults.  The weather was perfect and we had the event on the rooftop of our building.

With Madison being a year old – naturally, Brian and I have been doing some reminiscing.  Imagine where we were a year ago?  Who would have thought the last 12 months would have gone how they did?  June 8, 2011 was the greatest day of our lives – and we love Madison so much!  From those who are living a similar journey to us, or who are a few years ahead of us – we are constantly reminded to enjoy your little child.  Take a step back from all the therapy and emotions and appreciate the fact you have a beautiful little muchkin!  Today, on our trip to the grocery store, Madison was wearing a sun hat and she kept on trying to put it on her head.  It was so cute…seeing her try to put the hat on her head and getting so frustrated.  Or, seeing her watch the trains at Grandma & Grandpa's house this weekend…and seeing how excited she would get – hence, reminding me of my childhood. 

It has been 10+ months since we learned of the degree of Madison’s hearing loss.  It has been less than 5 months since her surgery…and about 4 months since her activation.  12 months ago I never would have thought how seeing my daughter turn to her name is surreal.  Madison babbles and is continually introducing new sounds.  She rattles off Ma Ma Ma and Da Da Da, but there is no meaning at this moment for either of those.  I believe her first (true) word is “AH” for Alan (Al).  It’s the only time she says “AH” and always points towards the dog.  It really is her best friend.  While her speech is progressing, we feel that her listening and comprehension is really starting to pick up.  This weekend, Grandpa taught her where her “eyes” and “ears” were and she would touch them when asked.  We even had Madison in one of those inflatable plastic outdoor pools in Grandma and Grandpa’s backyard.  She was a happy baby with a diaper under her swimsuit, and then…she looked up when she heard the plans make their descent into JFK!!!!  And she kept on looking up every time the planes came by… and would point to the sky and say “AAAAAAHHHHH”!  Finally, another event took place this weekend…Madison’s device fell off her ear and she tried to put it back on her head.  I couldn’t believe what I saw…so I knocked it off her head a few minutes later and sure enough – she reproduced the same action…grabbing the processor and trying to put it back.  We never doubted the decision we made to go down the path we chose, however, right then and there, we knew that we made the right decision.  We will attempt to get this on video!

I’m so excited for what the next 12 months will bring, but need to make sure that I cherish and appreciate this next year.  I have learned so much this past year... more than I ever knew was possible.  I am so thankful for how far we have come and continue to look forward to what the future will bring!

Happy Birthday to our sweet (baby) Madison! We love you XOXO