Next week will mark one year since Matilda's cochlear implant activation. The last year seems to have flown by, although it has still been such a long road. I am so grateful for the technology that has allowed my little girl to hear, and for the professionals who have supported us throughout the past 18 months or so.
For those of you who have done this already, did you do anything special for the people who helped you? I am considering sending a card to Matilda's surgeon, audiologist, and therapist. I don't really know what else I could do. I'd love to send a DVD of her talking to the surgeon (because we don't see him often) but Matilda's new 'trick' when she sees a camera is to instantly freeze in a 'cute girl' pose, so I doubt I'd get any language on tape.
Matilda will have her one year assessments over the next few weeks. It is both scary and exciting. I know that she is doing really well - she has about 40 words, and her listening skills are great, but I also know that there are gaps and I'm a little concerned about how I'll cope if the results aren't what I'd like.
Fortunately, after the assessments we'll be travelling to Tasmania (an island at the bottom of Australia, for those of you overseas) for 4 weeks. I think I really need the time away from therapy just to spend some fun time with the kids.
As always, a cute pic of my princess to end.