Benefits of being a hard of hearing mommy

You may be wondering by now "That's tough, being a mommy and hard of hearing". Yes, it can be challenging, but it can also be a good thing. Since my birthday came and arrived a few days ago (363 more days until I hit the big 3-0), I've decided to take a positive spin on my life so far. Then I thought, why not compile a list of the benefits of being a hard of hearing mommy? Some of you might find it funny, or even insightful. We often take our abilities for granted.

In no particular order, these are some of the benefits:

• If I really need a break from all the screams, I can just take off my Cochlear Implant (CI) off and have complete silence. A break for the brain.
• When changing Rachel's diapers in the middle of the night (she absolutely hates getting her diapers changed then), I don't have to hear her ear-piercing screams (I can tell just by how red her face gets that it's pretty LOUD).

  

  My screaming baby girl! (this was when she was only a day old)

• Because I don't hear Rachel's cries at night, my brain stays half asleep while breastfeeding at night. I've often fallen asleep with her on my boob in the chair.
• If someone gives me unsolicited advice on how to raise my baby, I can pretend I didn't hear it. (or actually not hear it overall. Ignorance can be bliss)
• When Rachel's toys (the ones that make annoying sounds) are going off constantly, bam I can always turn down the volume on my CI. Quick fix, and everyone is happy. The same goes when we repeatedly watch Baby Einstein videos.
• I am less concerned with how well I sound when I sing to her. I have a valid excuse.
• I am more attuned to her visual cues that most would be. This especially comes in handy when assessing that she needs to go to the toilet (and thereby save money on diapers)
• While Rachel naps, I sometimes go for one too. This means I'll take off my CI, and actually fall into a lovely, deep sleep (only to be awoken by my vibrator.) No white noise to keep me up (i.e. the radio, the laundry machine). 

That wasn't so bad for an initial list. It was a different scenario a year ago, when I was pregnant. I wasn't thinking about the positives of my situation, and not to sound cheesy, but the power of positive thinking really works. Seriously. It does. I haven't read Norman Vincent Peale's book (aptly named The Power of Positive Thinking), but maybe it might be worth a read - even if it's just hokey pokey psychology. 

Next on my book list?

Since compiling this list a few days ago, I've noticed that I don't feel so negative about life in general, and I've also noticed that I'm choosing to have a great day! I could be bemoaning right now saying: "I can't find a job, my hearing loss will prevent me from finding a job", but instead I choose to say "I'll find a job, my hearing loss might be a bit of an obstacle, but it'll work itself out in the end". Semantics, semantics!
 
Now, can anyone help me think of some more awesome benefits of being hard of hearing and a parent?? I'd like to keep sending out positive vibes!