Yay! We finally upgraded our latest baby monitor.
In case you didn't know, we had the Foscam 8910 system setup for our first, Rachel. The system worked awesome, especially once we figured out the proper sensitivity/squelch levels. I even wrote about it on this blog, read it here.
With our second, we opted to use the same set up that we started nearly three years ago. Unfortunately for us, the camera got fried when we took it with us on our recent road trip. Fortunately, when we got home my parents had a spare camera for us- they use the same system for when our threenager naps at their place.
Initially, we thought we would purchase the same camera as before - my husband even checked Foscam's website and they were no longer providing customer support in the event of camera malfunction. So without further ado, that led to the hunt for a new camera.
Wednesday 5 October 2016
Thursday 1 September 2016
The Newborn Hearing Screening Test
In British Columbia, we have a newborn hearing screening test that occurs either in the hospital (usually within a day or two after birth) or at an audiology clinic (for us in Victoria, this is usually within a Public Health Unit). We've done the screening test twice. On the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) website, it states that hearing screening occurs for over 97% of all babies born in BC. I thought it would be cool to write about the Newborn Hearing Screening test - especially since it means early intervention for hearing loss has improved significantly in the last decade. It is so easy for hearing loss to go by unnoticed!
That being said, I'm very fortunate that my parents found out about my hearing loss a month after I was born due to the nature of my birth (rubella in pregnancy).
Wednesday 24 August 2016
Riding in Style
Just returned from family vacation time! (or as my toddler refers to it as 'Vacaciones' - you can tell she's been watching too much Dora the Explorer...). Our road trip was the longest car trip we'll be taking this year as we try to stick to 100km or less per month in car usage.
If you recall, we are a one-car family. I wrote an article about it a few months ago and the response was surprising - a number of Facebook friends came out of the closet as mustachians! What is mustachianism, you ask? It is the art of achieving financial freedom through badassity.
That means we try to be as efficient with our lives as possible, including not using our car unnecessarily - or purchasing a second vehicle (though there are moments when I'm hugely tempted to just buy another car because it's way easier than getting around on foot).
Around 6 weeks postpartum, I started going out for longer walks. Initially I started out with my Boba baby wrap and single Bob Stroller. It didn't take me too long to realize that this set up wasn't going to work out in the long run as I was not able to walk briskly. Prior to finding out baby number 2's impending arrival, we purchased a Chariot Cougar 2 (double seater) for my bike.
If you recall, we are a one-car family. I wrote an article about it a few months ago and the response was surprising - a number of Facebook friends came out of the closet as mustachians! What is mustachianism, you ask? It is the art of achieving financial freedom through badassity.
That means we try to be as efficient with our lives as possible, including not using our car unnecessarily - or purchasing a second vehicle (though there are moments when I'm hugely tempted to just buy another car because it's way easier than getting around on foot).
Around 6 weeks postpartum, I started going out for longer walks. Initially I started out with my Boba baby wrap and single Bob Stroller. It didn't take me too long to realize that this set up wasn't going to work out in the long run as I was not able to walk briskly. Prior to finding out baby number 2's impending arrival, we purchased a Chariot Cougar 2 (double seater) for my bike.
Saturday 6 August 2016
The Devaluation of the Hard of Hearing Person?
It comes as no surprise that being hard of hearing has led to many chance encounters with a variety of people. Most of the time, as Canadians, we are far too polite to open our mouths when we see something out of the ordinary.
Other times, we get pretty ignorant questions, such as:
"If you and your husband can't hear, does that mean that your children won't be able to hear?" Answer: Not necessarily.
"How did your children end up with normal hearing?" Answer: we don't know. They just have normal hearing like your kids!
"How do you talk on the phone?" Answer: do you hear me talking to you right this moment?
Other times, we get pretty ignorant questions, such as:
"If you and your husband can't hear, does that mean that your children won't be able to hear?" Answer: Not necessarily.
"How did your children end up with normal hearing?" Answer: we don't know. They just have normal hearing like your kids!
"How do you talk on the phone?" Answer: do you hear me talking to you right this moment?
Tuesday 12 July 2016
One month and two poops later
Two days ago marked one month since Baby #2's arrival! (I had planned to post yesterday, but had to deal with two poonamis)
We welcomed a new little princess, Sarah - it's been nothing but a time of joy and grabbing sleep whenever possible for us.
Some highlights leading up to the big event:
We welcomed a new little princess, Sarah - it's been nothing but a time of joy and grabbing sleep whenever possible for us.
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| Family is everything (10 day old baby girl here) |
- 2 weeks of prodromal labour: This all started when my husband went to Winnipeg for a conference when I was 38 weeks along. Labour literally started, getting more intense, and then stopping for 2 solid weeks. It was a time of uncertainty and anxiety.
- Attempting a VBAC: Since my first was a C-section, I wasn't allowed to pursue any other forms of induction for fear of uterine rupture. Most of my days in the 3rd trimester were spent being as active as possible to eating whatever the heck I wanted to eat (Chips! Ice cream! Cake!)
- Pushing back my 'backup' c-section date. We had a date in mind (June 6), then my midwife encouraged me to push the date to give my body more time to go into natural labour.
- Taking this photo: pretty much the last shot of me pregnant with Sarah. Taken only 5 hours prior to meeting the newest addition!
Photo taken at 5:57am - just before heading to the hospital
Tuesday 31 May 2016
From the Ordinary to the Extraordinary
As I get closer and closer to my due date - one more week exactly left, I am left thinking about how life will change soon. Someone wrote a few months ago on a blog (or was it a book? I forget) that I read about how ordinary, or common activities can be made extraordinary.
A number of activities that I can think of are:
-Laundry
-Making meals
-Cleaning the house
-Driving my car
-Having silly conversations with my 2 year old
-Growing a baby
All of these sound pretty tedious, if not boring. I beg to differ. In my opinion, doing laundry means that I have a reminder that I'm able to clothe my family. Making meals means there's enough food (and money) in the house to keep us healthy. Growing a baby is common, women have been doing this for thousands of years, but yet it's a very deep, profound experience.
A number of activities that I can think of are:
-Laundry
-Making meals
-Cleaning the house
-Driving my car
-Having silly conversations with my 2 year old
-Growing a baby
All of these sound pretty tedious, if not boring. I beg to differ. In my opinion, doing laundry means that I have a reminder that I'm able to clothe my family. Making meals means there's enough food (and money) in the house to keep us healthy. Growing a baby is common, women have been doing this for thousands of years, but yet it's a very deep, profound experience.
Monday 9 May 2016
Not found in our home: Do not ring the doorbell!
Looking back, as a new parent this sign just makes me laugh:
It's true. I use to cringe every time someone rang the doorbell or knocked at our door - ESPECIALLY if it took me 45 minutes just to get my girl down for a nap. Then something hit me:
I can't live like this!
We decided not to put up a sign on our door that basically tells outsiders what they can or cannot do. It is life. If the mailman comes, so be it. If neighbours come over, so be it. Most people that come to our door know that they can text us in case of emergency and we know to expect them. In fact, my neighbour's grandchildren came by our place the other day asking (quite loudly) to play with our girl while she was still napping.
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| Photo from www.scarymommy.com |
It's true. I use to cringe every time someone rang the doorbell or knocked at our door - ESPECIALLY if it took me 45 minutes just to get my girl down for a nap. Then something hit me:
I can't live like this!
We decided not to put up a sign on our door that basically tells outsiders what they can or cannot do. It is life. If the mailman comes, so be it. If neighbours come over, so be it. Most people that come to our door know that they can text us in case of emergency and we know to expect them. In fact, my neighbour's grandchildren came by our place the other day asking (quite loudly) to play with our girl while she was still napping.
Friday 22 April 2016
Friendships in the Neighbourhood
In my last post, I mentioned what an awesome neighbourhood we live in (Victoria). For a number of our out-of-town guests, they've commented that being in our community is like a throwback to the 70's (think: everyone actually says hi to everyone, there's an annual block BBQ, neighbours come over to your house for a random chat...). For that, I am entirely grateful.
While it is my husband's dream to live on a farm (not mine yet, anyway) we're pretty happy with the location we've chosen, given the rising cost of real estate in the area. I'll never forget the day we went house hunting and finding our dream home during an open house (the last house to view for the day!). The house and neighbourhood is a little bit older than what we'd hoped for (1980's-esque). But what really struck my attention were the open gardens, trees, basketball hoops and kids bicycles/skateboards/scooters strewn across the lawns. While the house had great curb appeal, I found the appeal of the neighbourhood more enticing.
While it is my husband's dream to live on a farm (not mine yet, anyway) we're pretty happy with the location we've chosen, given the rising cost of real estate in the area. I'll never forget the day we went house hunting and finding our dream home during an open house (the last house to view for the day!). The house and neighbourhood is a little bit older than what we'd hoped for (1980's-esque). But what really struck my attention were the open gardens, trees, basketball hoops and kids bicycles/skateboards/scooters strewn across the lawns. While the house had great curb appeal, I found the appeal of the neighbourhood more enticing.
Wednesday 13 April 2016
Trending in Victoria: The one car household
Springtime is really here! I can't believe we've survived another winter with only one car in this household. It also doesn't hurt that we have access to my parents' vehicle when needed - a big help at times.
We are a one-car household:
I think it is a common trend among young families today. Cars are so expensive, and the insurance is too! Fortunately, we live in a community where most of our amenities are within walkable distance. For instance, we have two large grocery stores, two pharmacies, our family dentist, my optometrist, banks and restaurants all within 2 km walking distance from our home. If we need to run out to the big box stores (i.e. Walmart, Costco, Superstore...) we'll plan our trips out there, or tag along with my parents if they happen to be heading that way.
Travel time (is relatively minimal) in Victoria:
There are amenities in pregnancy that I wish were more walkable. For instance, the midwife is a 15 minute car ride, the chiropractor is a 5 minute ride (on the way to the midwife), and our family physician is 15 minutes away. Did you notice a repeat pattern here? Most of our travel isn't more than 15 minutes to anywhere worth going to - with the exception of the ferry, which takes us only 20 minutes to get to! We probably spend $100 or less on gas each month.
Ten days ago, I flew (yes, FLEW) to Vancouver in 20 short minutes. Literally 10 minutes of that was spent in the air. Several friends and fellow colleagues asked me if I would ever move back to Vancouver.
Had they asked me that question 2 years ago, I might have said yes.
Today? No way.
We are a one-car household:
I think it is a common trend among young families today. Cars are so expensive, and the insurance is too! Fortunately, we live in a community where most of our amenities are within walkable distance. For instance, we have two large grocery stores, two pharmacies, our family dentist, my optometrist, banks and restaurants all within 2 km walking distance from our home. If we need to run out to the big box stores (i.e. Walmart, Costco, Superstore...) we'll plan our trips out there, or tag along with my parents if they happen to be heading that way.
Travel time (is relatively minimal) in Victoria:
There are amenities in pregnancy that I wish were more walkable. For instance, the midwife is a 15 minute car ride, the chiropractor is a 5 minute ride (on the way to the midwife), and our family physician is 15 minutes away. Did you notice a repeat pattern here? Most of our travel isn't more than 15 minutes to anywhere worth going to - with the exception of the ferry, which takes us only 20 minutes to get to! We probably spend $100 or less on gas each month.
Ten days ago, I flew (yes, FLEW) to Vancouver in 20 short minutes. Literally 10 minutes of that was spent in the air. Several friends and fellow colleagues asked me if I would ever move back to Vancouver.
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| My sweet ride - only 7 passengers onboard! |
Today? No way.
Friday 1 April 2016
Putting a Pause on a Conversation
Foreword: as I write this I have missed my opportunity to actually write up an April Fool's post. Seems planting jokes on this auspicious day expires at noon!
In this household, changing hearing aid/cochlear implant batteries is like second nature to our daughter.
Me: "Hold on, my batteries are dead, can we pause our conversation? I need to change them"
Rachel: (nods her head)
Me: "Ah! Now that's better - let's play our conversation again"
***Rachel resumes whatever she was saying... amazingly enough she's pretty patient for a 2-year old (sometimes)*** Plus, it helps that she understands that when we pause, it means the conversation isn't quite over.
In this household, changing hearing aid/cochlear implant batteries is like second nature to our daughter.
Me: "Hold on, my batteries are dead, can we pause our conversation? I need to change them"
Rachel: (nods her head)
Me: "Ah! Now that's better - let's play our conversation again"
***Rachel resumes whatever she was saying... amazingly enough she's pretty patient for a 2-year old (sometimes)*** Plus, it helps that she understands that when we pause, it means the conversation isn't quite over.
Monday 21 March 2016
The HOH mommy goes to work
Is it such a bad thing that I'm excited to be back at
work? Even if it's just for a few hours a week, with my primary
office located within my home, and occasional travel? A month ago I went
for my first training session in Vancouver, and I'll tell you this:
never have I gone on the ferry feeling so relaxed! Only when you live with a toddler that you come to this realization.
Fortunately for me, my parents (and husband!) gave me the
gift of one full day to myself on the mainland. I haven't done anything
on my own in Vancouver since 2012, which is when we moved to the Island. Each time we take the ferry over, there's no time to visit old
favorite restaurants, Chinese grocery stores (in Richmond, which is
basically where a large number of Asians live), or even to Metrotown,
the largest mall west of Edmonton. Ahh. Bliss. This
opportunity might not come again for another 5 years. Maybe less (that's wishful thinking).
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| This literally would be my version of heaven. Honestly! |
Thursday 3 March 2016
Pushing a Car at 6 Months Pregnant
What a story I have to share with you all!
Last weekend, I was in Vancouver alone *gasp - yup, this really happened* for some training for work. It was great to have a little bit of freedom and time to myself. More on that another time.
A highlight of my trip was filled with a mixture of anxiety, slight panic and a huge moment of relief.The story goes:
On my first day of training, I didn't leave the building until 5pm. It was just starting to drizzle, and daylight was fading away slowly. I entered the car I was using, a Mitsubishi RVR, and started my engine. All seemed to be somewhat normal - until about 3 seconds later when I was backing up. The car would NOT drive forward! Because of my positioning, the vehicle blocked this big-ass Ford F-150 black truck (newly polished I might add) and from what I could tell, the owner took excellent care of it.
My first thoughts were: CRAAAAAAAAAAP. I'm going to have a p'od truck driver if I don't get this car out of the way!
Last weekend, I was in Vancouver alone *gasp - yup, this really happened* for some training for work. It was great to have a little bit of freedom and time to myself. More on that another time.
A highlight of my trip was filled with a mixture of anxiety, slight panic and a huge moment of relief.The story goes:
On my first day of training, I didn't leave the building until 5pm. It was just starting to drizzle, and daylight was fading away slowly. I entered the car I was using, a Mitsubishi RVR, and started my engine. All seemed to be somewhat normal - until about 3 seconds later when I was backing up. The car would NOT drive forward! Because of my positioning, the vehicle blocked this big-ass Ford F-150 black truck (newly polished I might add) and from what I could tell, the owner took excellent care of it.
My first thoughts were: CRAAAAAAAAAAP. I'm going to have a p'od truck driver if I don't get this car out of the way!
Tuesday 23 February 2016
Fighting the Exhaustion
Any mom will know how exhausting it is running after a toddler. Answering their 1,000 questions, and the perpetual 'MOMMMMYYYYYYYY' quips on a daily basis. I love it. There are moments when I crave absolute silence or privacy. There are moments when I'm totally digging the loudness (or excitement) when reading a new book, the cuddles, and the scratch-your-head moments when your 2 year old starts crying for absolutely no reason.
With No.2 on the way, I find myself more exhausted than usual. Often due to middle of the night wake-ups due to kicks in the crotch, a postnasal drip, or just plain anxiety over the idea that I'm going to have two children to speech read...It's exhausting enough trying to figure out what my daughter says sometimes! (Though she's pretty good at looking at me when communicating)
I remember fondly thinking how freaked out I was when we first found out we were expecting. All challenges have been surpassed. We figured out how to wake up at night. We figured out how to teach our girl to face us when talking. We figured out a bunch of other nitty gritty things, potty training included. So, perhaps my anxiety is already unfounded.
Speaking of exhaustion, I thought it would be appropriate to write up a list given my recent obsession with all things baking on how to cure it whilst being pregnant AND a hard of hearing parent:
Ingredients and use:
A deep breath - instant relief. Sends much needed oxygen to the body and brain.
A good sense of humour - shit happens. Find comedy in it if feasible.
No hearing assistive/electronic devices - you'd be surprised what 5 minutes in pure, utter silence can do for the mind, body and soul. Practice when safe to do so.
A pair of walking shoes - If silence isn't your thing, then bonding with nature can help in as little as 10 minutes.
Your everyday household cleaning supplies - If bonding with nature doesn't excite you, then set your mind to a task that is monotonous for 15-20 minutes. (At this point I'd just
turn on a 20 minute TV show to occupy my daughter) Be sure to combine with no hearing assistive devices.
A pair of strong hands - Get your husband/partner/RMT to get those knots out.
Write - obviously this helps me in managing with the moments of exhaustion - I just can't nap everyday...
Honey - Make sure this is pasteurized. Take a spoonful, put it under your tongue just before you go to bed. I swear it relaxes me faster than anything else.
Pillows, pillows, pillows! - Necessary in order to survive sleeping through the night with a belly that is starting to make me look like a beluga.
Hawkins Cheezies or anything that qualifies as instant comfort food - LAST RESORT!!! I keep a bag of chips in my pantry just in case... haven't touched it in 3 weeks, a record!
With No.2 on the way, I find myself more exhausted than usual. Often due to middle of the night wake-ups due to kicks in the crotch, a postnasal drip, or just plain anxiety over the idea that I'm going to have two children to speech read...It's exhausting enough trying to figure out what my daughter says sometimes! (Though she's pretty good at looking at me when communicating)
I remember fondly thinking how freaked out I was when we first found out we were expecting. All challenges have been surpassed. We figured out how to wake up at night. We figured out how to teach our girl to face us when talking. We figured out a bunch of other nitty gritty things, potty training included. So, perhaps my anxiety is already unfounded.
Speaking of exhaustion, I thought it would be appropriate to write up a list given my recent obsession with all things baking on how to cure it whilst being pregnant AND a hard of hearing parent:
Ingredients and use:
A deep breath - instant relief. Sends much needed oxygen to the body and brain.
A good sense of humour - shit happens. Find comedy in it if feasible.
No hearing assistive/electronic devices - you'd be surprised what 5 minutes in pure, utter silence can do for the mind, body and soul. Practice when safe to do so.
A pair of walking shoes - If silence isn't your thing, then bonding with nature can help in as little as 10 minutes.
 |
| Source: Pexels.com |
Your everyday household cleaning supplies - If bonding with nature doesn't excite you, then set your mind to a task that is monotonous for 15-20 minutes. (At this point I'd just
turn on a 20 minute TV show to occupy my daughter) Be sure to combine with no hearing assistive devices.
A pair of strong hands - Get your husband/partner/RMT to get those knots out.
Write - obviously this helps me in managing with the moments of exhaustion - I just can't nap everyday...
Honey - Make sure this is pasteurized. Take a spoonful, put it under your tongue just before you go to bed. I swear it relaxes me faster than anything else.
 |
| Source: Wikimedia |
Pillows, pillows, pillows! - Necessary in order to survive sleeping through the night with a belly that is starting to make me look like a beluga.
Hawkins Cheezies or anything that qualifies as instant comfort food - LAST RESORT!!! I keep a bag of chips in my pantry just in case... haven't touched it in 3 weeks, a record!
Monday 18 January 2016
The HOH Mommy has exciting news!
Turns out, 2016 is bringing many blessings to my little household! So far, we have four big, wonderful announcements:
1) A number of you already know that we are expecting baby #2 in early June, and yes I'm thankful that the first trimester is over - so far, so good at 20 weeks currently!
2) Hubby got a job promotion! I am incredibly proud of him and will do my best to support him in whatever way I can.
3) Our little girl is finally potty trained! (not quite yet at nighttime... but that will come eventually). Very glad not to be changing poopy diapers for at least 5 months.
and finally *drumroll* ...
1) A number of you already know that we are expecting baby #2 in early June, and yes I'm thankful that the first trimester is over - so far, so good at 20 weeks currently!
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| The baby bump grows! (The middle photo is from Maui *wink*) |
2) Hubby got a job promotion! I am incredibly proud of him and will do my best to support him in whatever way I can.
3) Our little girl is finally potty trained! (not quite yet at nighttime... but that will come eventually). Very glad not to be changing poopy diapers for at least 5 months.
 |
and finally *drumroll* ...
Tuesday 12 January 2016
The Original Hard of Hearing Advocate
In the early years, who did we have to advocate for us? To feed, clothe and make sure that we had access to all the necessities in life? In most cases this answer would be 'our parents'.
Today, I was thinking about a conversation that I had a few months ago with a former high school classmate. We reconnected over Facebook Instant Messaging where I asked her about another classmate. In that conversation, I learned about her journey as a parent, and how it's been a challenge for her as her child has a form of autism.
I thought of my mom immediately. Dealing with a child with a hearing loss definitely brought the tiger (and the lamb) in her. If you've ever seen my Big Fat Greek Wedding, where Toula's mother says: "the woman is like a lamb in the kitchen. But in the bedroom? Oooh no! She is a tiger!" The sentiment can be said the same for my mom. Let me paint a vivid picture for you:
Imagine being the only person in your classroom - no wait - school, with a hearing loss. In the early 1990s, when technology was still making headway in the public. There are no cell phones (only pay phones!), wifi does not exist, and the computer is just gaining traction in the classroom. I'll never forget the boys in my class who started off playing SimCity in Grade 3. My mom really didn't want me to miss out on having a normal childhood, even though it meant having an itinerant teacher visit me each week for an hour; wearing a big, bulky FM system; and setting up a Closed Captioning TV box on the portable TVs (back then captioning wasn't even programmable on TVs!). Most of all, she wanted my teachers to have a positive experience with me.
Today, I was thinking about a conversation that I had a few months ago with a former high school classmate. We reconnected over Facebook Instant Messaging where I asked her about another classmate. In that conversation, I learned about her journey as a parent, and how it's been a challenge for her as her child has a form of autism.
I thought of my mom immediately. Dealing with a child with a hearing loss definitely brought the tiger (and the lamb) in her. If you've ever seen my Big Fat Greek Wedding, where Toula's mother says: "the woman is like a lamb in the kitchen. But in the bedroom? Oooh no! She is a tiger!" The sentiment can be said the same for my mom. Let me paint a vivid picture for you:
Imagine being the only person in your classroom - no wait - school, with a hearing loss. In the early 1990s, when technology was still making headway in the public. There are no cell phones (only pay phones!), wifi does not exist, and the computer is just gaining traction in the classroom. I'll never forget the boys in my class who started off playing SimCity in Grade 3. My mom really didn't want me to miss out on having a normal childhood, even though it meant having an itinerant teacher visit me each week for an hour; wearing a big, bulky FM system; and setting up a Closed Captioning TV box on the portable TVs (back then captioning wasn't even programmable on TVs!). Most of all, she wanted my teachers to have a positive experience with me.
Wednesday 6 January 2016
How did you two meet?
Aloha! Hubby and I returned from our very first trip away from our little girl to the beautiful island of Maui (more on that in another post). It was hard on me at first, but when we saw her on Face Time each day it was as if we had never left. We've been back for a few weeks now, but with Christmas, New Years and currently in the throes of potty training I've finally decided to sit down and write about this experience.
The way back home from Maui was an interesting story that I'd like to share with you all. With a full flight, we didn't get our usual empty seat in the middle - which was fine with me as I love to snuggle up with Curtis, his personal block heater.
Sitting in the middle seat, I sat next to a lovely lady from Vancouver. We struck up a conversation starting with where we live, what we do (and I naturally talked a LOT about my little girl), and even found out that I'm the same age as her sons. We even talked about pregnancy stuff as she is waiting for her sons to give her some grand babies! Then the million dollar question came up: "How did you two meet?" This question will almost always lead to a hard of hearing advocacy moment in my case.
The way back home from Maui was an interesting story that I'd like to share with you all. With a full flight, we didn't get our usual empty seat in the middle - which was fine with me as I love to snuggle up with Curtis, his personal block heater.
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| Last night in Maui! |
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| At Haleakala Beach |
Sitting in the middle seat, I sat next to a lovely lady from Vancouver. We struck up a conversation starting with where we live, what we do (and I naturally talked a LOT about my little girl), and even found out that I'm the same age as her sons. We even talked about pregnancy stuff as she is waiting for her sons to give her some grand babies! Then the million dollar question came up: "How did you two meet?" This question will almost always lead to a hard of hearing advocacy moment in my case.
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