Hearing passed

Our speech and language pathologist for Ginja suggested we have her hearing tested to ensure no concerns, as she has over sensitive ears and is really soft toned with her speech. So I made sure we all got a full eight hours of sleep. Dad wasn't able to get time off for the appointment so I was ready for the worst appointment ever (when family dr looks at her ears we have to pin her, she goes into meltdown) so I was ready for a nightmare appointment to occur. We went to Heritage Hearing Clinic in Pembroke, they set aside an appointment for two audiologists to work with her. Much to my surprise they were amazing with Ginja, she didn't fuss, fight or cry once!!! I sat back and watched them in action, they didn't give her a minute to doubt and allowed her to play while conducting the tests. So she is definitely hearing us:) The audiologist performed words with Ginja while she was in the sound proof booth, the other audiologist was with her and she pointed to the pictures each and every time and the audiologist said she could not turn the volume any lower and she was still hearing extremely well. That explains her over sensitivity. So step one done, rule out hearing issues. This week we also did the one hour intake with Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre and have been referred to the next step which is the Getting Started program where they will give us strategies for day to day life and start therapies. That call will take about 6 weeks to receive and then we will be seen in about 4-5 months. That is discouraging to me as a mom, as early intervention shows the best results. They are the ones who decide if a psychological assessment would be beneficial. So I have been looking into our options, I even called McMaster Children's Hospital where my oldest was born and they are at an approximate wait of 12 months, better but still not good enough. Fiancées family is seeing if their family doctor who is also a paediatrician can see her and our last resort is to take her to Energing Minds in Ottawa for a private diagnosis, which is not covered by OHIP and we can only claim $1000 per year, so there would still be out of pocket fees for us, but is the quickest route to services and a diagnosis. 

Above is our beautiful Ginja waiting to enter her hearing test. So time to flip the page and keep on trucking :D

Ignited

Yesterday I attended the local autism group with Ginja. Before entering that room I knew she had autistic tendencies, when the doors opened it was like we were pulled right into the group and had been attending all along. No judgements were passed for her frequent meltdown and screaming events. In each one of the beautiful children I saw characteristics of my Ginja. I felt relieved and understood. Each one of the other parents knew exactly where I was because they at one time were in my place. They had all waited for a diagnosis, they all know my every day life. They knew how to make me laugh while I sat in My chair observing and watching the door to make sure my and their flight risk children didn't escape. I sat there taking it all in, and it's coincidental that group occurred on Sunday  because it was like "church" for me. For a while deep down I knew Ginja showed autistic tendancies, the drs pushed back and told me to wait it out she would come around etc. As I sat there I was happy to be a part of an unspoken understanding, and within myself I found peace knowing I was right for trusting my gut instinct. In that moment I became angry at the health care system for thinking it was ok to make children wait 18-24 months for a diagnosis. In that moment I decided I would not wait patiently and I became a determined momma bear. I came home and researched my butt off, staying up until 3 am with our sleepless Ginja. This morning I started calling. Now I wait for a few returned calls, and know I have an option for private diagnosis that could be majority covered by insurance within the next couple of months! I will not stop fighting for my kids and yesterday ignited a new flame. 

Under the weather

I realize it has been a few weeks for posting, the entire family had the flu that turned to the winter cold and to finish it off I ended up with food poisoning! We still have the lingering cough and runny nose but I can handle that! We saw the speech and language specialist and had Ginja's assessment completed, her understanding is at an age range of three and a half so she is on target for that, and expressive speech is delayed but that was what got us the diagnosis to start with. Tomorrow we meet with infant and child development worker to do the intake process and get more help while we wait the 18 months to get into CHEO. So we are the steps to answers. 

Wedding! So I have decided to go with alternative flowers. I will be making flowers from material like chiffon, silk and a few other materials. That took care of the how to preserve my bouquet and saved us a ton of money on our floral budget. I may still choose some fresh baby's breath but will incorporate a lot of twigs, lace and burlap in the centrepieces. 

Look what I won from Julie Keon, www.juliekeon.com !!! I am so excited to attend this awesome show, she is doing a seminar on writing your own vows. We will be fortunate to work with her for our wedding as we have confirmed her as our officiant. Now we have to just pay the deposit for our photographer that I finally decided on!!! I had decided prior to seeing their work in person but are going with BH Photography based in Almonte, Ont. After seeing their work and talking to them at the bridal show in Renfrew, I knew I wanted to book them and they embraced our idea of a first look. Then on the Monday following the show I received an email telling me that I won their $500 off giveaway! I could not have been more excited!! Check out their awesome work www.bhphotography.ca

I am getting more and more excited as we start to prepare the details and finalize our vendor list. It also reminds me there is so much work to be completed. Look for my future posts on with some how tos!