Hearing!

Yesterday, Annika had her 2nd hearing test which confirmed she has moderate hearing loss in both ears. The audiologist was wonderful and we discussed options on hearing devices, school accommodations, costs, and more. We meet tomorrow with the next ENT specialist and will decide which hearing device we will go with and then the audiologist will get them ordered. One of the decisions Jay and I will decide with the help of the ENT doctor is whether to implant the hearing devices now or later, and if we decide to do it later, then Annika will wear what’s called a soft band, which is a stretchy headband that the hearing devices click on to and rest on her head. There are so many decisions to make and Jay and I want to make sure we proceed carefully and do our homework thoroughly before making any surgical decisions. THE highlight of the appointment was Annika getting to try on a softband BAHA (hearing aid). Annika is NOT a headband kind of person and she was not at all thrilled about the animal-print headband. But, once the device was turned on, she got to hear for the first time in a way she never has! While she was wearing the BAHA, we went back into the soundproof booth and the audiologist performed another hearing test on Annika, this time through the speakers instead of headphones. I watched her expression and teared up as she heard my voice and responded. Then, as she responded to each sound or voice she heard at a soft whisper, I cried silent tears of joy for my little girl. 

Please pray for us as we navigate our way in the medical world and make decisions for Annika. Pray we make the right decisions for her and with her. She’s been a trooper and her world has already changed so much. She continues to thrive and grow. Her English is slowly increasing and every day I’m amazed at a new word or phrase that comes out of her mouth. 

I could spend hours writing about all the special moments and people in Annika's life! I could literally fill a book! But for now, let me highlight her buddy, Pierce. He is in Annika's class and he is one of her best buds. This kid has been through a lot in his little life. He and his precious family have known loss and heartache, but you''d never guess that when meeting him. He is one of THE most loving, kindest and passionate kids you'll ever meet. He's funny and he is one of Eli's and now Annika's favorite friends. Pierce has welcomed Annika into his school and class without hesitation and he continually shows her the love of Christ and friendship. God is using Pierce as one of the pieces of the puzzle of Annika's life, and I am so thankful for him (and his godly family). Because Annika had to leave school early yesterday for her hearing appointment, her incredible teacher let Annika and Pierce go in the hall and toss the football for a few minutes.... just so Annika wouldn't completely miss out on one the favorite parts of her day: playing football with her buddy, Pierce. 😍 Made. Annika's. Day. Melted my heart. 

<3
February 12th marks Annika’s 2 month home anniversary! Since it falls on a Sunday, we have chosen that day as the perfect opportunity to officially introduce her to our church body and dedicate her to the Lord. As so many of you have walked with us and supported us in our adoption journey, our church body has been just as amazing (remember our Family Play Day we had back in October? Our church body helped us raise thousands of dollars that day!) We want to stand before our church and say thank you, introduce her, and our Pastor will pray over our family. The ceremony itself only lasts a few minutes, but it is a big occasion and one near and dear to my heart. Our Pastor has prayed over our first 3 babies and presented them with a small New Testament Bible, which I have saved and treasure to this day. It means the world to me that he would also pray over our 4th child, no matter how old she is when she came to us. <3

God is good!