Shortly after the news of Cole's hearing loss, Ryder, Cole and I went to the library. We go every week, either once or twice for story times for the boys, but this day was different. On this day, we went armed with the knowledge that we all needed to learn sign language to begin communicating better with Cole. So Ryder and went up to the children's desk and ask the wonderful librarians there to show where where we could find books that could help teach us to sign with our little brother. We all needed to learn! Of course she was very helpful and we left that day with our stroller filled with board books, big books, picture books and chapter books on learning to communicate with our little brother and son.
The following days we would pull a board book out every once in a while and learn a new sign to teach Cole. Up to this point, even the signs I also taught Ryder as a baby (more, please, thank you, sorry, eat, etc.) were not signs Cole seemed interested in learning! Recently though, he's seemed to be more frustrated at his inability to communicate with us. He's almost 15 months old and by this time, most children have spoken their first word and begin the development of spoken language. Cole is very ready to communicate (he's a master pointer!) but needs the tools to do so. So until we receive more information regarding his exact level of hearing loss and resources that are available for helping him, have begun speaking more expressively using our eyes and facial expression for intentionally to help him learn to read faces and lips as well as teaching him sign language throughout the day as we have opportunities. :)
Ryder is really loving being his brother's teacher and learning alongside him! The other night he asked, "Mom, how do you say fan in sign language?" He was laying in his bed as I was tucking him in, staring up at the ceiling fan in his room and wondering how he would tell his brother about that fan! The Lord has really given him the desire to teach others and be in charge...wonder where he got that from! He's been a gift to me in this season as I need more and more helpful hands around the house with sister on the way!
Learning of Cole's hearing loss is an unexpected gift - two ladies at work know how to sign and they taught me how to sign "Aunt Erin" already! And I just got the video camera in time too. :) I adore and love you all. If I could move out there and be with you, I would. Just spoke with an admissions counselor today for the university.