Our Inspired Journey

Gramma and Gramps left last week and Ryder is already talking about the next time they come! We faced one of our coldest weeks yet when they were here, but loved enduring it with them!!! Having my parents close again reminded me of how much I miss living within an hours drive. They are so wonderful at loving us and their grandsons up close or far away and we are so glad to have been able to spend time with them when they were here!

During their stay, my Dad, Ryder and I were able to go to the Illinois vs. Ohio State football game which was cold but so much fun! We sat, bundled up in our seats in the 28 degree weather while my mom gladly stayed home with Cole. :) This was the first game where I stayed past the pre-game show and was so thankful to have seen the marching Band play the half time show and John conduct at their last home game of the season. Luckily the wind blew at our backs so we didn't feel the wind chill hitting our faces or we wouldn't of lasted as long as we did!

I was especially glad my parents were able to come with us to ECHO one day to see for themselves where we spend so much of our time with Cole! We were right in the middle of deciding which Cochlear Implant manufacturer to choose for Cole's implementation surgery on December 11th and I was so thankful to have my Dad there asking great questions to make the choice for us more clear :) We've decided to go with Advanced Bionics Corporation who is actually based out of Sylmar, CA! We hope to visit the plant someday where they made Cole's implant and thank them for being a part of the miracle for our son. :) Check out their website if you'd like. www.advancedbionics.com

Here's picture of Gramps playing with his grandsons...they LOVED having him here!!!

My mom will return at the end of December in anticipation of Cora's arrival and we're SO thankful! She has been such an incredible support to our family at the arrival of each of the boys and even though we're far away, she'll be here again to help us welcome our little girl into the world. We are so thankful for her and my dad who supports her coming to stay a while in the coldest month of our Illinois winter! We love you Gramma and Gramps and can't wait for your next visit!