It's just the way we are!

I see myself as a reasonable cook .....I love good food and I love to bake!
But there is one recipe my husband and I failed on .....the art of making perfect babies.

Sure they look perfectly normal

They have ten fingers and ten toes

They are normal in every way ......except they are hearing impaired!

Both were born before neonatal screening ....which is a blessing in a way because we had years of being 'normal'.....but at three Mister 12 was diagnosed with a moderate to severe loss! He wears hearing aids and a FM. We have worked hard to ensure he communicates like his peers. He probable right now hates me for correcting his language continually but I hope when he is an adult he thanks me.

When Miss 8 was two we were told she had an unusual audio gram but as her language was so advanced for her age not to worry about and get her retested when she started school .... unfortunately when she started Prep my Mum was sick and we didn't worry, so we went on until last year when she started falling behind and we got her tested! She has a mild to moderate loss! She will wear an FM in class now.

This is all good, we live in a country where the equipment is free and we are well cared for. 

So yes we didn't have perfect kids but really who does???

So what do I ask of the universe? Apart from a miraculous cure!
Really what do I ask of my Mummy peers?
I ask that when you child asks what is wrong with my child, you do not ignore or take pity - no oh the poor thing has lost his/her hearing but rather explain that my child wears hearing aids or a FM to help him/her hear.

That you don't complain or feel your child is being held back because your child is in a class with my child and the teacher is wearing an FM - believe me this has happened! But rather accept that my child has just as much a right to be in that class as yours does! 

Don't think your child is kind or extraordinary for playing with the kid who can't hear well, be happy because your child has found a friend.

Don't not invite my child for a play, sleep over or to your child's party because it's too hard. It isn't and I will help if need be.

And when I tell you that we have just had a new diagnosis, don't feel awkward and then excuse yourself because you can't handle difference but rather give me a hug and treat me like normal!
And most of all treat us as you would treat any other family!