This state.

Is a silly one.
Why you ask?

Well all these talks about "cutting USDB services"
"closing the school down."

What would these children do?
I know it's not the GREATEST program.
But it's a program.
Savanah has been involved with them since she was two and a half.
She has grown partial to it.

There are some amazing teachers.
Aides.
Resources.

Oh man. . . why can't America and this state of ours. . .
just get it straight!?!

BFF

Meet M
This is Savanah's bestie.
She is also deaf.
They use to party during pre-school.

They have remained VERY good friends
after attending different schools etc.

M is awesome.
She has a cochlear implant as well.
She talks wonderfully.
She is such a great friend.

And it makes me all fuzzy inside
that she has a forever friend,
a friend who knows exactly what it's like to be deaf.
Exactly what it's like to swim and not be able to hear,
to sleep and not be able to hear,
to wear a cochlear implant,
change batteries,
watch TV and listen to music etc.

These two are quite the characters.

Summer School

Each summer around this time
Savanah attends summer school
for a few weeks

She was thrilled the other day
after picking her up from her first day
"Mom. I did not have to do math today!"
"There is no math in summer school!"
"Isn't that so cool Mom?!"

:)

Toes Did

Savanah was a VERY big girl
the other day
she accompanied Grandma and myself
to the pedicure place

Savanah picked her colors
and waited patiently to sit down
and get pampered

She even told the gal
she wanted a PATTERN on her toes.
Check it out. . .
pretty nice pattern huh?

Assume

Desmond and I were mentioning yesterday
at the infamous waterpark
that we took Savanah too
that it's sort of comical how everyone
just assumes that everyone can hear.

Everyone yesterday meaning lifeguards and swimpark patrons.
Before we talked into the park,
we decided to leave Savanah's CI in the truck.
Less hastle, we knew it would be 100% safe in there.

I always feel bad when she has to be implantless for so long.
I think it bothers her sometimes too.
But I don't think it bothered her enough
because she immediately took off.

We had a few encounters with some lifeguards.
They always have to explain what the rules are
what to do before going down a slide etc.
One of them even had to measure her and was yelling
at her to get her attention
Desmond immediately stepped in
he just quietly mentioned to her
"She's deaf, just takes a little more patience."
The lifeguard got weird and apologized a million times after that
One of the many reasons we try not to let people know.

But I guess since it is dominantly a hearing world
of course people assume that others can hear
Savanah asked me today why I could hear the boys talking
about her when she couldn't.
So apparently if your deaf, you just assume,
that if you're deaf, others are.

My sweet Savanah I love you.

MONDAY.

Savanah is on a countdown to tomorrow.
No, not because of the 4th.
Or fireworks.
Because those are done and over with.
But because her dad and I are taking her to. . .
SEVEN PEAKS!

She is beyond stoked.
So excited.
Seriously, she has asked if it is Monday everyday since last Monday.

But I have to admit something.
Something that mothers who have children who hear do not think about.
I am terrified to take her here.
I get so nervous running around a waterpark
Having Savanah completely deaf the entire time.
Lifeguards, people, etc. they do not know this.

Even though she is seven and she swims like a pro.
I still feel like I have to keep a hawk eye on her.
Watch her every move because she cannot hear.

We have had encounters with lifeguards before.
It is hard trying to explain rules and regulations to her.
I wish I knew a better way sometimes.
Or a magic water implant too.

VROOM. . . or whatever a jet sounds like.

Last night while celebrating the 4th. . .
yes I know, we're a little early,
it's tomorrow,
but you see we live in Utah Valley.
And they do things a little weird here.
But no big deal.
Just means a LONGER weekend for us.

We were swimming and celebrating,
BBQ'ing and laughing,
fireworkin' and smiling.

The Stadium of Fire (Utah Valley's BIG patriotic celebration)
was going on just a few blocks away.
They always have big huge JETS fly over the stadium and around the valley.
And boy are they L O U D !

Savanah was swimming.
Just minding her own business in the pool.
Enjoying her deaf world.
Not being bothered by anything.
When all of a sudden, out of nowhere,
She exclaimed with pure delightment.
"I heard that!" "What was that?" "I heard that!" "Whoa!"

Have I mentioned to you lately, Savanah is pure awesomeness.