So beginning a year ago we had Serena tested because her speech was off. She has a weird accent and is hard to understand. We took her to the Early Intervention Program and she was on target for her age and ahead in some areas, so they didn't offer any services or express concern.
Well, she still was not progressing and Aleeya was surpassing her so I pulled out the paperwork again in October and saw that she had failed the hearing test, it would have been nice if they had mentioned that! So then I scheduled an appointment with an audiologist and had her professionally tested. She has low level hear loss in both ears. It was recommended that she see an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor.
We went to the first ENT and he didn't have the hearing test results and couldn't see any fluid, so it was basically a wasted appointment, after an hour and a half wait. After he got the hearing results we played phone tag for several weeks and finally the receptionist spoke with me the week of Thanksgiving. She indicated that the doctor recommended tubes. I began asking questions and she said I would have to talk to the doctor and wanted to schedule another appointment. I wasn't interested in paying for another appointment for what should have happened the first time, so I asked if the doctor could call me. Well, the receptionist got all rude and hung up on me. Therefore...we went to another doctor. I think that staff are a reflection of a doctor's practice, so I was not going back. Just a point of interest, they still have never called me back-11 weeks later!
I got some referrals from friends to Dr. Stuart Barlow and even his waiting room had a better feeling. This appointment was much better, I had the hearing results mailed to me so I could take them myself, and he explained that the hope is that the low level loss is caused by fluid in the ear. There was none visible and she has not had ear infections, but it was a first step.
So we scheduled the surgery and Serena was very used to people looking into her ears at this point, so she didn't seem to scared. I am sure I was way more worried than she was.
We went to the McKay Dee Surgical Center at 6:45 a.m. and the surgery was at 7:30 a.m. Serena enjoyed wearing her pj's and playing with the bear that they gave her.
This picture is her leaving me to go to surgery. She was gone less than ten minutes before they called me from the waiting room to go to the consult room. The doctor said she did great and he was encouraged because they had drained fluid off. It wasn't puss filled, but there was a scab on her right ear drum, so they cleaned that off.
I held her for about fifteen minutes and they gave her Motrin and some apple juice. We sat for a few minutes more to make sure she wasn't nauseous and then we were on our way. She talked all the way home and when we stopped at McBride's to get Aleeya, she ran off to play and has been fine ever since.
We will wait a month before she is tested again. She was making some bird sounds (loud screeches) and said, pointing to her ear, it is louder in here, so I am hoping that is a good sign.
Today we went to the Logan Temple and were sealed as a family. Taylor was proxy for Dad. It was a nice day and family and neighbors came to support us. Afterwards, we had a potato bar at the house. Carrie watched the kids while we were at the temple. It doesn't seem real that it has been a year since Dad died. I am thankful for the gospel that bonds families together forever.
Aleeya cannot be left unsupervised! I guess that showering is not allowed for moms.
Serena started cleaning it up without anyone asking her. She is my only child that naturally sees a mess and starts helping.
All of the preschool children participated in a fun field trip about bread making, apparently only Serena (of the Dearden children) posed for the picture.
There are always helpers with presents!
Church shirts are always a hit!
Carter made this blue bird at the Tree House museum and gave it to Grandma Hoppie
Opening presents from Grandma Hoppie
Aleeya working on her treasure.
Sisters sharing.
Serena reading her book.
Serena is a natural at roller skating.
Carter is a bit more conservative, look at his face!
Love to see siblings playing together!
Carter, king of the slide!
I love fieldtrips that get out physical energy!
Aleeya climbs right along with the big kids!
Our favorite ride!
Serena loves to give "Fives" as she goes by.
Aleeya loved this dinosaur game. She could open and close the mouth, without money, so she had a great time.
I added this so you could see the front and side view of her darling hair. Jenni McBride did it for her while we were at the doctor with Serena. Jenni always does her hair, so when Taylor dropped her off she ran in the house and said "make me pretty!"
Carter loves to play roller ball.
We went to the McKay Dee Surgical Center at 6:45 a.m. and the surgery was at 7:30 a.m. Serena enjoyed wearing her pj's and playing with the bear that they gave her.
This picture is her leaving me to go to surgery. She was gone less than ten minutes before they called me from the waiting room to go to the consult room. The doctor said she did great and he was encouraged because they had drained fluid off. It wasn't puss filled, but there was a scab on her right ear drum, so they cleaned that off. 
Of course, we have had the coldest weather EVER! So here is a picture of all that Carter wore. He said he was so warm that he was sweating!
Amelia came to playschool all decked out, so after class during free time Serena joined the fun and they flew all over the house. I have a darling video of them running around in circles.
