When we found out that Erin had a profound hearing loss, one of the hardest things for me to face was that she would never be able to enjoy music. The concept devastated me, because music has always been a huge part of my life. In fact, I minored in it in college.
I am thrilled to say that that fear was completely unsubstantiated.
Toes not only enjoys music, she LOVES music. She insists on having the Wiggles on in the car at all times. As much as I love the Wiggles (really, I do) I do miss hearing the news on NPR in the mornings. Especially now when there are so many critical things going on the world.
So, we have started a new thing on the way to daycare every morning...
As soon as we pull out of the driveway, I say "Erin, Mommy is going to listen to the news." She says "OK, Mommy!" (really, it is "OK, Mah-hee!")
I listen to the news and get caught up.
When we are half way to daycare, she says "Erin's turn! Wiggles!!!!" (really, it's "Er-ahs turn! Wiggles!")
So I turn on the Wiggles.
She listens to the intro, then usually asks for a specific song. "Chicken!" or "Ducks!" or what have you. She sits in the backseat, swaying back and forth (mostly in rhythm) thoroughly enjoying the music.
My first thought was that she liked the music because of the silly lyrics and themes. But, the particular CD she likes most has Music Box Dancer, which is fully instrumental. It is one of her favorite songs. She bops her head back and forth while it plays and always yells out "Pretty!" when it is done.
This tells me she is "getting it". And it makes me SO happy!
Dad to Toes, on the other hand, is not so enarmored with the Wiggles. He would prefer Toes enjoy the classic rock stations he generally has on... but Toes just doesn't seem to get into Led Zeppelin.
Yet. :)
13 comments:
This was one of my concerns when we found out about Thomas' hearing loss. He will dance around with us but I wasn't sure if he was hearing the music or copying us dancing.
I love to hear about Toes and how well she is doing with both her CI's! It is amazing that our deaf babies can enjoy music and dancing!!!
What a great post, and what an agreeable little Toes to let mommy have her npr time each morning! You've trained her well!
Music has sort of become the touchstone for us as to how well Ethan is hearing. Since he is still nonverbal it makes you wonder how well those implants are working. He doesn't mimic speech, but he can hum along with a wide range of music and even hits the different pitches and rythms on the money. It's astounding really.
We are so lucky to have these amazing children!
I have to admit that I am glad my daughter is too young to be into The Wiggles, Tella TUbbies and all of those.
I just wish she was old enough to enjoy the show "baby einstain" I even enjoy those!
Carys loves music too - and totally rocks out to the Wiggles! So funny. Anytime she hears music of any sort she starts dancing, even to the little songs on her Fridge Phonics. No doubt in my mind that she's hearing and appreciating music.
Toes is such an inspiration! So polite that she lets you listen to NPR - I can't turn it on until AFTER I drop off the kids. ;)
While I don't bust a move to Wiggles, I do listen to music and love it. Rock and roll is the hardest but once I listen to it a few times, I can discriminate between the voices and the music. I can even tell when it is a chorus and when a guitar or violin is playing. it is pretty cool :)
I've had to negotiate with my girls over music for so long now. Trey still lets me listen to talk radio, but he really loves Sirius Kidstuff. He guilts me into changing it to HIS channel about half-way through the trip to his school.
The music issue was the thing that bothered me the most w/ Delaney. I love music, and took piano for many, many years. I would have been heartbroken if the kids grew up without enjoying it, hearing it, etc. Luckily it's pretty much the opposite. They all love it, and all took dance (well, the girls.....LOL). Emily actually wants to take guitar lessons. I'll have to keep you posted on that one :)
Great post!
I'm glad Miss Erin's enjoying her Wiggles...I'm in love with music all over again...it's not exactly what I remember yet, but it's only been 2 and a half months...I believe it will get there!
Having music taken away was my biggest holdup about getting my second implant...that was my "good" music ear. It decided to leave me high and dry, though, so the decision was pretty much made for me!
May I suggest Rhinoceros Tap or Philadelphia Chickens? You can find them on Amazon.com...very child-friendly and parent-tolerable!!!
how exciting! I cannot believe she lets you listen to the news - I just get "turn the music on, Mommy" :O)
Toes must be adorable just bopping away in the back seat!
Ella is in love with the Wiggles too. So far we haven't played them in the car- a good thought for a future long car trip! Ella does get bossy in the car about what she would like played on the stereo- currently it is ska music Bob listens to- ugh. We take turns too so I can get to listen to NPR.
I'll bet it is wonderful to see Erin appreciate music. I can just picture her bopping her head along with the beat. :-)
That is so precious! I just love to see the miracles happen right before our eyes.
After Rhyan's diagnosis, I just couldn't get myself to turn the radio on. It was like I had to sit in silence with her and experience her world. How awesome that we can rock out together to Barbie's 'Princess and the Pauper' melodies! Life is so good :)
And for Dad to Toes, I'm sure Led Zeplin will be a favorite of Toes someday! (And I love that picture of her! How beautiful) :)
Music is such an important part of my life too, and I too, struggled with the thought of my little man not being able to experience it. Thanks for the amazing post--I love hearing about all of Erin's milestones and your PROUD MOMMY MOMENTS!
Believe it or not I prefer rap! However the fast rapping doesn't interest Gage. He prefers more classic rock (guitar music where you can still hear the lyrics) and Brook sings Fergie and some of my booty music! But it's nice to hear those words from a 4 year old..."Apple Bottom jeans...boots w/the fur, the whole club was lookin' at her..." sure I had to slow it down and teach her the correct words, but all children should know when it's appropriate to "hit the flo" and "get low" right? haha....
This absolutely tears me up. Erin is amazing. Simply amazing.
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