In the Swim

Wow, I really have fallen down on updating my blog!

The summer is in full swing, the kids have been out of school since the end of May. Thanks to Pam, who took Michael and Emily for a few days the last week of school, so I could get some things done around the house, and also help with end of the year activities for Sophie. Here's her class at their party. It's amazing to see how they have grown over the year. It was a great year; though we did have some challenges. She got a new teacher with only 3 months of school left due to the Whopping Cough outbreak. That was traumatic, but the new teacher did a GREAT job, and this was her first ever class. We are glad she will be back next year full time, am hoping one of the twins will have her in a few years.


A new activity for us this year has been Swim Team. Sophie loves the water, and this is a great opportunity for her to really learn her strokes, be part of a team sport, and have fun (hopefully) all at the same time.

The main obstacle is her hearing loss. I have tried my best to never coddle her over having to wear hearing aids. I think Terry and I have both done a great job of being very matter of fact about the issue. The last thing we want is for her to think of herself as a victim, or as someone who "cannot do ......" because of her hearing loss. But, in the pool she is definitely at a disadvantage. Our team coordinator has been great-it helps that she is also on the Exceptional Kids Committe at Sophie's school. She suggested that her 14 yr old daughter, who is a year round swimmer, be Sophie's helper during practices and meets. This has worked out wonderfully. Kelsey is by Sophie's side during practice, relaying to her what the coach is saying. She is encouraging and positive, and I think this has made a big impact in Sophie's experience this summer. There have been a few times when Kelsey wasn't available, and I have had to step in and remind one of the other teen coaches they need to be relaying for her. Watching the main coach give an entire explanation and knowing that your daughter heard none of it is heart breaking. Sophie has worn heairng aids since she was 6 ms old, and this is the first time that she has been put in a situation where she cannot use them. It makes me see her hearing loss like I never have before. It also makes me realize just how extremely fortunate we are that the technology exists to help her on a daily basis. So many people have commented to me that they never would have known she wears them, except for it being an issue at swim team. Because she manages so well, I forget that she is hearing imparied most of the time. It's been a learning process for me as well.

All smiles before the meet

Name and team spirit on the back

Getting some diving help from her coach during warm ups

Starting her first race ever, 25M freestyle. She is on the blocks in Lane 2, and is looking toward the starter, who will give her a hand signal as she blows the horn. Kelsey is in the blue cap to the right of Sophie. She wrote Soph's events on her arm as well as her own, so she could be there and take her hearing aids at the last minute. When I saw she had done that, it choked me up, such a caring young lady.

Almost there!

After event #57, 25M backstroke, with our friend and neighbor Antonia. Right after I took this picture Sophie looked up at me and said "Can we PLEASE go home now, I am SO tired!" By this time it was 9pm, and we were all tired!