David Ryan
7/5/2013
8 pounds, 14 ounces
Needless to say, he has captured our hearts and we are in love! Everyone is adjusting quite well as a new family of four and Sophie is a great big sister. She wants to hold and kiss him constantly and help with everything having to do with her new little brother.
Unlike his big sister, David can hear. While most people are delighted when we share this news, it is extremely bittersweet to me. For many reasons, this feeling is hard to explain and I think only a fellow hearing loss mom may fully understand. To me, Sophie is absolutely perfect and such a special little girl. Some may consider her deafness a flaw or a burden, but I think it makes her even more amazing. Although we feel a bit of relief that David's early years will not be spent juggling therapy appointments, it feels wrong to rejoice that he lacks the trait making Sophie so special to us. Also, a part of me would like her to have someone to share her struggles with as she gets older - someone who understands what it is like to be deaf. I know that one day soon she will ask me about David's ears and wonder if he will also be getting implants. These questions are easy to answer now because she is only three, but I know they will become harder in the future.
One thing I am certain of as a type this update - I will love and treasure both of these kiddos with all of my heart for the rest of my life. They are both special and I know they will encounter individual and unique struggles, hearing or not.
