a B.E.A.R. of a test!

     We had our audiology testing done today, it is called a BEAR, which stands for Auditory Brainstem Response somehow :) With this test 3 electrodes are placed on the child's head and an earplug that delivers sound waves is placed in the child's ears. Then sounds are administered through the earplugs and the electrodes basically pick up to detect if the child has the brain function to hear noise. We posted pictures taken from our phone with the electrode placement, but forgot to get one with the earplugs in place. Sophia did outstanding! For this test the child has to be asleep for 60-90 minutes with all this garb stuck to their head and in their ears, sch-yeah right! We were a little nervous going in, but we had kept her up basically all morning to ensure she would be schnockered by the time it came for the test, oh and we gave her a bath and fed her just before the test too....but still come on how were we to ensure she would actually stay asleep for any length of time...but she did!!! She slept pretty much the whole entire time. she fussed a bit towards the end and Tanner held her for the last test, but the results were not clear with that part of the test because of all the moving, but the audiologist did not seem too concerned.

      Her left ear passed with within normal, and her right ear was close to normal, but again the audiologist did not really seem concerned and stated that the real test will be around 6-10 months. That is because Sophia will then be able to be tested more thoroughly as far as turning her head towards a noise at different wave lengths and whatnot. Right now she just is not at that stage, I mean she is only 3 1/2 weeks, give her a break :) So, at least we know she can hear, she just may have decreased hearing in her right ear, or she may not....too early to tell for sure. The audiologist was very impressed with how well she did cooperating with sleeping and being poked and prodded a bit. Needless to say our little girl is still a bit pooped and has pretty much slept since her audiology appointment, only waking up to eat a little bit.....hopefully we will not be regretting keeping her up in the AM this evening! We just did not want to have to reschedule our appointment just because she was not sleepy! 

     Other than that, life is pretty good...Sophia has been eating more at most of her feedings and either we are getting weaker or she is getting heavier! Let's hope it is the latter, we think it is! She has been sleeping fairly well at night only waking up to eat really, which just happens to be about every 2 hours or so! So it is a family affair at night with Tanner feeding Sophia and Sarah pumping so she has something to eat! We have both been trying to rest a bit more during the day when we can, but it is hard because when she is sleeping you can actually get somethings done around the house like showering or laundry :) Tanner has also been able to get a few runs in, which is good since he is running a half-marathon next month! Oh speaking of Tanner please keep him in your prayers as we should be finding out if he got into the Radiology Tech or Sonography programs shortly!! 

     Other "really exciting" news Sophia got her SS# today so we get to apply for her passport so we can go on our family vacation with Sarah's side of the family the first week in June!! We think it is just a little ridiculous and sad that she needs a passport, especially since from the time this picture is taken to the time we actually use it her looks will be different, not even thinking a year from now how different she will be!!! Oh we love our country:)

     Well, that is about it for now! We appreciate all the prayers and support! Please keep it coming! Also, those of you in Duluth feel free to stop by without an invitation, just call or text prior in order to make sure we are home and we are decent, i.e. not pumping or having skin-to-skin time between Sophia and Sarah! Thanks! Much love!