Disney 2010

We had an awesome trip to Disney. Disney Guest Relations made Morgan's trip so special. We stayed at Port Orleans, Riverside. Disney arranged to have the room decorated before our arrival. It was complete with embroidered Minnie Mouse ears, Autograph book and pen and a beautiful frame with a signed picture of Mickey inside it.
Morgan did Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo on Sunday and then dinner in the castle afterwards.
On Monday morning Morgan was greeted before the park offically open by none other than, Mickey Mouse. Disney had another set of embroidered ears complete with princess crown and veil. It was the most precious picture, Mickey coming out of his house and Morgan running towards him! After Mickey took her around his house and Minnie's house they had another surprised planned. Morgan spent about 20 minutes with Mickey. Mickey then handed Morgan back over to the Disney people and they walked her down this long hall. At the end of the hall was Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. The look on Morgan's face was priceless! She spent 1/2 hour with the princesses. They told stories and danced and just had a fun time playing. We had dinner Monday at Park Fare with the mean step sisters. After dinner we headed over to the Magic Kingdom for VIP seating Disney arranged for the Electric Light Parade. What a show! Even the floats bowed to Princess Morgan. We ended Monday evening with the Wishes Fireworks! This day was a dream come true for Morgan, THANK YOU MR. DISNEY WORLD!
Everyday when we returned to our room the cleaning woman made sure she had a different animal made with our towels. Morgan's American Girl doll always was seated doing something different. We had more towel animals than on a cruise.
Morgan's favorite ride was Kali River Rapids and right behind this ride was the Barnstormer in Toontown. Morgan was a complete angel the entire trip. We spent time swimming everyday to take a break from all the excitement. We all enjoyed this down time.
Friday Disney arranged for Morgan to have special seating for Beauty and the Beast show along with the Beast giving Morgan the Red Rose.

Big day!

Well today is a big day, Morgan and I are doing a taping of our campaign speech for United Way. We are both pretty nervous, and I am totally on edge. They are going to play the video at a bunch of meetings at Knoll so that all the employees get a chance to see it for the United way kick off. Wish us luck! Thank you United Way!

Morgan's Hearing Journey

Morgan's Hearing Journey


This is just one of the slideshows I put together to pitch the 2010 United Way Campaign for Knoll Inc. We are so honored that they picked us to share our story!

To Morgan, Love Mommom

Dear Morgan,
Someday when you look back at this blog and see what a good job your Mommy and I did trying to make sure we touched everything along your journey.

This morning you were laying on the couch when I came in for my morning visit. You were just waking up. Nothing at all seemed unusual to me. After a little while I sat down with you and you seemed sad. You never seem sad. You are a fisty little girl with lots and lots of energy and enthusiasm. As a matter of fact, last night was your first soccer practice and you just had a ball. You ran and ran! Even when your ear came off you just put it back on and kept running. We talked a little more this morning and then all of a sudden I saw you really were sad. There was a big ole tear running down your sweet cheek. I had no idea why but oh my goodness I had one on my cheek that followed right behind yours. We started talking a little more and you told me, "Mommom, I wish I was like other kids and could hear. I wish I didn't have to wear these Cochlear Implants". Well, Morgan you did break Mommom's heart this morning! But you know Morgan, You are never alone in this journey that won't be easy at times. Your family is right there with you and when you have a tear you will see we do too. And when you smile we will smile too. We are part of you Morgan!

Love, Mommom

What does a kid speech with a CI sound like?

A lot of our friends have asked how is Morgan's speech? Since cochlear implants are still a very new piece of equipment for most, it is a very good question. Most people would think she talks the same as a deaf person with a hearing aid. A hearing aid makes what a person hears just louder. A cochlear implant makes what the person hears clearer. I found a video for you to hear what Morgan sounds like. In the next month we should have her own video posted. As some of you know Morgan and Mommy are spokes persons for the United Way. We might do a power point with Morgan talking back and forth so that you can hear her also. She does sound just like these little guys in the video though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6UQBX8sNPY