The Wonderous Return of Mr. Bear Perkins

It’s a sad truth that we all have to learn at some point in our lives. Things die. Butterflies, cows, dinosaurs, crushes on Jennifer Love Hewitt…One day it’s there - the next gone. Forever.

But every so often something comes along that finds a way. It’s sheer will to survive is too strong to roll over and say life’s proverbial “Uncle”. A rainbow after the storm, the great pacific manatee, the prodigal son…crushes on Jennifer Love Hewitt. Somehow, some way, they make their way back into our lives -time and time again.

Bear is Londyn’s rainbow. We underestimated that stuffingless grizzly.

Found by a 14-month-old little boy, in a drawer that no one knew existed. By some miracle Bear is back…and loved more than ever by a 3-year-old little girl.

Welcome home Bear. It was 2 months that seemed an eternity to Londyn.

Cal's Activation

Well we guessed right! Everyone asked us how we thought Cal would respond when he was first turned on, and we said "he'll probably do his nervous laugh." He was such a good sport at the appointment. It is a long and strenuous process for a 1yr old, but he did a great job! For the past two weeks, Cal has just been getting acquainted with his implant. Yesterday we went in again and they activated more electrodes and turned it up a level. Today at breakfast Londyn started talking to Cal, and he turned and looked at her! I think it is the first time he has actually heard her talk. It has been a whole new world of fun at our house these last couple of weeks, and we are so grateful for the genius doctors that came up with this miraculous technology.

Here are a few pics of his new skull candy!

Cal's Implant

Been pretty busy 'round the Perkins' abode. Cal's cochlear implant was activated, took a little trip to Disneyland, and we are in mid Utah football season (a very important time in the Perkins home). So pics & stories are soon to come, but for now here is what Cal's implant looks like.

Obituary

Bear “B” Perkins - May 25, 2005 to September 10, 2009

Bear was born May 25, 2009 to Londyn Perkins. After a long battle of love and abuse, we lost Bear on September 10, 2009. Bear was a beloved member of the family that could be found anywhere Londyn was. He enjoyed naps, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and having Londyn tell him stories at night. Bear especially loved being used as a weapon against Londyn’s younger brother, Calan. Survived by his best friend Londyn, brother “Monkey”, and numerous lifelong friends. While Londyn has been strong through this loss, our hearts and prayers are with Brynn Perkins whom is struggling with this tragedy. A traditional funeral will not be held, but a day of mourning is scheduled at the Perkins Home on Sept 26, 9am to 9pm. Family and friends are welcome to call during these hours for condolences.

Cal's Eventful Two Weeks

Mr. Cal turned 1! He had a great party with family, ate some yummy cake, and got a whole bunch of fun presents! Since he turned one, our sweet, cuddly boy has turned into a complete maniac. Cal is definitely going to be a wild man like his daddy!

Cal's Surgery went extremely well. He was only in surgery for an hour and a half. They were able to place all of the electrodes in the cochlea without any complications. In fact, he was back to his normal self about 7 hours after the surgery. There were three other 1 year old babies that got implants that day, so Cal had a lot of fun playing with his new friends! Our little man is such a trooper, and we are so very proud of him!

Happy Birthday Cal!

365 days ago that Brynn and I were in the hospital holding our tiny little infant. And here we are, one year later, holding a fat little man. And that fat little man has brought us more happiness then we ever thought possible. Calan is the type of kid that smiles for anybody, laughs for no reason, waves to passing airplanes and burrows into your neck when he’s tired. I’m lucky to be his Dad. Happy Birthday Cal.

T minus 16 days until Cochlear Implant, Pending Insurance...

We have had several people ask us "what exactly is a cochlear implant?" It's funny because almost every person who asks says: "Sorry, I am totally ignorant about this sort of thing." Please don't be sorry. We didn't have a clue what a CI was until a week after we found out our son was completely deaf. I always love educating people on the implant because it is a medical miracle. Technology now provides the opportunity for deaf people to hear the world around them. Why on earth would you do this to your 1 year old child? Why do you not let him get older and chose for himself? Well, here are our answers: When implanted at 1, a child's ability to learn and adapt to the new sound in his or her environment is easier than when he is older. They generally speak better and hear better the younger they are implanted. It is an extremely tough decision to make when you have a deaf child. You have people judging you all over the place (hearing and deaf). We decided that we have to do what is best for our family. We are a hearing and speaking family, so we decided to have Calan go down this road. I respect both sides of the argument on implanting a child, and I support any decision a parent makes for their own child. We will still sign, we will still teach him deaf culture, and we will never, ever, ever brush aside the fact that he is deaf. It is who he is, and we love him for it!

Happy 24th

To you and yours on this, the 24th of July...

The Calan Show

Cal is signing a 10-month old signing fool. As of now he has signed at one time or another: daddy, mommy, more, milk, light, airplane, binky, want and a few others. It is awesome to watch your deaf child communicate with you. He is doing really well. He is scheduled for his cochlear implant surgery Sept. 4th and 30 days later his implant will be activated. So in roughly 12 weeks our little dude will be able to hear. It’s pretty crazy to think about it. He also is starting (okay trying) to crawl. It’s tough for the kid. He’s basically made out of chubby circles, but he’s getting there. Bottom line, Cal's a cute little dude that is always happy. I think we'll keep him around.