Nothing but Peaceful Summer Days...

...who could ask for anything more than that? We've been on vacation up in Wisconsin the past week and a half. We come up here every summer to visit my mom, my grandparents, and family and to go camping at Boulder Lake (my mom has a great trailer, so we don't actually rough it). It's a smaller lake in the middle of a national forest and just BEAUTIFUL! The smell of the piney woods and sounds of nature bring a sense of peace about me, a sense I truly needed this year. I look at it as God's way of reminding me that everything will be okay, to just take deep breaths of the fresh air and enjoy His beautiful surroundings. I absolutely love the serenity of it all and this year has been the best trip ... even with a 3 month old in tow.

Camping let my mind rest of Aiden's deafness. It was so nice to just enjoy my children in a place we all love and not worry about running to therapy or doctor appointments (of course I still worked with Aiden everyday ... a little note to not stress my AVT's) or worry about what I can do with my other two to keep them busy all around Aiden's schedule. It brought back a part of me I haven't felt in a long time.

Aiden loved it just as much. The crisp fresh air really put him out! He slept great! Everyday we took a walk through the grounds down to the lake. As I walked, I listened. And naturally, without even thinking about it,

"Aiden, listen. Bird."
"Aiden, listen. Boat."
"Aiden, listen. Water."
"Aiden, listen. Fire."

There are SO many great sounds in nature! Prior to Aiden, my favorite part of camping was to wake up early, get my coffee, and sit on the deck with my mom and just chat with sounds of nature all around. I never thought much about it, just enjoyed the beauty of it. Who ever knew these sounds would become so important to me and my precious binky boy!

Throughout the week I also thought ahead. I know I'm supposed to live in the NOW, but I couldn't help but think of camping next summer. Aiden will be 16 months and (hopefully) have his implants. He'll be running around and I won't be relaxing near as much. Just thinking of what a learning experience it will be for my baby ... just thinking of all the sounds in nature that God has given us ... just thinking of the smiles and wide eyes on my baby's face as he hears these sounds for the very first time ... just thinking of all this brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. I have faith my baby will hear ... my baby will hear the lovely sounds of nature ... one day ... one day soon.