The preserve, rocks, and the little ear

Earlier this month we discovered B & M Preserve near the house (at the opposite base of the PIR mountain side). There's fishing, hiking, canoeing and plenty to explore! The Gila River runs through the middle of it.

Reed is really fond of spotting out all the birds but his favorite part of the preserve so far is an old dock we stumbled across. Hidden by the water reeds, it sits out about 3 feet out from the bank - a perfect spot for throwing rocks! We sat for about an hour listening to "ka-plunk" and then a giggle from Reed. The next time we go we will have to remember to bring a pail to help cut out scramble for rocks when his pile ran out!

These are some of my favorite pictures from that "adventure". There are also a few good shots of Reed's little ear, we call it his nubbie. Not many people have asked about that cute little ear. While some parents have issues discussing those sorts of things, we are confident that God made him perfectly Reed!

His little ear is what is called Microtia (his is a typical Grade 3). This deformity happens mostly in boys and mostly on the right side. It happens 1 out of 8000-10,000 births (much more then I thought!). Wikipedia is a good resource for more information if you are interested. The theory is that its causes by decreased blood supply to the ear in-utero.

From day 1, I believed he could hear on this side. At his 1 year appointment, the Ear Specialist finally agreed - though it didnt matter to us either way. It hasnt slowed his development at all and he actually talks more then most boys his age. He seems to locate sounds fine and has good balance (despite being related to clumsy me!).

When he gets to be 6-8 years old we will have some choices to make - prosthetic ear, ear implant (created from one of his ribs), or do nothing. We figure by then he will be able to have some input on what we will consider. The surgeries are extensive and ... well, his little nubbie is just SO fun to kiss because it tickles!

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

The link to the rest of the pictures in this set can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/klingenmeier/sets/72157613241716354/