Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Reuben's voice!




The most amazing thing has been happening over the last few days. After months of getting Reuben to tolerate first a modified speech valve (PMV) in which we had a tiny hole drilled to release some of the pressure (the valve would go shooting across the room unmodified), then his throat surgery in January to remove a large fibroma and then tolerating his unmodified speech valve but panicking whenever he heard any slight vocalisation, til now finally hearing Reuben's beautiful voice again after nearly 2 years and he just can't stop singing away to us!

I wonder what he's trying to say to Callum, or is he trying to get him to sign by taking his hand. Ah, my sweet, lovely, boys!

14 comments:

Victoria Nelson said...

Catherine,
This is WONDERFUL! Justin and I just finished watching, so proud of Reuben. We now know that feeling, anxiously awaiting to hear the sound of your child's voice once trached.
It truly is such a sweet sound.
Lots of love,
the Nelsons

hannah m said...

WOW. My heart is so full tonight! First, Moriah sitting...then I come here and get to hear Reuben's sweet, sweet voice. Catherine, Vince and I just watched this and are so, so happy to hear your son's beautious singing. This is a HUGE milestone! Meaningful beyond measure...and we are so, so happy knowing your home is now filled with Reu's voice. With so much love and celebration - *H+V+v

Nurse Kristina said...

This is a MIRACLE! I've been watching this over and over again with tears my eyes. PLEASE tell Reu how proud I am of him. I just want to hug him and start jumping up and down in joy! This is truly amazing. I love you, Reu! Congratulations!

<3 Nursie

Kristi said...

Oh, Catherine...
I don't know that I can even see enough to type a comment... tears of joy for you, Jason, Reuben and Callum are streaming down my cheeks. I am so very happy for you... this is amazing! And a day that I know you hoped and prayed would come... and now, here it is!

This exchange is so delightful... Reuben is clearing chatting it up with Callum and trying to get him to sign! Reuben's "voice" with his hands is so strong, so beautiful... and now so is his actual voice!

So happy for you...
Kristi

Nurse Kristina said...

I stood behind Kristina and was so excited to see and hear this.
Margaret (Mom of Kristina)

Sara said...

How fab! I'm welling up hearing that! You must be thrilled.
Just wait til he says "Mama" - you'll never hear anything better.
Huge amounts of love to you all
xxxxxxxxxxxx

Geraldine said...

Catherine, wonderful news. It's so good to hear him after so long in silence. A beautiful sound indeed, and very entertaining as he's trying so hard to communicate with baby brother, with a few complaining noises from Callum as he doesn't understand what Reuben wants. Oh, how thrilling and funny all at the same time. So happy for you both!

Leigh Clark said...

Well, I think I look like I've swallowed a coat hanger!! I can't stop smiling! What a lovely video that was to see. Amazing that we can all share these milestones in the boys' lives - so pleased for you, and think Reuben is tops!!
Lots of love,
Leighxx

Catherine L said...

Hi Catherine & Jason, We were so so happy to hear our dear little Reuben’s voice today, so sweet & singing to his little brother, trying hard to get Callum to pay attention. Such wonderful landmark & such a joy. Callum couldn’t quite understand why Reuben was pulling at his sleeve, wonderful moments to watch. Congratulations Reuben you are a real star, and we are so proud of you. Love & Many hugs to two lovely boys. Nana & Grandad xxxx

Unknown said...

THis is one of the most beautiful things I have seen/heard in a long time. Well done, Reuben!

Candi said...

I just got to listen to the video in stereo since Luke is in the next room making exactly the same noises. It is wonderful to hear! And I am so happy for you that Reuben is making so much progress with vocalizing - I know how much it means to you!

I love seeing your boys together too - Reu is such a good big brother!

amy and mighty max said...

wooooo hoooo! congratulations! that is awesome...and i simply love how reu is determined to get callum to sign with him! :)

Crystal M. said...

Fantastic video!!! Reuben has a beautiful voice. He wants his brother to sing with him!!
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE ALL the birthday pics.
Happy birthday Reuben!!
Hugs,
Crystal and Eva

Jenn said...

Hey Reuben teaching your brother to talk already...!?
That is an amazing capture, Catherine...
Pretty soon...
they will be teaching each other and have their brotherly talk together... With words, gestures, or come up with their own language as in the Dodd's Children ASL-English words combo...