We have another DVD winner, Maria Wert- Canada

I wanted to share this story with everyone because I think Maria is one of those everyday heros we can gain inspiration from.

Hello Andrea! I am writing to you as suggested by my sister-in-law Emily Boehme to tell you a little about my little girl, Courtney, who is 20 months old. She has had a tracheostomy since she was 4 months old due to breathing problems she has had since birth. She has Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) and will likely have her tracheostomy till she is 5 or 6 years old.

We started basic baby signs from books we checked out from local libraries and she started of course with the sign for milk at age 8 months. She is very bright and finally now is starting to say Mama, Da (Dad), du (duck), and ba (ball). She is using most of the signs that I know and I look forward to learning more so that we can continue to communicate more effectively. When I learned of others signing with their babies when my two older children were babies, I have to admit I thought it would be time consuming and unnecessary. However, since this has been the only way I have been able to communicate with Courtney, I am starting to wish I had done baby signing with all of my children. I have been able to communicate sooner and more effectively with her than I ever did with my first two children.

Signing with Courtney has saved both of us so much frustration. I’m glad that Emily met you. Thanks in advance for your interest in our little family and for any help you could give to enhance our communication skills.

Sincerely,

Maria Wert