This is my 100th post. This is a huge, monumental feat in the blogging world (though it has taken me a little longer than planned to get here!) And me, wanting to give my centennial moment the absolute glory it deserves, have been overly fretting, mentally writing my century post in my noggin for weeks (2, I think, to be exact.)
For such a momentous occasion, I decided to write about what has had the most momentous effect on our lives right now- Cole's speech.
Now let me start by saying that this is probably the single most asked about topic in our lives currently, not to mention the most commented on in social settings. You can not begin to fathom the frustration (on our end and Cole's) of having a late talker unless you have been there. Having such a precocious, rambunctious, and curious little boy who can not express himself is more disheartening than one can begin to understand. There is also nothing equally as frustrating as those (who think they're being quippy or cute) who make comments such as "Oh, I wish my two year old couldn't talk!" or "Once he starts talking, you'll wish he never had." Again, if you haven't been through this, you can do little to begin to understand the frustration and then the utter relief I feel with EVERY single word this kid speaks. In my world, every single word (small or big, but mostly small still) is an enormous accomplishment. Nor can you begin to understand the constant thread of doubt/guilt that weaves its way through my thoughts causing me to wonder if there is more I could have done, more I could do, or more I should have done better.
That being said (*sigh*), Cole is still receiving speech therapy once a week. He had his 6 month reassessment in October, and was determined to still require services. Then, a week ago, I met with his coordinator about beginning the transitioning to preschool process, since it is quite the ordeal, and we have to start relatively soon (January).
What makes this all so momentous in our lives right now, is the fact that Cole has been making leaps and bounds the last 8 weeks or so. Now, all you with normal speech pattern children, might think that means he's talking. Well, not quite. He is however up to over 20 words (HUGE! for us, since he started speech therapy with only 3- and those 3 he had or over a year!) and has recently been able to tell me stories through a series of words, sound effects, gestures, and prompt questions from me.
I can't even begin to tell you how awesome this is!
I was actually able to find out all about his night alone with his dad from him! (I was at a cookie exchange) I asked a lot of yes/no questions, but he was able to answer! (He's been saying no for a while, but just recently started saying "yup"- like in the last 2 weeks. HUGE!) He told me where they ate dinner, how the video game he likes was still broken- but they raced boats instead and knocked over balls, how he watched movies, ate popcorn (it was "hot" by the way) and played with dad. Of course, it was not in so many words, but for the first time EVER, I was able to have an entire conversation with my son!
We are also finally to a point where he can (in one way or another) communicate to us what he wants, whether its to "eat," watch "ball" "vroom,vroom" or "choo choo," or even tell on Dozer "oh no, maaa (that's me!) Dozer EAT"- usually at lunch/snack time, when Dozer has run off with Cole's unattended food.
We are finally making noticeable progress, and I can't begin to tell you how good it feels.
We, of course, still have a VERY long way to go, and a couple of speech delay disorders to completely rule out, but we are on our way.
I have never been so excited nor had greater anticipation for incessant talking.
Now, if only I could teach everyone else what he's saying...
