Say Anything

Well, first and foremost, before I start I can't believe I forgot last week's Wordless Wednesday! Just shows how busy I have been lately...

So since Betsy came home from the hospital we have had an early intervention program that comes out and sees Betsy. It's called Sooner Start. They come out as often as I would like, which I have every other week set up, and they work with getting Betsy caught up with other children her age. We have a registered nurse that sees Betsy because she was so premature they didn't know if they would foresee any major issues. They do not take into consideration her prematurity so every thing they test her for they subtract 4 months from her actual age. It's been great and I really, really enjoy the lady that comes to see Betsy. She's watched it all along with us and had a big part in alot of it as well. I am dreading the day that she doesn't get to come out anymore!

Betsy seems to be right on track developmentally and some things she does she even excels in. She is a smart little cookie and really understands her surroundings. We have one little "hiccup" in her development that we are working on. Betsy isn't talking yet. Part of Sooner Start's program will connect us to any resources we may need to help us and they actually brought a speech pathologist out to evaluate Betsy. Right now, no one seems to be concerned about her not saying much. She will say "da-da" and "ga-ga" and occasionally she will say "la-la" and "ba-ba". Typically at her age (adjusted-14 months) she should be saying two to three words. However, Betsy does know some sign language which counts as part of her vocabulary and of course helps her communicate. A big pat on the back to us and my mom who are so adamant in teaching her signs and working so hard with her. She absolutely loves learning signs and catches on very quickly. Because of this, she is able to communicate with us and tell us what she wants, just not use words.

I try not to let it stress me out, because if the "professionals" aren't worried then I feel as though I shouldn't be. And I KNOW you aren't supposed to compare your child to any one elses, especially given her prematurity, but I can't help but look at other kiddos and listen to them speaking and wonder if Betsy will ever get it! She has had her hearing testing and it's perfectly fine so we know she can hear us. We were concerned for a little bit that maybe she was having issues with her hearing and that our words didn't sound right to her.

So now that we know everything is okay, we just wait. We are working hard and next week is our official first appointment with the speech pathologist so we are getting on the right track. She gave us some great tips to use and I can already see Betsy making progress in her babbling. I will try to relax on it a little bit and just wait for her to start talking. Then I will probably think...."are you EVER quiet!!"

I am also waiting to hear back from a few Moms Groups in the area. I'm very intersted in getting myself and Betsy involved in a play group where she can play around other kids her age (I think this will really help her speaking) and where I can be around other mommies.

On another note...Betsy is 18 months old today. I say it all the time but I seriosly can't believe it. It really does not seem like that long ago that she was born. Happy 18 months Betsy Linn...and to you Grace and Olivia! Time to start thinking 2nd Birthday Party! (too soon???)