More speech

SC has progressing well with her speech pathologist. Her first week she was supposed to work on one word, to show her that success can be fun. I thought this was slow, but now a couple of weeks later, I understand the principle. She began with "nice". It took practice, but she was very proud to show Miss L that she could do it. The next week she worked on end "s" sounds, like kiss, fence, horse, goose, ice, lace, etc. She did well when prompted to say these words, but in practical use (in a sentence that doesn't end with those words) she still drops the "s" sound. Which brings us to this week, when she will be working on that...ending "s" sounds in the middle of sentences. Her confidence has already begun to increase and that makes her so much happier.

On another note, ST had a well-child check-up this week and is thriving, despite her cold. ST is in the 75th percentile for weight and head circumference, but 95th percentile for length. She seems to be following SVs trend in growth, so we have another girl who will be taller than her mom. Oh well. There was an issue at the appointment in that the doctor is concerned about her speech. Good thing I know a speech pathologist that I enjoy working with. ST doesn't say any words at all. She has sounds that she makes for specific things, but not complete words. Her latest is the short "o" sound for hot. Positive note, she understands most of what we are saying, so her comprehension is on track. Thank goodness for baby sign language too...that alleviates most of the communication issues so far.

SC and her speech...

I have been feeling overwhelmed lately about all the things that I am putting on the back burner as I continue in survival mode...but today I feel grateful to have made a step in the direction to help SC. She is a ball of fire...so independent and wanting to be like her sisters. Since she was a little over a year, I have not been her primary caregiver (except in the summers) because of being an elementary school teacher. This distance has convinced me that she was fine. I finally realized that she is not.

SC has a speech issue. For those of you who have heard her talk, I am sure you know what I mean. There are many letters and letter combinations that she cannot articulate, including many in her own name. Today she saw a professional, certified speech pathologist (while I was at school teaching...thanks to my mom for taking her), who diagnosed her to be in the 4th percentile for her age group. Only 3 children out of 100 her age have worse articulation than she does. That hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart aches for her and this obstacle she has to overcome. She is very driven when she wants to be and I pray that she will do this fiercely, with all her strength.

SC's main goal is to entertain our family and make us laugh...even when she is trying to be serious. I love her giggles and beautiful (sly) smiles. When you cannot hear her, PLEASE figure out what she is doing...her nickname is Trouble. She reminds us of Jack Sparrow when she runs, because it is never straight, nor smooth. She has so much to say and soon will have the tools she needs to help others understand her. I love this girl!

New family pics....

The girls...poor ST, she was not too happy about being put down.

I love this shot.

Courtney Ball, the gal who took these fabulous pictures, works at the school that I teach at too. She is a preschool teacher and the Spanish Club teacher (SD does that 3x a week). Obviously, she also enjoys photography. I am so appreciative of her patience with our family. It was super cold outside and the girls weren't exactly happy about that. Despite the challenges, Courtney got some great shots. We don't have them all, but these are some teasers she sent via email. Thanks again Courtney! Here's a link to her (& her sister's) website.

Grampa...

This is one of two pictures we have of John's dad and ST, which was taken last July. I hope she and SC will treasure this dearly. I hope that it brings conversations of memories of this great man's life on this earth. SC wanted to talk to him a lot after he passed, but those inquiries are fading for her. We miss you Grampa!

2011...almost February, really??

Where has the time flown since ST was born? I have no idea. She is 7 months old now and a mostly happy baby. This picture is from SC's birthday earlier this month...obviously in the morning before we (the older 2 and I) left for school. I'll post more pictures from of the birthday celebrations this past month later.