Daniel's Speech Therapy

Daniel has always being very laid back when it has come to his milestones.  When he was born he took his time trying to learn how to latch on to nurse. But he eventually caught on. When it came to cooing, smiling, even his first roll overs, sitting up, crawling and walking, it was all in his time. Not in the time that the books all said he was supposed to. He was always off about a few weeks up to a month on some milestones. Daniel just wasn't in any hurry. Which I kept saying it's fine because I didn't want to rush him as he is likely my last baby {He is baby #5, if you didn't know}. So I want to enjoy his babyness.....(I'm not sure if that's even a word, but I'm going with it).

However, I could see his pattern and  I began to get a little worried as when it came time to talk. You see he was babbling but not very often. He has a very quiet, sensitive and shy personality. He is similar to his older brother, Jimmy who had a speech delay when he was three. Jimmy babbled more but we just couldn't understand what he was saying. We signed him up for Speech therapy through the school district (which was a challenge to get him accepted in to the program, more on that experience later) and started the program. He was blessed with an awesome therapist who helped him. He has since graduated from the program last year at the age of 8.

My sister told me about this program that could help Daniel. They come to your house every week and work with him and it's free!! I didn't even know there were programs available to help with speech at 19 months old, let alone that they come to your home for free!! Oh my!! I was so happy, that just maybe someone could help us with Daniel and that we wouldn't have to wait to get help until the age of 3.

So we called & made the appointment for an evaluation to see if he qualified. They would evaluate him to see if he really needed any help at all. So I took him to the office and I was nervous. Part of me wanted him to qualify but at the same time it would mean he was behind. I didn't want him to be behind, but if he needs help I want him to be able to get the help he needs. I had a mommy feeling that I knew he needed the help but part of me was hoping I was wrong.

So they evaluated him in:
cognitive skills, fine & gross motor skills social skills, language (expressive and receptive) skills and self help skills.
He scored low in some of the areas.
So they were going to send someone to help in all areas that he was behind in. The following week after the evaluation we started his sessions with a sweet and patient therapist.

I wanted to share this with you because this is a chapter in our story and
I want to record it.

Also, sometimes as mom's we can second guess ourselves and not listen to our instincts. If you have a mommy feeling it's always good to listen to it. There are times when I should have listened to my feeling rather than someone else. Remember you know your child better than anyone, listen to your instinct.

Daniel has been in ST for 6 months now and we can see lots of improvement. He still has a long way to go and it can be frustrating at times, but he'll get there, all in his timing.

Daniel is 18 months!

My little sweet Daniel turned 18 months in January,
I can't believe how fast time has flown by.
I know it's late for this post but
I really wanted to document his milestone.
Some mom's can't wait for their baby/toddler to reach their next milestone
but for me it is kinda of bittersweet.
Maybe because I know we are ending this stage and
I possibly won't be in this stage of parenting again.
I want to SAVOR the moments I have with him in this stage.
I know that in a blink of an eye he will be such a big boy.

So I wanted to share what you have been up to lately. You are a very curious little guy, always thinking and exploring. You don't say many words, actually about 4 that we could understand. Dada, hola, bye and Gaaa, which we think Gaaa is for Gabriel or Grandma. 

You love to eat, you will run and sit on Dad's lap at the table even if you have already eaten. 

You like to sit with him and eat again. You don't like to sit in your high chair anymore, I think it is because you a want to eat on the go. 

Some of your favorite foods right now are: spaghetti, yogurt, pizza, eggs, rice, beans, green beans apples, bananas & toast. 

You love your sister and brothers. You try to copy what they are doing. I'd have to say Gabriel is your best friend and I hope you two will always be very close. It melts my heart when I watch you two play together. He is very protective over you. 

 You can be so sweet and gentle at times, but can definitely let us know when you want to be heard.

The temper tantrums have begun. I'm not sure if it's more because you are frustrated and don't know how to talk to us to get our attention or perhaps it is just the age.......maybe both.

We still haven't gotten you a professional haircut yet. We tried but you screamed before we were even tried to start. Grandma has trimmed a little bit of your hair but that is about it.

You know some of your body parts such as nose, eyes, ears, head, hands, hair, feet, mouth, teeth and tummy. When we ask you where is _______? You will point.

You love to go outside and play. You love to explore, run and climb.
You love your Dad a lot, there are many times that you will chose him over me.

You love to snuggle and give hugs. Your hugs are so sweet and I love when I see you run up to give your sister or brothers a hug. It truly melts my heart. I hope that you will continue to snuggle because 

they are truly the best. 

 Each day you are changing and learning something new. I'm so happy to see all your new discoveries with you. I love how you run to look for me when your frightened. I am honored to be the one to protect you and make you feel safe. I love your smile and hearing you laugh. Your eyes light up when you've seen something for the first time or made a new sound. It is just so precious to see your excitement in your face.  I am blessed by God that He chose me to be your mama.
I love you so much, Daniel!

Love, Mama