We'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain..

I guess it's time for an update! :)

C's speech has become more clear, and though he will probably still need speech therapy, I am able to understand 90% of what he says now. This is huge, since I was literally repeating "I can't understand you" and "What are you saying?" all day long, for most sentences. We relied a lot on hand gestures and pointing. His confidence level is raising and our bond is becoming closer as we are able to communicate better. His surgery was Nov. 4, so he's come a long way in that time. I am beyond thrilled and love my boy so much for trying so hard even through his frustration.

Star Girl turned 1 right before Christmas and it seems like she is growing so fast right before my eyes. She is walking across the room, talking up a storm, and is the happiest baby I know. She is the light of my life that gets me through the days.

The Boy is 3 and no one ever said how terrible is was. On a recent shopping trip with my mother-in-law for holiday outfits for the kids, he was running around the department store and had to be retrieved countless times because the boy just has so much energy. The elderly lady behind the counter must have noticed my humiliation because she turned to me and said, "He's 3, right?" and proceeded to tell me about a book she was given called "Terrible Twos, Horror Threes" when she was raising her three boys. I'd give anything to have that book some days.

As for Pirate Momma, I'm back on my meds and feeling pretty good. My patience level has increased significantly and I'm able to actually enjoy my kids, which is a damn good feeling.

Replacement Therapy

Today I read a blog about replacing negative thoughts and reactions with positive ones to create new habits. This is something I'm excited to try with my son.

Since his tongue-tie surgery, his speech has not improved at all. If anything, it's gotten worse because he's developed a floppy tongue, so his enunciation is so unclear most times that I'm unable to understand him. This causes a chain reaction, where I frustratingly say, "I don't understand you. Please speak more clearly," when I know he can't. Instead of saying negative things that cause him to shut down, I'm going to try new tactics. (I need to research some lessons to do at home.)

I've put in three calls to see how to get speech therapy started, because as soon as he's able to use his new tongue, he'll have an easier time communicating, which will make our daily lives so much easier.
I am not expecting miracles; from what I've read, his speech may never improve. But since he's only 3, I think odds are in his favor, with some articulation lessons, that he'll catch up. In the meantime I'm having a difficult time wrapping my brain around knowing how hard it must be for him. My poor baby boy.