Snowball Effect

So once a child starts to develop language it is like a snowball effect.  About the age of two years the words just start to flow and then it is nonstop.  Before this age parents are always asking their children to move and speak more but once a child hits this developmental stage parents are telling them to be quiet and sit down.

Well, lets just say I am telling you "shhh" and to chill more ofen then not these days and I love it!  As I have said, you have recently decided to start to explode with your language.  Your device is being used less and you are able to imitate almost any word asked of you.  I am so excited for this next step in our lives and to hear your sweet voice - but lets be honest, I am not sure the world is ready for you yet!

Here is a video of when I met you two years ago.  You were in school waiting for your bus to arrive and we could hear and see your emotion, inntonation, and intent.  You had something to say and were facinated by whatever was going on around you.  This was the first time I had really heard "your language" and all the passion you had with it.

We still hear this "language" today but not nearly as much.  You are much more likely to be telling me "off"  when you do not want to get up in the morning or "no" that you don't want something.  I swear every hour you are asking me "eat?" followed by asking for "cookies" or "candy."  You joint attention and overall meaning has grown so much.  The videos to follow show the depth to how hard you trying and also the games you are playing.

So obviously, this is a combination of device and verbal which is huge!  Six months ago you were not repeating the device in this fashion. You were not watching my mouth and you sure as hell were not talking :) 

Today your private speech therapist took a chance and tried to administer the Preschool Language Assessment.  This is a standarized test which you have never performed on.  You hate on demand situations and buck the system as much as possible.  When you started with her in December I think you maybe answered three or four questions tops.  Well, today you did it.  You happily engaged and participated to the best of your ability. I am more pleased that you engaged in the assessment then actually caring what the scores were!

 However, you did score at rougly the 2 year old range.  Many people would hear this and be taken aback.  How could I be so proud even though you are still 6 years shy of where you should be?  Let me say though, how could I not be proud?? You have grown leaps and bounds.  In the past 6 months you have gained almost 12 months of language development and the snowball effect is starting to happen.  The look on your face when you say a new word is priceless.  The smile in your eyes and sense of pride you have as you embark on this new state is amazing and I would not miss it for the world.

Keep On Truckin Baby
Love

Mom