Favorite Moment…

            

Almost without exception, we read to Elaine before bed. It’s just part of our night and I don’t think too much about.  It makes me sad to say it that plainly, but it’s just what it is–don’t get me wrong, I love reading to her and I love that she LOVES books, but it’s just part of our routine.  I read many different things and one of my favorites is When I Was a Girl I Dreamed by Margaret Baker, Justin Matott and Mark Ludy (or try When I Was a Boy I Dreamed for those of you with boys).  It has great rythym and such a great message.  I talk to Elaine about all the things she can do in her life and we both enjoy the great pictures.  Another favorite of mine is Little Raccoon’s Big Question by Miriam Schlein about a little raccoon who questions his mother about when she loves him most.  It has darling pictures and a great ending!

We use a monitor in Elaine’s room to hear her while we’re downstairs and it happened to still be on from her afternoon nap.  I got the joy of hearing Jerry read one of Elaine’s favorite bedtime stories Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton about a sheep who can’t get to sleep.  Regarding bedtime, our stubborn Elaine has many similar qualities to Russell. ”Again!” she begged and Jerry obliged.  It was the sweetest way to be reminded to enjoy those little moments in each day.  And it had been a while since I had considered how sweet it sounds.

Dog-Gone Good Graduate …

Morgan graduated from her first round of training on Saturday. Despite not always taking the training, we are proud of her efforts. Lassie was her graduation speaker and we all enjoyed the speech.

Congrats, Morgan!!

The proud graduate

First Sentence…

You know those moments in time you will remember forever–we recently had one of those moments occur.  With our little “speaker” we finally heard something we’ve been waiting to hear.  Elaine uttered her first sentence and we are so grateful to see her working on her speaking.  She is trying so hard to string a couple of words together.  Elaine’s first sentence is something that is so true to our little girl.  She is so proud of herself and Jerry and I are even more proud of her.  The sentence you ask was, “I blow bubbles.”  

Our little bubble blower

Pool Days…

Over the past few days the weather has gotten hotter and hotter.  We finally pulled our wading pool out for Elaine to enjoy.  She helped us clean it out, fill it and loved playing in it.  It will definitely be a staple for the rest of our summer.  I think Morgan will try to get in on the cool as well.

Getting ready to clean

Wiping it clean

Frustrated by the bubbles….

She wiped them on Jerry’s car.

Finally–this feels GREAT!

Water is so fun!

Morgan watched every move we made–she was ready to jump in too.

First Red Wagon Ride…

Today we finally took Elaine’s new wagon for its first spin around the neighborhood.  She loved it and the attention she got from the neighborhood girls.  It will be a daily occurrence from here on out!

Just leaving the house

Amy, Megan and Elaine

Elaine riding with her first passenger

A tea party after the wagon rides were finished

Gettin’ Down Downtown Again…

Wednesday night Jerry, Elaine, my dad and I went back to America the Beautiful Park to see The Nostalgics perform during the Gettin’ Down Downtown event.  We thought the rainy weather was going to truly spoil the event, but it turned out to be a perfect evening.  The rain blew over, Elaine played in the fountain, had an ice cream cone and explored the newness of seeing a train pass (she loves to hear the train blow from home, so this was extra special!) with Grandpa. 

An aside,  Elaine has called my dad “Bob” for quite a while now and I think it will probably be what sticks.  The irony:  My paternal grandfather called my grandmother Bob.  I don’t know why–maybe one of the Layes can help me solve this mystery.  In looking back recently at Marty’s and my baby book, Marty called our Grandma Laye Bob when he was about 26 months old.  It makes me wonder about the family connectedness when Elaine started Bob all on her own.  She was never prompted, told or persuaded.  It just happened.  She is already honoring her ancestry and doesn’t even know it. 

A cold girl returning from the fountain

An ice cream treat

 

Wrestling with Jerry and “Bob”

Watching the train–she was too in awe to move!!

Final Answer…

Yesterday we were lucky enough to get into a speech language pathologist because of a cancellation.  I am amazed at how quickly all of this has come together and truly can’t believe it’s not even been a week.  We met with an exceptional woman regarding Elaine’s speech and have come to the root of our issue. 

Elaine is delayed in her speaking and has scattered skills for an 18 month old.  This puts her over 6 months behind developmentally.  Jerry and I loved the feel of the place (it’s in an old home downtown), woman interacting with Elaine, answering our questions, giving her opinions and ultimately “diagnosing” her findings.  We have some steps to put in place at home and will be seen 30 minutes a week starting now.  The one thing that seems to be the biggest “reason” is that Elaine has and still does suck her thumb.  This is causing her tongue to thrust forward making talking difficult.  Our first step is to try to conquer the thumb sucking which will hopefully allow Elaine to further her capability to speak. 

I feel so grateful to how found the reason and can move forward from here doing many things to help her.  Thankfully we have someone who seems to truly enjoy what she does, was great with Elaine and with whom Jerry and I feel so comfortable.  What more can any parent ask for their child? 

Now I just need to figure out how to convince Elaine to say goodbye to thumb sucking!!!  Wish me luck…

My 6 week old thumb sucker…

My 5 month old thumb sucker…

My 1 year old thumb sucker…

My 23 month old thumb sucker…

My little thumb sucker today!

New Red Wagon…

Jerry and I bought Elaine a Radio Flyer wagon for her birthday.  The wagons these days are so different from the metal flat bed I had growing up.  I had the kind of wagon that grew scalding hot if left in the sun, tipped over, jack-knifed and wasn’t deep enough for much of anything.  It did, however, allow for lots of arguing between Marty and me about being squished, etc.  Today’s version is different entirely.  Elaine’s new super-duper red wagon is made of sturdy plastic so there will be no burning legs on metal too hot to sit on.  It does, however, have 2 bucket seats that come equipped with drink holders and seat belts.  When the seat(s) aren’t in use, they fold down to create a flatbed.  There is a handy bucket in the back for carrying a diaper bag, purse, or small cooler.  The wheels are huge and comes with a handle that is adult friendly in length, but folds underneath for easy storage.  Are you kidding me??  It sounds like a small version of some cars and it’s not that far from the truth–my first car didn’t have drink holders!  Either way, Elaine loved playing with the box and helping me put it all together.  I’ll post some pictures of our first outdoor excursion–I’m sure she’ll love it!!

Just before assembly began

She doesn’t get it, but it’s obviously pretty comfortable

Elaine’s helping me hold it down while I put wheels on the other end

Getting ready to put the seat belts in place

She’s starting to understand!

Relieved??

Today we had our appointment with the ENT.  Unfortunately, I walked with even more questions than I walked in with and am feeling frustrated, at best.  We were started with a hearing test.  Initially we did a test similar to the one done in the pediatrician’s office, but with a more sensitive piece of equipment.  Then they did a hearing test using moving and light up toys in different corners of the booth.  Upon our visit with the doctor, Elaine’s hears well.  In fact, she is above average in areas according to their tests.  On one hand, I want to do cartwheels and jumps of joy–one hurdle down.  On the other, this leaves us with no answers and step #2 checked off our list.  Additionally, I am unsure if Elaine predicted the test well, watched the toys light up or if it truly tested her hearing. 

I am the kind of thinker who handles some situations on my feet and others I need reflection time–time to process and take it in.  The doctor visit was not set up for reflection time.  I am going to try to talk with the doctor tomorrow to see if I can clarify some things from our visit today. 

Honestly, I am breathing a sign of relief tonight, but I would like to know something.  I am the kind of person who would rather know something, so I have a direction.  There’s a comfort for me in knowing what I’m up against.  Last but not least, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all your thoughts, e-mails and calls.  More than you’ll ever know, I so appreciate the concern you’ve shown my little girl.  Our next step is the speech language pathologists and we’ll keep plugging forward.

Buddies From Across “The Pond”…

Tonight we went to my parent’s house for dinner with long time family friends.  Lucy (Morrison) Philips and her husband Richard and daughter Tallulah were there, as well as John and Nancy Daly.  The Philips live in England and are here visiting for a month.  We were so lucky to get some time with them and Elaine loved spending time with the “baby.” Elaine also taught Tallulah some things I’m not sure Lucy and Richard will appreciate in the future.  John and Nancy were an added bonus to the evening and, although they live right around the corner, we don’t see them enough either.  It was fun seeing the kids together and catching up with good friends.

Tallulah snuggling with Ms. Nancy

Elaine wasn’t concerned about sharing me…

Sharing Grandpa concerned her greatly!!

Thumb-sucking time with Ms. Lucy

Goodbye kisses