A First Foray into Audiology

To check things off the list of possible factors for speech delay, Elliott had a hearing exam today.  Unfortunately, it wasn't as simple as checking the box for hearing impairment:
     o NO

The hearing exam was well set up for a little guy, so I was glad to have chosen the children's hospital over the local audiologist from the town rehab hospital (who, I am sure, excels at hearing aids).  They had a special room for Elliott to sit in my lap and play with toys while speakers played at various frequencies and volumes.  When he looked up to see from where the sound was coming, he was rewarded by a TV screen or animatronic pig turning on.  It was enough to keep my interest, let alone a toddler!  Add to that the technician, who played with toys to keep him focused between the audio distractions - but not so focused he would miss the cues from the speakers.  Not a very controlled scientific endeavor, but well orchestrated to minimize the random chaos inherent in the test subject.

So the troubling part was that Elliott appears to be missing some mid-to-high range of sounds in both ears.  Possibly a fluke, whim or the day, fluid obstruction, etc... but left the results inconclusive.  Even more strangely, I remember having similar results at a hearing test when I was young.

Now because his ear drums were restricted we have to follow up with our primary to check for water in his ears (why no one at a children's medical center is qualified to do this is beyond me).  And we get to do the hearing test again in a couple months.  Sigh.

Early Intervention

We took the pediatrician's advice (or rather, accepted his confirmation of my concern) and set up an evaluation for Elliott with Early Intervention.  Sure enough, he qualified for services for his speech delays.  This took four highly-educated staff members 2 hours and reams of paperwork to evaluate.  Surely, any 20-mo old who doesn't even say Mama or Dada would?

I hate that I'm that person who thinks the whole thing is ridiculous and a total waste of resources, while at the same time taking the free help being proffered.  I'm certain Elliott will be fine and just doesn't have interest in speaking at this time.  Everyone reminds me that Einstein didn't speak until he was 4.  Probably didn't find anything worth saying until then.

FirstBike

Jonah has truly mastered his balance bike and has become a bit of a trickster.  He loves to take tight corners and go over speed bumps wherever he can find them.  He rides to kid's club, the library, church, and even all the way to school (once)!

Today our neighbor gave Jonah his boys' old 16" two-wheeler and Jonah could ride it without training wheels right away!  He was pretty nervous and could barely touch the ground, so starting and stopping need some work, but he certainly had the balance down pat.  Way to go Jonah!

Who's the toddler?

I hate that I keep looking over and wondering who that kid is toddling through the house, playing by himself, and being so awfully good!  The squeaky wheel definitely gets the grease in this house (hmm... Jonah!)  Elliott is so self-sufficient.  He plays quietly, stacking blocks to knock down and rebuild, trying hard to fit puzzle pieces, and driving trains over bridges and through tunnels.  Some of these skills I hardly knew he had until I started taking a moment to watch him play.  And I can leave him in his crib, high chair, or stroller and he makes not a peep to let me know he's done or wants to come out.

His development seems to be passing right under my nose, as I keep looking for the "milestones" of walking and talking.  Well, he is finally walking with some confidence and will choose to walk instead of crawl in most cases.  And he is trying to talk, but most of the sounds are incomprehensible and frustrating for him when I don't understand.  It's hard to say he really has any words in his vocabulary, since I haven't even heard "Mama" in a while.  But he knows what he wants, and is happy to shake his head "NO" with great emphasis at almost every suggestion!

Speed!

Elliott loves speed!  (I would say he's a daredevil, except walking seemed to scare him a little.)  We were out riding bikes, and he loved to race Jonah on his Big Bobby Car.  Thanks to PopPop for the tip to add a tow rope!  It was still a lot of work to keep him moving sufficiently quickly to garnish a smile.  When we did stop for a rest, he got off and climbed on the scooter!  Jonah reluctantly gave Elliott a turn, and he thought he was hot stuff cruising down the street!  I hope I haven't set an unreasonable expectation for my 15month-old that he can ride the scooter at will...

Family Teethbrushing Party

I finally gave up on the finger brush and gave Elliott a kids' toothbrush (for the safety of my finger).  He has been loving to climb up on the stool at the sink and brush his own teeth beside his brother!  I have to fight for a turn to help make sure his teeth get brushed... he takes great ownership and pride in his little green toothbrush!

Scooter

Jonah has such mastery of his scooter, he now rides it all the way to kids' club (downtown)!  Yes, I still take the double stroller so we have a back-up when he inevitably can't make it home again, but it is still quite impressive.  He took his first spill today going down the hill to the playground at a speed he couldn't quite control.  I was so proud when he got right back up and kept going!  (after a few tears, hugs and healing Mommy kisses)  He later developed a red scratch mark on this face and side, so he must have hit harder than I realized.  Fortunately his helmet did its work - I do recall seeing it bounce off the ground!

We love each other, right Mom?

Jonah gets into super-affectionate moods, which are just to die for.  He'll tell me he loves me, and then ask "we love each other, right Mom?"  Lots of hugs, kisses and affirmations ensue.  I do hope he knows how much I love him!

Well, one of these adorable love-fests happened at bedtime.  But then as I was leaving the room, in the same on of voice he says, "I love my Lightning McQueen water bottle."  I'm trying not to be hurt, but to accept that he has so much love to give, there is plenty for his bedside drink cup.

Up up up!

Who knew Elliott could climb a ladder so well?  He's suddenly shown great interest and ability to climb the 2-step stool in the kitchen so he can help at the counter.  I still like to be right there to catch him off-balance, so my ability to cook has decreased with his help, but I'm still proud of him ambition!  Today we were playing in the yard, and he climbed the 4 or 5 steps up the slide pretty independently!  We're well away from letting him negotiate without a spotter and help reorienting him at the top so he doesn't faceplant at the bottom of the slide, but he seems to excel at the climbing!

You're my best friend

Jonah has taken to asking me if I'll be his best friend.  No, I tell him, I'm your Mommy!  So much better than a best friend!  I hope he comes to understand that.  I'm pretty lucky to have that distinction, which no one else can claim.