Evan Update

Today Evan had his next evaluation with Parents As Teachers. We were concerned with his lack of vocabulary, so this was also a check up on his progress. We rambled off a few of things we were certain that he has been able to communicate. We just didn't have a grasp on exactly how many words he knew how to say.

Leanne said it would be best if we make a word diary for him. We needed to list all of his sign words and phrases and any vocal words or phrases. We were pleasantly surprised to see that he does have a larger vocabulary than we really thought.

He still doesn't sign or speak over two word phrases, so that's something to work on, but he does have a grasp on the important words. Leanne is also not very concerned with his lack of vocalization because he comprehends everything he is told. His reception skills are outstanding. If he were lacking in that area then she would refer us for the PAT speech program, but at this point Evan would not qualify because of his ability to comprehend. So I suppose there is a silver lining?

She did gives us the contact information for the county's speech department. She believes that we could get him evaluated through the county for free if we felt he needed it. Below is the list I was able to come up with, or at least the things I could remember. #16 & #17 on the vocal list are accompanied with the appropriate signs too.

  

 I'm just relieved to know that there really isn't anything "wrong" with him. He's just moving at his own pace. We will continue to keep an eye on him and we'll probably still check in with our primary doctor in August.

In other Evan news... He's been hit or miss with naps this past month. In fact if he sleeps, Arabella doesn't and it's really wearing on me. I love having some quiet time to myself. But lately I'm usually fighting one or the other to get them to nap. So, a couple of days ago, Evan was fighting it. Getting into everything in his room, just being a general pain. Adam & I were catching up on some DVR shows and we heard a blood curdling scream.

Adam & I ran up and he was curled in a ball on the floor clutching his chest and alternating with grabbing his knee. Fabulous! What did he do now? Of course Mama bird swooped him up and was off to inspect him. His knee instantly bruised up black and blue. :( Then he kept grabbing at his chest, so I removed his shirt to find a blood blister like ouchie. It was scratched and looked like it was bleeding but no blood was flowing from it.

WHAT DID HE DO?

Our best guess is it had something to do with his shoe crate. He had been removing the hand made baby blankets from it and sitting in it while he was supposed to be napping. Finally I bought an under the bed box for his blankets as I do not need those handmade beauties destroyed by a playful little man. Then we started throwing his shoes and slippers in the crate as we had done with his sisters.

I've busted him several times sitting in it. :/ Or at the very least we've found his shoes and slippers in his bed after he gets up from nap time. I'm almost certain that was the culprit. Anyway, so yesterday during lunch he was a little over zealous in his eating efforts and we through him the tub before nap time.

After posting the picture to my 365 project, Adam spoke his opinion and thought I should edit that boo-boo out. Nope, I'm not going to do it. Why? Because he's a little boy and little boys get hurt. They are boisterous, rambunctious little balls of dirt and boo-boos. Why would I want to remove that memory?

2 Year Check Up

Patiently Waiting

The day after Bubba's birthday we had his two year check up. We had to wait a bit and thankfully the iPhone is their new best friend when waiting is involved in anything. I love the educational toddler apps. Bella's has learned so much from them. Bubba loves watching her play Word Wagon. Now if only he'd learn to talk, but we'll get to that soon enough.

After our usual round with the nurse, Dr. W finally came in. We went through the routine checklist of his progressions of milestones and then the physical check. He's healthy and seems to be chugging along at a great pace...except for the vocabulary.

He weighed in at 28.8 pounds and 36.5" in height. He's an inch shorter than Bella! According to one of those goofy online predictors (based on mom & dad's height) he'll be around 6' tall as an adult. Not sure how much stock I put in that, but if he's anything like Daddy's side of the family I don't doubt it.

Finally we got to our concerns that we may have for Evan, and like usual I draw a blank, except for his vocabulary or lack there of. We've been evaluated by the PAT, twice a year since he was born. At our recent evaluation we filled out our annual forms and review what milestones and motor skills he's accomplished or behind in.

Luckily he above the line in every group except communication. He still signs, we're still adding new ones, but otherwise vocal communication is null. It makes me sad as both kids have always excelled in the motor skills until now. I'm not going to have a pity party, because I know it's nothing we have done, yet I still feel we've failed him. Yes, he's my baby and I don't want to see him grow up, so to speak, but I feel terrible for this happening and somewhat frustrated. Okay, now that that is over... We told the doctor of the recent eval and the outcome was not good on communication. He feels our frustration as his son is at the same age and having the same issues. We also told him that Leanne wasn't too concerned because he is achieving his other motor skills in a timely fashion.

The doctor said not to get discouraged. He diagnosed Evan with what he calls "Second Child Syndrome." Arabella, being older, is doing all of the talking for him. He gets by with his signs when he wants something, which cuts down on frustration for everyone, but when we ask verbal questions that may or may not apply to both kids, Arabella always has the answer. Therefore Bubba doesn't feel the need to vocalize his opinion because she's already done it for him. I guess part of me realized what she has been doing, but I just let it slide. 

He feels that if we work with him individually that we'll see an improvement. He suggested taking him aside from her and working with him on his sounds. After our appointment we busted out the flash cards and surprisingly he said "pig" when he saw the animal. Although he's still lacking the "g" at the end, he at least made an effort. We've also been diligent at correcting Arabella when she tries to answer questions specifically directed to Evan. We've seen a vast improvement since our appointment. We are getting more beginning word sounds. I've even been able to get him to say "Yes" (minus the "s") when I ask yes or not questions. It's almost hilarious to hear Adam or I talk to him. We've been sounding out words for him while talking to him and it's like we're back in school.

In the end the doctor decided that he wants to see us in 6 months to make sure that he has made an actual improvement in language. Otherwise we may need to be referred to a specialist. That will give us three months after our next evaluation with PAT. So here's crossing my fingers that he continues to improve.

And lastly I cannot oversee the fact that big man received one shot and didn't shed a tear. Such a tough little guy.

In another note, we're officially weaning. We started shortly before his birthday but I just didn't have it in me to say no to him. He actually got to the point that he would come up and ask for b-b's. I just couldn't turn him away. Then I decided, no this has to happen. So I stopped saying yes and would turn him away. It was the saddest thing ever. Just the look on his face, so pitiful and sad. Then the pain set in...oh my goodness I don't remember this pain when Bella weaned.at.all. I mean, I'm talking rocks in the chest and screaming pain. Literally anytime E cries I get shooting pains. So then the day after his birthday, when he got his shot, he woke up in a terrible mood and the only thing that shut him up was a boob. For the love of God, here we go again.

So we're on round 3 or 4 of trying to wean. He hasn't ask, nor have I offered since the 3rd. I take that back, he did ask today but I said nope, they aren't his anymore. He moved on like it was nothing. So now if I can get through the drying process all will be well. :)