Speech Update

After working with a colleague from work over the past few months, we all felt it was best to have Mikey officially evaluated in terms of his speech. On Monday (2/13/12) he passed his hearing test. Tuesday (2/14/12) was his evaluation in which it was determined that he qualifies for weekly speech services. Receptively he is understanding everything (following directions, etc.) and his attention is fine, it is just a matter of getting that spontaneous language flowing. As of now we are comfortable going with private speech services and waiting on the public school referral.

Some fun things Mikey is saying now:

1) "It over?" whenever a song is finished or when the credits come on TV for a show or movie;

2) He still loves to say "and Mommy, too" or "and Daddy, too" or "and Mikey, too" even if it isn't true;

3) When I'm cooking something and I tell him what it is he will say he likes that as well.

For example:

Me: "Mommy is cutting up peppers"

Mikey: "I like peppers!!!!" (with this crazy intonation and excitement that can't be captured purely by text alone)

4) His fascination with babysitter and cousin, Emily. When asked who he wanted to invite to his birthday party, Mikey clearly stated: "Em-a-lee";

The one thing I really wish Mikey could communicate is what he does during his time at Eva's House. I want to know everything---what did he eat? did he like it? who did he play with? what did he play with? what songs did they sing/books did they read? did he go on the potty? Now when I ask him he looks away, smiles and doesn't make a peep. I know he knows exactly what I am talking about and so it is frustrating for me that he can't respond. My guess is if I am frustrated, he must be too.

The days of me trying all of my Early Intervention tricks are done and now the real professionals will take over. And I will be the parent that carries over ANY and ALL strategies/recommendations/homework that the speech-language pathologist (SLP) gives us. Take THAT, speech delay!!