It's taken Eve a while to learn to talk. The funny thing is that she has always been talking, never quiet, but never in English. She started speech therapy at age two when she was a year behind in her expressive speech. The therapy has helped a ton. Because of Sandra, her therapist, I can think of specific visits where she coaxed Eve to finally say "yes". She is the one that helped me to see how smart Eve was, that I should be talking about colors with Eve, even though she couldn't say the color names. And she encouraged me to teach Eve sign language. Eve did really well with her sign language. She caught on really fast that signs gave her a way to specify what she wanted. After that as she finally started to say words they all seemed to be words she knew signs for first. Now the signs are disappearing as words are taking their places. I've still been waiting and listening for some certain words that I know she should be able to say. Last month she finally said the word "baby"! One that is usually said around 12-13 months old. I was thrilled to hear it, she still uses "baby" as a name for her baby sister rather than attempting "Abigail". But two days ago we had another milestone reached. Eve said "Eve". This was a huge thing. We've been pointing "Eve" out in pictures and mirrors her whole life and finally she can answer "what is your name?" I'm just thrilled and glowing with pride as my daughter learns to talk.
You know, I think motherhood is where the little things become the big things in life.
1 comment:
But this is a BIG thing. Verbal communication is a HUGE ability. Those without it suffer in almost all aspects of life social, emotional, educationally often financially and they experience others' prejudice against them. I didn't realize Eve is having speech problems. I am really glad you have been attentive to it and she has a good therapist. Yay for you and for good parenting for you and Gordon.
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