Reverb 10: December 30th: Gift

This post is a part of Reverb 10.

December 30 – Gift

Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?

"Luhyoo"


That's what it sounds like when Parker says, "I love you". My precious little boy's speech progression was the best gift I received this year. When I realized his speech was behind, it was a good way's behind. He was 2 and only said maybe 2 words. I guess I was just so busy living life I didn't notice the signs until he was a bit older. At that point we were getting along ok without audible speech.

The gift of speech came from the hard work of so many people.

Parker worked so hard to faithfully repeat all the phrases we constantly threw at him.

My wonderful husband, Mr. G, worked so hard with Parker every day. I would hear him every morning, talking to Parker. "Let's put on your pants. Where are your feet? Can you point to my eyes? Go find your boots! I'll help you put on your jacket." He chattered with Parker to make conversation an important part of his day.

Parker's pediatrician and ENT who decided to put tubes in his ears so that he could hear better, to speak better.

Parker's developmental interventionist, Ms. Joanne, for playing with him an hour a week this Spring and Summer.

Parker's first speech therapist, Ms. Heather, who faithfully drove out to our house twice a week and engaged Parker in lots of activity...and PUSHED him when he wanted to be silly and lazy and stubborn.

Parker's second speech therapist, after our move, Ms. Nancy. Ms. Nancy works with Parker every week and when he wants to eat instead of play, she turns that into speech exercises too.

Parker's behavioral therapist, Ms. Andrea, who reminds Parker to "use his words" when he is wanting to have a meltdown.

Ms. Jamie, Parker's daycare provider, who gives Parker a safe and fun environment with other typical children whose speech isn't delayed. Every morning Parker gets excited when they go to Jamie's house.

All of these people helped develop Parker's speech this year. He's really come a long way in the last 10 months since we noticed the delay. He has a long way to go still before he is on-target, but every sweet word he says melts my heart.

Especially when he runs in the door and says, "Mama!!!! Luhyoo!"