I took Evan to the doctor today (the second time this week with a raised co-pay) for an ingrown hangnail - ouch! I used the opportunity to talk to him about my "no-first-word" worries. He was, as always, pretty laid back, but he did give us a few things to try.
Tonight after reading his bedtime book, I Love You Through and Through, we asked him to find the teddy bear on each page, which is something we've done before with little response. I asked him the first time completely not expecting him to do it, but he did. I know it's not saying a word, but it was communication, and I almost cried I was so happy. I praised him as if he had just recited Hamlet's soliloquy. He found the teddy bear on every page and we cheered and clapped each time. Evan thought it was the funniest thing in the world that we were so excited he could do something that was so obviously easy for him. Of course, when I pointed to his teddy bear and asked him what it was, he said nothing, but that's ok.
I needed to hear my doctor be lackadaisical and I needed that lovely moment when my son pointed to a teddy bear at my request, because at least for tonight, I'm not so worried about him. In fact, I have this funny picture in my head of Evan lying in his crib when we leave his room holding his teddy bear and he says as plain as day, "don't worry, Mr. Teddy Bear, I know what you are, but shhhh...I have a good thing going."
4 comments:
oh yah, I fully expect the can talk perfectly. but why if he doesn't really have to yet when he can point & grunt instead & make you guys work hader? :)
You know honestly I never respond on here, but you know Evan will speak when he is ready. Seth stuttered until three, and Luke talked like a dutch man, leaving off the first letter of a lot of words. Really you shouldn't worry, he is smart and just keep being patient with him and encourage him like you are and in his own time he will talk so much you will wonder when was the day he didn't talk :)!!!!!
I agree with the above post, he is just taking his time. Even though the girls talk, a lot of times they will say things once and won't say them again, so matter how hard we try. you just have to be patient and it will happen when you least expect it! :-)
He'll say one word eventually and then 10 more will come out right after! He'll get there but I completely understand your worries.
Post a Comment