What a difference a year makes!
Last December, Taylor had been hearing only 3 months and her main word at that point was "Mama."
This December, I find it hard to list a word that she couldn't say. Some of her accomplishments over the past year include:
- Can verbally identify the names of the basic colors and shapes
- Can name most common animals and knows the sounds they make
- Knows the names of our family members and friends
- Asks questions, such as "What are you doing?" " Where did Daddy go?" "Where is my Jacket?"
- Requests items such as Barbie Movie, Hot dog, Purple Tutu and Cookies.
- Uses adjectives regularly in her speech (empty pocket, scary movie, mean car, funny Daddy)
- Tries to count on her own from 1 - 10 (the order is unpredictable at this point)
- Will say "I'm sorry, Are you okay?"
- Learned the language of rural Kansas, i.e. Combines, Tractors, Cows, Horses, Boots, etc.
- Developed an appreciation for music, including lots of singing and dancing.
The list goes on and on. Here are a few recent videos of Taylor.
Our Little Dancer (October 2010)
Repeating (and Anticipating) Ling Sounds in Therapy (October 2010)
As I reflect on the past year, I am thankful for the therapy and services that we have received from Hearts for Hearing in Oklahoma City and Via Christi in Wichita. I am thankful for flexible work schedules for both my husband and I that have allowed us to get Taylor to weekly appointments for the past year. I have greatly appreciated my husband's parents and sisters, who have helped us with babysitting, meals, and a place to stay during our trips to Oklahoma City. The Blog Comments along the way have been a welcome surprise! I'm so glad that Derek has been a good sport in this past year, helping Taylor to learn new words, helping to keep track of the "ears" when they fall off, and celebrating with us by announcing "Mom, Taylor Said XXX!" I'm grateful to have a husband (10 Years Today!) who was willing to sacrifice, work and worry along with me. And most of all, I'm thankful for Taylor, whose wonderful enthusiasm and attitude have allowed her to excel with language in spite of the challenge of deafness.
