Childhood Apraxia of Speech

About a month after speech began, Sam's speech pathologist said she wanted to talk to me. His speech was slow in coming. He had a few sounds, nothing unprompted, and he wasn't blending sounds unprompted at all.

I knew this was something real. I could feel her tension and hesitation.

Big words. Words I had never heard before.

Childhood apraxia of speech.

She suspected, she wanted him on the waiting list early, and we could always take him off if he suddenly made big improvements and it was clear she was wrong.

I agreed. Of course, I want the best for Sam. Whatever this all means...

What does this mean?

I remember my mind reeling. I remember fear, and dread, and the sudden onset of guilt.

She explained that apraxia is a disconnect in the brain. That Sam knew exactly what he wanted to say, that the words were there, in his mind, but when he tried to say them, the connection from his brain to make the muscles of his mouth move properly was, for some reason, disconnected.

Guilt.

I was quiet, processing, asked what this would mean long term for Sam, but she had no answers. She said every child was different, every case was different.

Fear.

I signed a form to put him on the list to seen by the pediatrician, at the center. She gave me some sheets for more detailed information on apraxia. I smiled, trembling a bit, and gathered up Sam. I said thank you, and we left.

Its been 2 1/2 months since that day. Its burned in my mind. The guilt. That I did something wrong. The fear. For his future and what it will hold. The dread. Of the long hard road ahead for him.

I cried and cried and cried that day. Goran knew immediately when he got home that something was wrong. He tried to get me to talk but I just choked up tears burning my eyes, sliding down my cheeks. I showed him the info sheets. He quietly read them through. "This doesn't change anything for us! We luv Sam just the same." Of course I felt the same way, but there were all those feelings, of guilt and dread and fear, and it was so raw I couldn't even get them out. I remember snuggling a sleeping Sam that night crying and feeling so sad, so burdened, and so alone.

Processing takes time. I've come a long way since that day, but I'm sure there is more to deal with as we move through this journey.

I've joined an online support group, and it is a constant place of support and inspiration. I luv when people post videos of their 5, 6, 7, year old kids talking. So encouraging for someone else to write, 'at 3 my son only had 3 words, and now at 10 he can be understood by strangers'

I will fill in more gaps, but this is a big post. Writing is part of processing for me, and leaving this here for the world to see, feels big.

As with all our children, we luv Sam completely. As with every one of our children, we are providing him with every opportunity for him to reach his full potential. And as with all the children God has given to us, I am confident he was given to us, and he is the part of the puzzle of our family, and I wouldn't change a thing.

Happy Birthday Sam

February 17th we celebrated Sam's 3rd birthday. Surrounded by family and friends he blew out his candle in his green dino pjs from aunt Kristyn which he still luvs <3 p="">

New Post - New Beginnings

I counted months. I counted weeks. I counted days. I counted bus trips. And the last day came with mixed feelings of hope, worry, joy, excitement, and relief. I had made it. The weekend felt surreal, and then Monday morning came. The 1st day of my maternity leave. I woke at 4:30, and lay there thinking about the routine and consistency I had left behind. I eventually went to the couch, because honestly, its hard to get comfortable in bed at this point. My one leg is forever falling asleep, indigestion is terrible and Sam can be a bed hog. Goran got up and rushed around packing a lunch, making breakfast for the commute to work and flew out of the house. I eventually dozed off, and then Sam joined, me on the smaller then bed couch, for cuddles. I thought about the kids, the drivers, and dispatch.

Suddenly it was time to get up, make breakfast, get the day moving for the kids, and me and the plans we had.

It was a day with a slow pace. No rushing. Time to breath in the fresh air, feel the sun, listen to the laughter, watch the learning, read books, bake together, tidy together and remind myself why I have almost 6 kids. Why I luv being a mom, and why I choose to homeschool.

A beautiful quiet afternoon spent by the river with friends, We are taking a break from hand held screens.  So the kids are able to fully enjoy fish hunting, wet feet, a snack by the river, friends, and sunshine, 

Today is day 2, very much like day one, with less mixed feelings and more feeling of contentment, relief and happiness. 

There is so much to say, and so much to catch up on. I missed Sams birthday, and other news, but will catch up in the next few weeks. 

Keep posted! 

Sam and the Green Dinosaur

Sam started speech therapy this week. I wasn't sure what to expect, but after being there, and watching, I was so very pleased.

Sam was playing with Lindsey, and I was sitting on the floor helping with interactions, acting as a bit of a 'translator'. He was playing, and pointing and grunting and she was keeping it really fun and light, as this was our first 1st visit. He was playing with a toy, but getting upset, and frustrated - almost angry like he does, because he can't communicate whats in his head.

He finally crumpled into my lap, crying, spent and overwhelmed with his frustration.

"Awe, you poor guy!" Lindsey said. "You have so much to say and can't get it out."

My heart jumped! Someone else see's what I see. Not a boy refusing to talk. Not a 'stubborn' child. Not a 'disobedient' child. But a boy, a little boy with so much to say, who is frustrated and upset, and so so so badly wants to share what he is thinking. He wants his desires met. He wants his voice heard.
I understand how people might think hes being 'difficult' or 'stubborn', but they aren't with Sam all day long. They don't see the desire in his eyes. The way he stands there sometimes, looking into my eyes, grunting and gesturing, almost begging me to understand. Crying because something is not where he left it, but no one can help him, because no one knows what he's thinking about.

He didn't want to leave. He was mad, and angry. He threw his hat on the floor and kept trying to go back. he understands what this is for. He understands this is the key to sharing all this thoughts!

The Dinosaur

There's this episode of Peppa Pig where her little brother George goes to daycare. He paints a picture of a green thing that some what resembles a a green dinosaur, and holds it up and says "Roar Roar" so everyone knows what it means. They all laugh, because they understand that he has painted his dinosaur.

Sam has been painting with green a lot the last week. He purposely picks the green, fills his pallet with green and then paints.

Yesterday while I was a way he did the same thing. Only this time he found Grace, held up his picture and said.....are you ready for it?

"ROAR! ROAR! ROAR!" Grace immediately knew what was going on.

He was happy to paint and show me his dinosaur and do lots of "ROAR"s when I got home. He nodded lots and smiled big when we talked about Georges dinosaur, how awesome Sam's dinosaur was too.

"ROAR!!"

I'm so glad we are on the right path, and I am SO excited to hear all the things Sam has to say!

A Special Post

I have never done one of *these* posts. I'm excited, and my fingers are tingling a tiny bit.

As we prepare for this baby, in our hearts and minds, all of us, have plans, ideas and LOVE. We all adore this person, who's growing and kicking, and listening to us.

It only seemed so natural and so right, that we know what kind of baby it is, so we can be that much more prepared.

My heart skipped a beat when the tec said the sex, and my eyes searched the room to see the reactions. Excitement, joy, elation, and a bit of disappointment with one.

I promised Klara that once she saw him, and held hims, and kissed him, she'd forget she ever wanted a girl!

We've named him Caleb Shephan! We can't wait to see him!

Caleb Stephan 

And to commemorate our baby,

Little Dancer

There really isn't a whole lot to say. The pictures tell the story. A beautiful story, of a girl who luvs to dress up, learn, be cheered on, and dance.

I'll never forget how intently she watched her teacher for the next move, how she smiled at her classmates, and watched their cues. I will remember her twirling. As her tiny feet raced to keep up with the speed of the turning, and her skirt swishing as she went.

I will forever be grateful to the never ending patience's  of her teacher. Klara was the youngest in the class, and often forgot, or got distracted. But her teacher was kind, and sweet and always brought her back calmly, and lovingly. She strives to bring out the best in all her students, and allowed Klara to shine! It was truly amazing! I hope I can be as good a teacher to her.

 

Twirl Klara twirl!

Happy 10th Birthday Grace

On January 7th, our Grace turned 10. 10!!! 

What does Grace mean??

Goodness and generosity. Latin ties it to "God's grace," and Greek mythology to beauty, blossom, and joy. 

All the things our Grace is. 

Happy Birthday Grace! Wishing you a wonderful year and many many more. 

Love Mom