Language Acquisition

Given that DS2 is trying his hardest to get new sounds and words, sometimes I forget that DS1 is still gaining vocabulary. Unlike DS2 whom I applaud for any sound attempted, whether it is actually made or not, DS1 is talking up a storm and very attentive of when I use a word he thinks should be part of his vocabulary.

For example, the boys came into the kitchen a few days ago, appearing like a storm blowing in. Ds1 had about 6 tools in wrapped in his arms, DS2 had a saw in one hand and clearly wanted at least one more tool. DS1 was crying that he didn't want to share because he had already given the little guy one tool. I looked at him and said, "Give him one more, you are clutching them so tight you can't even play with them." To which DS1 responded, "I am not clutching. What does clutching mean?" Amazing right! I'm personally embarrassed by my limited vocabulary and impressed that this kid will reach right out there and use a new word whether he knows what it means or not!

Then there is the vocabulary use to show me that he know something. For example, the other day I asked if I could read him a story I've been writing. Then I asked if he knew I had been writing it. He responded, "I know you've been writing. I've heard you talk to the other mommies .... with my ears." "Not your nose?" I asked. "No with my ears," he replied. So is he telling my he likes to eve's drop? Or is he telling me he knows what his ears are for?

But a personal favorite, is trying to use words he doesn't get to use to often. We were heading to a friend's house for a dinnertime play date and I stopped with the boys in the wine store to grab a bottle of wine, and DS1 asked, "What type of rum does Jane like?" While his comment raised eyebrows, I got people to actually turn around and look at us by responding, "Honey, Jane likes wine, we are in a wine store. It's mommie that likes rum."

Ears Have It

Just a quick update. DS2 and I went to the ENT (Ears, Nose and Throat) doctor today and it went well. I really liked the guy, he is with NYU, so if anyone needs a recommendation in NYC, give me a holler.

The good news, and bad news. DS2 is hearing "normally" meaning volume or decibels. He hears to 30 decibels and really should be hearing down to 15, but for a cleft kid this is normal. However, his ears are full of water, which the doctors sees as having no ventilation, which means this has been a problem for more than a year. This wasn't diagnosed by the pediatrician as they couldn't see past the wax which was removed today - about 1/2 inch in each ear. Again the Dr. said this had been there for years and I wouldn't have reached it in normal cleaning. DS2 was a trooper about removal. He sat in my lap very still and seemed relieved when it all came out. I think it relieved some pressure. He liked it so much he asked the doctor to look in his nose too.

The Dr. says the water has to come out. While he can hear sounds, the water stops the differentiation of sounds. For example, it is unlikely he can hear the difference between "p", "b", and "d". So speech acquisition is clearly affected. To remove the water, we are putting in ear tubes. About 95% of all cleft palette kids need this during childhood. It is an operation, but a quicky. The doctor says it takes 12 minutes, but DS2 still has to be fully sedated, in recovery for an hour post, and then loopy for the rest of the day. We are scheduled for December 30th.

The Dr. also thought he hasn't had chronic infections as the canal was not particularly swollen or irritated. This is all good. But everyone (meaning those who get paid) are nervous about the insurance coverage, because now I'm moving temporarily to COBRA. Should be a fun game on this one.

This coming Monday I have the "hearing" on what type of therapy and how many sessions a week DS2 is going to receive from early intervention. It is good he tested poorly upfront, as this means he may get more rather than less. With therapy coming on board, at the same time as ear tubes go in, I'm rather hopeful that we can have enough speech progression to know how he's doing by March 2009 when I have to put in the reservation for preschool. Amazing how it all goes together!