I had a huge break though yesterday! It makes me smile every time I think about it. But let me start with an update on DS2's speech therapy.
I let go of (fired) the first therapist provided to us. Just not a great fit. However she has been hard to shake, she's contacted me twice to see what she could have done better and I've provided her with reference books on cleft palate so she'll know more next time. Then we took the week of New Year off from speech therapy, as it was hard to find anyone over the holiday. But DS2 does love his play therapy/therapist, and she seems to do a lot of speech work with him too. Then this Monday the new therapist called. While she is young, she has more experience with cleft palette kids although only working for 5 years, is quite outgoing, and seems like she might be a good fit. Yesterday she came over to meet us and set up our schedule.
DS1 was so full of energy, that he was crazed. This is a new behavior, and frankly I don't always know how to reign him in. But essentially he had no interest in making sounds for the therapist, just kept insisting what ever toy she was holding was "mine".
Then the phone rang. I detest phone solicitation. I know folks are just doing their job, but really. And DS2 LOVES to talk on the phone. So with a lightening strike of inspiration, I picked up the phone and handed it to DS2. He said "hello", which was great for the therapist and the person on the phone. With someone talking to him, he just let it flow! He babbled away and was expressive in tone. I could hear just a touch of the person on the line saying things like, "is your mommy there? Is this Ms. Larson?"
The therapist thought it was hilarious but effective, she was able to take tons of notes on which sounds he is making and watch lip movement. In future sessions I may have to call them from my cell phone. I thought it was awesome. It is recycling at its best. DH thought it was brilliant. I always have thought that living well is the best revenge, but for now on DS2 is taking the phone solicitor calls.
