"Kids with Down syndrome usually start developing their first single words at 18 months," the speech therapist said. So while most kids like Ellie are learning to say "Dada," Ellie has said more than 30 words and is starting to string them together in ways that make sense. And she has a few signs that she uses consistently.
At the Down syndrome support meeting I attended last weekend, the parents were in agreement: "These kids don't really start using language or signs to communicate feelings like hunger or anything else until they're about 3."
I stayed quiet. I feel guilty, but I am jubilant. Jubilant! Miraculous child, in so many ways.
10 comments:
It is strange that guilt is so much a part of so many of our lives. In the case of the liver moms, we sometimes feel a bit guilty when our child has stayed out of the hospital for months at a time or even more guilty when we a child we have loved from a distance has passed away.
It's worthwhile to celebrate these accomplishments, though. And I think that at our better moments, the parents on the lowside of the cycle celebrate along and are genuinely happy that things are going so well.
Anyway... Woo Hoo, Ellie!
That's really wonderful, Sarahlynn - I'm very happy for you, Paul and Ellie.
Say, I keep seeing all of these adorable pictures - any chance you have extras?
I forgot to say, too, that Ellie is absolutely adorable. That's the kind of smile that makes you feel all squooshy inside!
Congrats! May she continue to bring more and more joy into your life.
Oh, Sarahlynn, that's so wonderful!
Thank you, everyone!!
Moreena, exactly. I'm glad to hear that you feel the same way.
Jessica, yes, I have an extra picture. But in order to get it, you have to come over for dinner! This is a good weekend for us. . .
Anyway, I feel like I should clarify that it's not like Ellie talks in complete sentences all the time. Most of the time she still goes "ehhhhhhhh" while wildly guesturing. But the words and signs are slowly becoming more and more common.
Best of all - she gets it! She understands the concept of speech, and when she concentrates - or when she totally forgets to concentrate - words come out. Beautiful words.
sarahlynn -- your daughter is beautiful.. 'bubble pop!' is great :) sounds wonderfully fun!
Heck, at 18 months neither of my kids were even putting together two words. So I think it's fantastic.
Yay!!
I just found you today but I have spent forever reading your blog. I love it and I think that I adore you. I just want to cuddle that cutie and kiss her all over her cheeks! Such a smart little girl for her Mommy!!
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