"Shane, it's time to shower."
"No, I've been farting and my underwear is wet!"
"That's the best time to shower."
Showing posts with label Speech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Speech. Show all posts
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
"You know?"
I picked up a verbal tic this year. Nana pointed it out.
I ask "Does that make sense?" or "Do you know what I mean?" more often than I should.
Nana said, "It's like you're constantly seeking reassurance! What's up with that?"
However, she had a point. I would much rather be told and know than remain in the dark. Nana is very good at picking up verbal patterns. She's also not the least bit afraid or hesitant to point out what she notices! I must have picked the habit up from the resounding silence I sometimes get in class.
I said it a few times as a joke, but then I started to notice I really was saying it without meaning to. I asked Carrie if she noticed and she said, "Yeah......"
It's a habit, but a breakable one. I'm on the watch now (and Nana is sure to point it out if I do it, too!). There's a proverb about how a fool takes correction vs a wise person. I did not celebrate the initial reveal, but I am glad it was pointed out.
Just a humbling moment I thought I'd share.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Kids Say the Darndest Things
Old story I'm surprised was never recorded:
The night of my coaching class, I picked up Shane from day-care and drove him to Nana and Pop's. There was traffic along the way.
We stopped at a red light and Shane spoke up. "Daddy, I need to go pee."
"Can you hold it for a little bit?" I asked.
"My peeper is all full and gonna explode!"
I laughed. The cars around us probably heard.
"You have to hang on a minute, Shane. I can't drive through the cars in front of me."
A few seconds passed. Shane spoked up again."Daddy, my peeper is full and going to explode like a volcano!"
I was surrounded by cars with a desperate toddler and I could not stop smiling. I was insanely proud of how well Shane described his predicament. Insane, because my son was about to pee himself.
"Hold on one more minute, Shane. We'll stop up there," I said.
I pulled up and parked at an office building. Shane immediately started to cry, "No! Not there!" I dragged him out of the car.
A few minutes later I dragged him back out to the car. This time he was crying, because he did not want to leave the building. "Daddy! I want to go in the doctor's office with the toys!"
We had walked by an open allergists door. Guess what Shane saw inside?
"I'm sorry, Shane. There was no bathroom." Or if there was, it was behind security doors or in the allergists office. If it was the only building around, I would've gone in, but we were adjacent a huge shopping center.
I put Shane back in the car and hopped in. I started to drive around the corner to the tune of toddler protests. This time, Shane did not want to stop anywhere else. He wanted to hold it until Nana's house.
"It's okay, Daddy. If I pee in my underwear you can give me new underwear!"
"No, we're going to stop at PetCo."
"PetCo? Oh yeah! That's a good idea, Daddy! Good job!"
No peepers exploded like volcanoes.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Name Change
Carrie picked up on something.
Shane has started calling us "Mom" and "Dad" instead of "Mommy" and "Daddy."
Also, he's changed Pop's name from "Pop Pop" to "Poppy."
I have not a clue what it signifies. Kudos to Carrie for noticing! It seems like one of those obvious things that anyone would catch, but I certainly didn't.
Another reason parenting is a team sport.
Monday, December 23, 2013
A Few Shane Sayings
Shane says some pretty hysterical things from time to time. I normally think "That's awesome! I should write that down!"
Then I don't.
Then I forget.
No longer! Here are some Shane sayings.
In the car
Shane: I don't want to go home!
Carrie: Tough cookies.
Shane: Cookies?
Carrie & I: Uh-oh.
Shane: I want a cookie! I want a cookie! x infinite
Whenever he wants something
Shane: I love you, I need you, Mommy! ::big hug + kiss::
Carrie: Now I understand "affection as a weapon."
Shane's new favorite word
Anyone: Shane, do you want/need/like ______________.
Shane: NOT.
That's not what I meant..
Me: Shane do you want a bunny?
Shane: NO! We don't eat bunnies! Bunnies HOP!!
Friends
Me: Do you want to visit Daniel?
Shane: Oh yeah! He needs me.
After bedtime. The house is quiet; Shane is supposed to be sleeping; I sneeze.
Shane (through the monitor): Bless you, Daddy.
Me (to the ceiling): Thank you, Shane.
Shane (through the monitor): Your welcome.
When Daddy hugs Mommy
Shane: No, Daddy! That's my girl!
On occasion, Shane also mimics some of Daddy's "names" for Mommy
Shane: Good morning, Beautiful!
Sometimes he tries to call me "Mike," as well.
When Daddy hugs Mommy
Shane: No, Daddy! That's my girl!
On occasion, Shane also mimics some of Daddy's "names" for Mommy
Shane: Good morning, Beautiful!
Sometimes he tries to call me "Mike," as well.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Reflection Questions
Every night, I ask Shane to tell me about his day before we say prayers. My goal is to get Shane to reflect.
It normally goes like this:
Daddy: "What did you do today?"
Shane: "I share with Conner Borg at school!"
It doesn't matter if it's Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Whateverday: Shane's reply is consistent.
He says it on days he wakes up at Nana's house and skips school; he says it on days there is no school and I take him to the library. He must have answered my questions that way once, it must have been correct, and I must have made a big deal out of it.
Oops.
It's the universal answer now!
I've learned to ask more specific, leading questions. Sometimes, Shane is spot on. He remembers what he did and tells me. Other times he supplies a different "universal answer."
"Where did you eat with Nana today?" or "Where did Shane and Daddy go after school today?"
Universal answer: "Subway"
"What did you do in school today?
Universal answer: "I share with Conner Borg!" or "Lorenzo hit me!" (which he's told me on days where Lorenzo isn't even in the building. Once again, I think it happened once and Shane's said it since. Trust me, I watch!).
"What day is today!"
Universal answer: "Tuesday! I want Subway!"
I'm pretty sure that last answer is more wishful thinking than anything else!
Shane has grown more intricate in his answers. He still has his catchphrases and almost standardized responses, but sometimes he says the funniest sentences when I least expect. He's usually on topic and spot on. Last night, he told me that he went to school, we went to get pizza, we played with trucks, and we played at Daniel's house. I wish I could think of some of the other times he's made me stop and laugh, but none come to mind. I'll have to add them in if I they come back to me!
It normally goes like this:
Daddy: "What did you do today?"
Shane: "I share with Conner Borg at school!"
It doesn't matter if it's Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Whateverday: Shane's reply is consistent.
He says it on days he wakes up at Nana's house and skips school; he says it on days there is no school and I take him to the library. He must have answered my questions that way once, it must have been correct, and I must have made a big deal out of it.
Oops.
It's the universal answer now!
I've learned to ask more specific, leading questions. Sometimes, Shane is spot on. He remembers what he did and tells me. Other times he supplies a different "universal answer."
"Where did you eat with Nana today?" or "Where did Shane and Daddy go after school today?"
Universal answer: "Subway"
"What did you do in school today?
Universal answer: "I share with Conner Borg!" or "Lorenzo hit me!" (which he's told me on days where Lorenzo isn't even in the building. Once again, I think it happened once and Shane's said it since. Trust me, I watch!).
"What day is today!"
Universal answer: "Tuesday! I want Subway!"
I'm pretty sure that last answer is more wishful thinking than anything else!
Shane has grown more intricate in his answers. He still has his catchphrases and almost standardized responses, but sometimes he says the funniest sentences when I least expect. He's usually on topic and spot on. Last night, he told me that he went to school, we went to get pizza, we played with trucks, and we played at Daniel's house. I wish I could think of some of the other times he's made me stop and laugh, but none come to mind. I'll have to add them in if I they come back to me!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The N Word
My son loves to say "NO." He enunciates and puts a lot of force into it!
He is proficient with "I NOT" and "I NEED!," as well.
Shane's no game is to tell you one thing, wait for you to react, and then immediately tell you the opposite. He cries and whines if Daddy doesn't switch gears.
This can make for an interesting game of back and forth where everyone loses. I ask Shane what he wants. He tells me one thing. I parrot Shane for clarification. Shane tells me another thing. I parrot Shane's new request. Shane gets upset. He may tell me the first thing; he may tell me the second thing. Sometimes he just throws a tantrum and I'm left wondering.
I can be stubborn, too. Typically, once Shane repeats a command after I ask for clarification: that's what I go with. If Shane says "I need banana!" and I open it, I don't accept "I NOT!" He may cry, but until he eats a couple of bites I don't let him run off ("You asked for a banana. You need to eat.")
Yesterday, we drove by the library.
I asked Shane, "Do you want to go to the library?"
"I NOT!"
"What was that? Do you want to go to the library?"
"I NOT! I NOT go to the the library!"
That sounded clear as day to me. It also sounded like the complete opposite of what Shane really wanted, but I went with it.
"Okay. I hear you. We no go to the library."
Shane waited until we passed the turn to start crying. "THAT WAY! LIBRARY! LIBRARY!"
"Shane, you said 'I not go to the library.'"
More tears.
"Say what you mean next time," and I kept driving.
We're definitely in "the terrible twos." It's still a lot more fun, because Shane can communicate. It will be even more fun for him when he learns that saying "no" is a way to communicate and not a game unto itself.
I'm also trying to get him to say "I am not."
Daddy grammar police.*
*(Yes, I know I used bad grammar when talking to Shane earlier, but you have to speak so the child understands! Baby steps...baby steps...)
He is proficient with "I NOT" and "I NEED!," as well.
Shane's no game is to tell you one thing, wait for you to react, and then immediately tell you the opposite. He cries and whines if Daddy doesn't switch gears.
This can make for an interesting game of back and forth where everyone loses. I ask Shane what he wants. He tells me one thing. I parrot Shane for clarification. Shane tells me another thing. I parrot Shane's new request. Shane gets upset. He may tell me the first thing; he may tell me the second thing. Sometimes he just throws a tantrum and I'm left wondering.
I can be stubborn, too. Typically, once Shane repeats a command after I ask for clarification: that's what I go with. If Shane says "I need banana!" and I open it, I don't accept "I NOT!" He may cry, but until he eats a couple of bites I don't let him run off ("You asked for a banana. You need to eat.")
Yesterday, we drove by the library.
I asked Shane, "Do you want to go to the library?"
"I NOT!"
"What was that? Do you want to go to the library?"
"I NOT! I NOT go to the the library!"
That sounded clear as day to me. It also sounded like the complete opposite of what Shane really wanted, but I went with it.
"Okay. I hear you. We no go to the library."
Shane waited until we passed the turn to start crying. "THAT WAY! LIBRARY! LIBRARY!"
"Shane, you said 'I not go to the library.'"
More tears.
"Say what you mean next time," and I kept driving.
We're definitely in "the terrible twos." It's still a lot more fun, because Shane can communicate. It will be even more fun for him when he learns that saying "no" is a way to communicate and not a game unto itself.
I'm also trying to get him to say "I am not."
Daddy grammar police.*
*(Yes, I know I used bad grammar when talking to Shane earlier, but you have to speak so the child understands! Baby steps...baby steps...)
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Shane's Eligibility
Shane's eligibility meeting was today. Last Friday was the data review.
It lasted all of three minutes.
The eligibility team members introduced themselves, they started to read the criteria, and then they said "we don't see any evidence of a developmental delay. Your son is not eligible for services at this time."
I said "I understand. Thank you very much," and that was it.
Not a very exciting story to tell, but a piece to the puzzle that will be Shane's life (and my parenting 'career').
What's more ironic is I forgot about the meeting entirely! I do this for a living!
It lasted all of three minutes.
The eligibility team members introduced themselves, they started to read the criteria, and then they said "we don't see any evidence of a developmental delay. Your son is not eligible for services at this time."
I said "I understand. Thank you very much," and that was it.
Not a very exciting story to tell, but a piece to the puzzle that will be Shane's life (and my parenting 'career').
What's more ironic is I forgot about the meeting entirely! I do this for a living!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Shane's Data Review
Friday, I had to sneak out of work a little early for a data review meeting with the county. The results of the testing they did on Shane are compiled and it's custom to review the data with parents prior to eligibility meetings.
The bottom line: there is a 99.9% chance that Shane will not be found eligible for special services through the county.
The people were very professional and helpful, but the message I read between the lines was "Your son is doing well; He's not perfect because no child is, but we don't see anything we'd call a disability. Here's more info and contact us again if there's a change."
Shane has made a lot of progress since the doctor dropped the "your child needs to be evaluated" bomb on us last summer and he had tubes inserted. Shane's expressive and receptive language skills were at the top end of the average spectrum (75-80th percentiles) and they said it was typical to find half of what a two-year old says unintelligible. There are certainly times I don't understand a word coming out of my son's mouth, but he does get the point across more often than not.
The bad news is: this means no free preschool.
The good news is: Shane's development is back on track and we still get support through Child Find until Shane turns three in December.
I'd say the good far outweighs the bad! I'm glad that I got to experience what many of the parents of my students have gone through. I remember the initial shock and sadness of "your son needs help" and what it felt like to be on the other side of the table without the cliff notes.
The bottom line: there is a 99.9% chance that Shane will not be found eligible for special services through the county.
The people were very professional and helpful, but the message I read between the lines was "Your son is doing well; He's not perfect because no child is, but we don't see anything we'd call a disability. Here's more info and contact us again if there's a change."
Shane has made a lot of progress since the doctor dropped the "your child needs to be evaluated" bomb on us last summer and he had tubes inserted. Shane's expressive and receptive language skills were at the top end of the average spectrum (75-80th percentiles) and they said it was typical to find half of what a two-year old says unintelligible. There are certainly times I don't understand a word coming out of my son's mouth, but he does get the point across more often than not.
The bad news is: this means no free preschool.
The good news is: Shane's development is back on track and we still get support through Child Find until Shane turns three in December.
I'd say the good far outweighs the bad! I'm glad that I got to experience what many of the parents of my students have gone through. I remember the initial shock and sadness of "your son needs help" and what it felt like to be on the other side of the table without the cliff notes.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Kids Repeat Everything...
Shane's at the age where he hears only what he wants to hear and it's never what you want him to hear.
Max was walking around Shane with her tail in the upright, announcing-her-presence position. She was a little too relaxed for being in a toddler's reach.
Max turned her back to Shane, perhaps expecting one of her humans to pet her.
Shane reached out one of his hands, but it wasn't to pet. He had noticed a less furry spot that piqued his interest. My son extended his index finger and moved in.
I barely pulled him away in time.
"No touch kitty butt! YUCK!" I said.
Max kept twirling around, oblivious to the discomfort that had almost been.
"Kitty butt? Kitty BUTT!" Shane laughed and pointed. "KITTY BUTT?"
Another pair of words to add to Shane's vocabulary.
Max was walking around Shane with her tail in the upright, announcing-her-presence position. She was a little too relaxed for being in a toddler's reach.
Max turned her back to Shane, perhaps expecting one of her humans to pet her.
Shane reached out one of his hands, but it wasn't to pet. He had noticed a less furry spot that piqued his interest. My son extended his index finger and moved in.
I barely pulled him away in time.
"No touch kitty butt! YUCK!" I said.
Max kept twirling around, oblivious to the discomfort that had almost been.
"Kitty butt? Kitty BUTT!" Shane laughed and pointed. "KITTY BUTT?"
Another pair of words to add to Shane's vocabulary.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Shanese
There are times when I can't understand a word Shane is saying.
He will look me in the eye, say his piece, and I will be absolutely clueless.
It offends him.
Sometimes, I ask "Can you point?" and that solves the issue. Other times, I call for Carrie. She is the leading interpreter in the field of Shanese (like Chinese - only with Shane!). If neither one of us can figure it out, we scratch our heads and try to distract him with something new.
Nana told me that she sometimes tries to repeat back to Shane exactly what she heard.
She also said it pisses him off.
Shane hears it the correct way in his head. When you repeat him it doesn't sound like what he thought he said. It sounds like gibberish (or Shanese!).
It annoys him.
Nana and Pop-pop said this gives them flashbacks of raising me. I would do the EXACT same thing. Jama has a story she likes to tell where I wanted to "JENNA JAME!" (aka "rent a game"). She couldn't understand a word I was saying and I was livid!
Like father, like son!
Hopefully, Shane's speech will get better sooner than mine, or he will find a friend who can translate for him. I had Bill (Dan's brother) growing up and we've been friend ever since.
Actually, I would prefer Shane find a lifelong friend over his speech improving sooner. I'm not worried about him as an adult. Either his speech will get better, or it was not meant to and he will adapt. Life marches on.
In the meantime, I wonder if they teach Shanese at the local college. I need a few lessons!
He will look me in the eye, say his piece, and I will be absolutely clueless.
It offends him.
Sometimes, I ask "Can you point?" and that solves the issue. Other times, I call for Carrie. She is the leading interpreter in the field of Shanese (like Chinese - only with Shane!). If neither one of us can figure it out, we scratch our heads and try to distract him with something new.
Nana told me that she sometimes tries to repeat back to Shane exactly what she heard.
She also said it pisses him off.
Shane hears it the correct way in his head. When you repeat him it doesn't sound like what he thought he said. It sounds like gibberish (or Shanese!).
It annoys him.
Nana and Pop-pop said this gives them flashbacks of raising me. I would do the EXACT same thing. Jama has a story she likes to tell where I wanted to "JENNA JAME!" (aka "rent a game"). She couldn't understand a word I was saying and I was livid!
Like father, like son!
Hopefully, Shane's speech will get better sooner than mine, or he will find a friend who can translate for him. I had Bill (Dan's brother) growing up and we've been friend ever since.
Actually, I would prefer Shane find a lifelong friend over his speech improving sooner. I'm not worried about him as an adult. Either his speech will get better, or it was not meant to and he will adapt. Life marches on.
In the meantime, I wonder if they teach Shanese at the local college. I need a few lessons!
Speechisms Never End
Shane calls our cars "Black car" and "Prius."
"Prius" sounds very odd when Shane doesn't pronounce the 'r.' The first time I heard it, I swore I heard an 'n' between the 'i' and 'u.'
"Mommy Prius?"
"Prius" sounds very odd when Shane doesn't pronounce the 'r.' The first time I heard it, I swore I heard an 'n' between the 'i' and 'u.'
"Mommy Prius?"
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
More Speechisms
Shane came back from Grandma and Grandpa's asking to see "BOOBIES!!!!"
I took me a few seconds to figure out he meant "Movies."
I took me a few seconds to figure out he meant "Movies."
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
IFSP Meeting today
The doctor referring Shane to child find: stressful.
Deciding to contact child find and get an informal assessment: less stressful.
The formal assessment: stressful (especially for Carrie).
Shane's first Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) review today: not stressful at all.
Shane's case manager and therapist came over today at 4 PM for the six-month review of his progress.
I was there, but I was sitting in a car in the garage.
I was on my way home from work at 3:30 PM when I called Carrie. My wife told me "don't come in."
Lately, Shane's been an extreme Mommy's boy. He's also taken an anti-Daddy stance (post to follow). I get lots of "Daddy Bye-Byes!" and if I try to hug Carrie for more than a moment Shane squeezes himself in between us.
Sometimes, he also throws a small fit when I get home from work. The therapist, Georgeanne, wanted to see one when she arrived at 4.
I made a gas detour and my wife put my Bible out in the garage so I could start my Lent reading.
I didn't come in until Carrie texted me an invitation.
No fit.
Shane had a cat toy with a helicopter tied to the end he was slinging around full force. He smiled, showed me his toy, and resumed endangering everyone in reach.
I was relieved. Nothing makes you feel more welcomed home than a temper tantrum and I can't say I was looking forward to his temper tantrum being evaluated by a specialist. Especially because it was about me.
In reality, Shane throws lots of fits when random people show up at our house or we pick him up from Nana Day-Care. I think that: 1) Shane doesn't like transitions and 2) he's really bad at playing favorites. Carrie's in and anyone who could take away Mommy time is the enemy!
When our case manager, Janice, arrived Shane threw one of his fits. He swatted the air and then ran and knocked over some of his toys to show his displeasure (I admit, I felt a little vindicated).
From there, the meeting when in to a full discussion of Shane's progress and his needs. Both women had great things to say. They were extremely helpful and supportive. A social worker was added to answer questions about Shane's behavior and there is a chance we could get free pre-school through the county if Shane qualifies. I would be a little worried about paying more for the extra services, but with Carrie's reduced hours and pending job loss, our income dropped enough that we no longer have a co-pay for any of our services. I'm very glad that we live in the proactive county we do!
The best of all, though, was Shane was happy the whole time Georganne and Janice were here! Mommy was playing with him and he had an audience! He laughed; he giggled. Shane ran circles and from room to room. Would wonders never cease? It was like he knew there were outsiders in the house and wanted Carrie and I to look like A+ parents. I appreciated it.
The only downside was the meeting took close to 2 hours. The ladies were really into word-smithing some of the goals. I was less concerned. They've convinced me through their actions in the past that they have my sons best interests at heart. If I felt otherwise, I would play the "I know a lot about Special Education too" game. Thankfully, that was (and is) not the case.
Janice has Carrie signed up to visit a preschool program through the county Thursday morning. We'll know more then about whether or not we'd want to have Shane receive services through them or stick with the preschool Carrie signed him up for.
Deciding to contact child find and get an informal assessment: less stressful.
The formal assessment: stressful (especially for Carrie).
Shane's first Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) review today: not stressful at all.
Shane's case manager and therapist came over today at 4 PM for the six-month review of his progress.
I was there, but I was sitting in a car in the garage.
I was on my way home from work at 3:30 PM when I called Carrie. My wife told me "don't come in."
Lately, Shane's been an extreme Mommy's boy. He's also taken an anti-Daddy stance (post to follow). I get lots of "Daddy Bye-Byes!" and if I try to hug Carrie for more than a moment Shane squeezes himself in between us.
Sometimes, he also throws a small fit when I get home from work. The therapist, Georgeanne, wanted to see one when she arrived at 4.
I made a gas detour and my wife put my Bible out in the garage so I could start my Lent reading.
I didn't come in until Carrie texted me an invitation.
No fit.
Shane had a cat toy with a helicopter tied to the end he was slinging around full force. He smiled, showed me his toy, and resumed endangering everyone in reach.
I was relieved. Nothing makes you feel more welcomed home than a temper tantrum and I can't say I was looking forward to his temper tantrum being evaluated by a specialist. Especially because it was about me.
In reality, Shane throws lots of fits when random people show up at our house or we pick him up from Nana Day-Care. I think that: 1) Shane doesn't like transitions and 2) he's really bad at playing favorites. Carrie's in and anyone who could take away Mommy time is the enemy!
When our case manager, Janice, arrived Shane threw one of his fits. He swatted the air and then ran and knocked over some of his toys to show his displeasure (I admit, I felt a little vindicated).
From there, the meeting when in to a full discussion of Shane's progress and his needs. Both women had great things to say. They were extremely helpful and supportive. A social worker was added to answer questions about Shane's behavior and there is a chance we could get free pre-school through the county if Shane qualifies. I would be a little worried about paying more for the extra services, but with Carrie's reduced hours and pending job loss, our income dropped enough that we no longer have a co-pay for any of our services. I'm very glad that we live in the proactive county we do!
The best of all, though, was Shane was happy the whole time Georganne and Janice were here! Mommy was playing with him and he had an audience! He laughed; he giggled. Shane ran circles and from room to room. Would wonders never cease? It was like he knew there were outsiders in the house and wanted Carrie and I to look like A+ parents. I appreciated it.
The only downside was the meeting took close to 2 hours. The ladies were really into word-smithing some of the goals. I was less concerned. They've convinced me through their actions in the past that they have my sons best interests at heart. If I felt otherwise, I would play the "I know a lot about Special Education too" game. Thankfully, that was (and is) not the case.
Janice has Carrie signed up to visit a preschool program through the county Thursday morning. We'll know more then about whether or not we'd want to have Shane receive services through them or stick with the preschool Carrie signed him up for.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
A New Mispronounciation
"BITCH!"
Shane smiled and looked up.
My mind was still registering Shane's first shout when he pointed and called out again.
"BITCH!"
Carrie and I shared a tense glance.
My wife leaned to look over Shane's shoulder at the iPad.
My mind raced. Were we hearing Shane right? What was he watching?
All of a sudden, Carrie relaxed. A smile crept on her face.
"He's watching Kung Fu Pana. That's a bridge, Shane."
"Bitch?"
"Bridge."
We didn't dare laugh. My insides hurt, but if I let it out Shane then would know just how fun his new vocabulary word was.
"Bitch!"
Shane smiled and looked up.
My mind was still registering Shane's first shout when he pointed and called out again.
"BITCH!"
Carrie and I shared a tense glance.
My wife leaned to look over Shane's shoulder at the iPad.
My mind raced. Were we hearing Shane right? What was he watching?
All of a sudden, Carrie relaxed. A smile crept on her face.
"He's watching Kung Fu Pana. That's a bridge, Shane."
"Bitch?"
"Bridge."
We didn't dare laugh. My insides hurt, but if I let it out Shane then would know just how fun his new vocabulary word was.
"Bitch!"
Monday, December 10, 2012
Vocabulary Update
Shane's vocabulary has grown leaps and bounds again. He can recite the alphabet up to around M and can mostly count to 12. There are gaps and he can't pronounce many things, but the boy is trying! Shane can also recognize nearly every engine on the island of Sodor!
One of the speech therapists early suggestions to Carrie was to make a list of all the words Shane says. I think the therapist was envisioning a small list, but my wife took the idea and ran with it.
One of the speech therapists early suggestions to Carrie was to make a list of all the words Shane says. I think the therapist was envisioning a small list, but my wife took the idea and ran with it.
Monday, October 22, 2012
A Vocabulary Revolution
Shane and I went to the gym again today. He went to play with all of the kids whose mothers were in dance class; I went to work on the homework for my online class.
It was a win/win/win situation. Shane got to play with other children. Carrie got to sing. I got to do my homework (the least win of them all, but at least it's done).
Then something strange happened.
At 7:45 PM, I walked into the playroom. Shane was the only straggler once dance let out. He was running around pushing a big car he could ride in happy as can be. One of the girls there looked up at me and said, "Your son has such a big vocabulary for his age!"
Oh, how things have changed.
A month ago, Shane was saying a handful of words and qualified for speech help from the county. Two tubes in his ears later, he's imitating and guessing at new words to the point a child care worker is complimenting him.
I was a proud father. The girls went on to talk about how great Shane was and how there's a 2.5 year old that doesn't say nearly as much as he does. I admit: I ate it up. There was a little bit of worry about putting Shane through the surgery, but I can't imagine a better result than the one we've gotten. Shane's been ear infection clean and he's talking. Sometimes, he talks so much I wish he wouldn't be so insistent with what he wants! ("Go? Go? Go? Go? GO!!!! SEEEE!!!!!...Go?")
I was a little happy-sad when I tried to pick Shane up to leave and it got me thinking. The boy ran off to another new toy and grabbed the girl's hand who was complimenting him. For the next 10 minutes, he dragged her around the room and generally didn't come whenever I tried to call him over. It made me a little sad he didn't sprint over and yell "DADA!" I know a losing battle when I see on, so I only tried a couple of more times to call Shane. I was not fully opposed to him getting some more energy out before bedtime anyway, so I figured I'd let him enjoy himself a little longer before breaking it up for bed time.
A parent's job is to love your kid and do what's best for them. That means you can't always be the playmate if you really love your child. I've always known that, but it is not something any parent I know looks forward to. I thought that would kick in more as Shane got older. The truth is it starts happening whenever you have to put limits on something or you choose to put the baby on the other side of the baby gate so you can pick up whatever he knocked off a counter. Shane's been mad at me before, and he'll be mad at me again....but as long as he knows I love him that's fine with me.
I'm writing this here for you to read one day Shane. You weren't too happy about me dragging you to that surgery, but I'd do it again and again for this result. Keep in mind that the next time I'm the bad guy I may be playing the good guy in the long run.
Anyway, It's nice to know your old man and pretty mother got the ear surgery decision right. You're talking!
It was a win/win/win situation. Shane got to play with other children. Carrie got to sing. I got to do my homework (the least win of them all, but at least it's done).
Then something strange happened.
At 7:45 PM, I walked into the playroom. Shane was the only straggler once dance let out. He was running around pushing a big car he could ride in happy as can be. One of the girls there looked up at me and said, "Your son has such a big vocabulary for his age!"
Oh, how things have changed.
A month ago, Shane was saying a handful of words and qualified for speech help from the county. Two tubes in his ears later, he's imitating and guessing at new words to the point a child care worker is complimenting him.
I was a proud father. The girls went on to talk about how great Shane was and how there's a 2.5 year old that doesn't say nearly as much as he does. I admit: I ate it up. There was a little bit of worry about putting Shane through the surgery, but I can't imagine a better result than the one we've gotten. Shane's been ear infection clean and he's talking. Sometimes, he talks so much I wish he wouldn't be so insistent with what he wants! ("Go? Go? Go? Go? GO!!!! SEEEE!!!!!...Go?")
I was a little happy-sad when I tried to pick Shane up to leave and it got me thinking. The boy ran off to another new toy and grabbed the girl's hand who was complimenting him. For the next 10 minutes, he dragged her around the room and generally didn't come whenever I tried to call him over. It made me a little sad he didn't sprint over and yell "DADA!" I know a losing battle when I see on, so I only tried a couple of more times to call Shane. I was not fully opposed to him getting some more energy out before bedtime anyway, so I figured I'd let him enjoy himself a little longer before breaking it up for bed time.
A parent's job is to love your kid and do what's best for them. That means you can't always be the playmate if you really love your child. I've always known that, but it is not something any parent I know looks forward to. I thought that would kick in more as Shane got older. The truth is it starts happening whenever you have to put limits on something or you choose to put the baby on the other side of the baby gate so you can pick up whatever he knocked off a counter. Shane's been mad at me before, and he'll be mad at me again....but as long as he knows I love him that's fine with me.
I'm writing this here for you to read one day Shane. You weren't too happy about me dragging you to that surgery, but I'd do it again and again for this result. Keep in mind that the next time I'm the bad guy I may be playing the good guy in the long run.
Anyway, It's nice to know your old man and pretty mother got the ear surgery decision right. You're talking!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
In the Zone
Shane's gone with me to the gym/church day care a couple of times this week. On Thursday, he was the only toddler there. He got to monopolize the attention of both girls working that night!
I finished working out, and dropped by to pick Shane up. The girls were laying on the ground as Shane ran around them. When they saw me, they smiled and told me a story.
"It was soooo funny! We were laying on the ground with him and Shane ran up, full speed, and jumped on us!"
Shane's an active boy! I smiled.
Then, a thought dawned on me....uh oh.
"[Shane] didn't call you a horse did he?"
I finished working out, and dropped by to pick Shane up. The girls were laying on the ground as Shane ran around them. When they saw me, they smiled and told me a story.
"It was soooo funny! We were laying on the ground with him and Shane ran up, full speed, and jumped on us!"
Shane's an active boy! I smiled.
Then, a thought dawned on me....uh oh.
"[Shane] didn't call you a horse did he?"
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