This morning was a little tough. Victoria had her semi-annual evaluation by her Early Intervention Coordinator and one of her therapists. While Victoria has done so well in her gross motor development, her speech development has not improved at all in the past 6 months. I was told that Victoria is operating at a 1-year-old level in speech right now (She will be 2-years-old in March). Even though this was very discouraging to hear, Victoria’s coordinator told me it was very typical for a child to excel in one area (like Victoria’s gross motor skills) and be behind in another (her speech). Maybe I’m just an emotional mom, but after Victoria’s therapist and coordinator left … I cried.
It is hard to describe how I feel. I love Victoria so much and want her to do well. And, while I’m told she is very intelligent and progressing so well … I can’t help but want her to talk. I think the day I hear her finally say “Momma” I will have a hallelujah hoe-down!
After I finally composed myself from my emotions this morning, I picked Victoria up. I held her in my arms and told her that if she never talks (or doesn’t talk for a while to come) … I still love her. I told her that I was proud of everything she has done and how thankful I was to have her in my life.
Victoria will be set up with a speech therapist soon and my prayer is that we will see her progress by leaps and bounds once she starts receiving services in that area. She is a smart little girl and I know she will eventually catch on.
She holds a very special place in my heart and even though I fall apart at times … I wouldn’t trade the life I have with her and my family for anything in the world. The Lord only draws me closer to Him through Victoria. Sometimes the drawing hurts a little, but I know it is only for my good.
Oh my goodness, she is so dang cute.
Heather — you are allowed to cry every once in awhile. Her delay in speech is so normal. I’m surprised they have not given her a ST yet, so getting that lined up will be good. I also agree that our kids tend to excel in one area and another area will lapse. As you may know, Payton is a gross motor superstar. She does things that even some typical kids her age do not do. She is crazy. But her speech has lagged. She just turned 4 and she is finally saying more, but it has been a long road to get here. You will feel better tomorrow … we need to get these things off our chest on occasion.
Heather…I love you. You are doing awesome and Victoria is amazing!
~Joy