Speech

Addison and Noah both had speech today.  Interesting to have 2 kids in something like that.  We wanted their appointments back to back to save a trip throughout the week but that meant that it had to be during normal nap time.  I was anxious, especially since we haven't really been anywhere for a week due to upset tummies and fevers from someone for the past week.  Overall it was a smooth appointment(s).  Noah went first and worked pretty hard though needed reminded of some of the rules for speech (we didn't go last week since his speech teacher was off so 2 weeks is awhile at 4!).   I filled out Addison's paper work during his appointment, Josh and I read a couple stories, Addison played with the toys in the waiting room and Josh got to play on the phone a bit.  Not too crabby...then Addison's was her evaluation so we all went back to the speech room.  The boys did well playing and Addison played and tried to walk a bit even.  Her evaluation was more me talking, what words does she know (what'sthat (like it's 1 word), that, dada) that's it...no mama yet =(  She does do the "g" and "m" sound but not trying to make them in words.  We discussed her lack of speech and how she gets angry if you try to help her do a sign.  We are  using basic signs, like we did with the boys, yet still she refuses and really gets upset if you try to help her with it.  We would like to use speech and not rely on signing for the majority of her communication, though.  She seems to have a lot to say - it is beginning to be extremely frustration for her and I both, and Mike too though he seems more patient with it.  We just want to know how to help her, she doesn't want to sign...she doesn't  have words or really many sounds...she doesn't imitate and play with sounds when we try...we just don't know what her motivation is yet.  Hopefully things will improve soon...the whining is going to drive me crazy (and yes I know the drive isn't that long!).  The speech teacher seemed confident that there would be progress made, that working with someone who wasn't a parent or normal care giver would hopefully provide a fresh start.  I sure hope so!