WARNING: (If I could get that to flash, it'd be really awesome) All those cheery posts you usually get from me may be few and far between. I'm a grump, hormones? Maybe. Let's just see how today has gone soo far.
TheBeast turned 15 months yesterday....see, isn't she stankin' cute?
(Check out her new Crocs!! I also got ALL of her hair in a pony tail!!!)
Today was the wonderful 15 month checkup, complete with shots and a toe prick.
Her stats: Weight 18 pounds, 7.5 ounces
Height 30 1/2 inches
I don't remember what her head measured, but it's growing normally.
Her stats: Weight 18 pounds, 7.5 ounces
Height 30 1/2 inches
I don't remember what her head measured, but it's growing normally.
(15 Month pic)
Now I'm getting concerned because the kid is just not growing. We had the whole Failure to Thrive concern at 12 months when she actually lost weight from her 9 month check. At 13 months we went for a weight check and she had gained almost a pound, so the Dr. wasn't worried. Two weeks ago she was seen for an ear infection and weighed 18 pounds, 14 ounces, and now she's dropped some ounces. He asked me what she eats, I told him, he said it sounded good. The only bad thing is that she drinks too much water and not enough milk. She downs water!! He told me that for the next month I'm to only offer her milk at home, no water at all. Obviously it's hard to keep milk cold when you're running errands so she can have water then. And we go back for a weight check in a month.
Oh, but that's not all folks. She still isn't taking, and now he's concerned. She has said Mama and Dada in the past, but doesn't ever say those referring to us...just has said them. She does say NO, while shaking her head but it's really "na" not no. That's about all.
He said: Does she say words, even if they don't sound exactly like the word, but partly?
Me: nope
Him: How do you know if she wants Cheerios?
Me: She points to the kitchen, I go in and get an apple, she shakes her head no, I get the box of Cheerios, she motions with her hands that she wants them. I do try to get her say cup, when I hand it to her, shoe when I put her shoes on and such.
She does mimic us, and wave bye, and blow kisses and other developmentally appropriate things, just no talking. I said "well, I haven't been too worried about it because when she's 5 it won't matter when she started talking." Well, he said that if there is a problem hearing wise, or developmentally it's better to intervene as early as possible. Which is very true.
(15 month pic)
He checked her ears. Way too much wax as usual, so he can't see her eardrum. He digs wax out, she screams murder, he still can't see, digs more wax out, more screaming, still can't see. He wants to see her eardrum for indications of hearing loss. Since he can't see her eardrum he thinks her ear infection is gone, since her eardrum isn't ballooned. Oh, he made her ear bleed from all the wax digging, I'm not mad at him for it, it must have been difficult, even with me holding her down, she was still very squirmy.
(15 month pic)
Before the next weight check we have to really work with her on her talking. Read to her, which we already do, and really get her to try to say words. If she's not saying words in a month he's going to refer us to a speech specialist for a full evaluation.
Then after the oh so wonderful shots, she has to get her toe pricked because he wants her hemoglobin levels checked to make sure she isn't Anemic. He said that if she's anemic that could be a reason for not gaining weight.
Obviously nothing here is life threatening, she's not going to die if she can't talk, or even if she can't hear, and I don't think she's gonna die from staying so small. So I don't know what I'm upset about. I'm almost in tears. Ok, now that I typed that I am in tears. I don't know if it's because of all the screaming she did at the office, I don't know if I'm upset that she doesn't talk, because really I don't feel that upset by her not talking. Is it just my pregnancy hormones making this all seem magnified to me?
Obviously nothing here is life threatening, she's not going to die if she can't talk, or even if she can't hear, and I don't think she's gonna die from staying so small. So I don't know what I'm upset about. I'm almost in tears. Ok, now that I typed that I am in tears. I don't know if it's because of all the screaming she did at the office, I don't know if I'm upset that she doesn't talk, because really I don't feel that upset by her not talking. Is it just my pregnancy hormones making this all seem magnified to me?
Blah blah blah...
43 comments:
You are her Mommy who happens to be pregnant so you most likely are feeling a combination of things. BUT...(but erases everything just said) you have Jesus. Jesus loves you and your babies. The devil comes to steal kill and destroy and Jesus comes so that we may have life. OK I don't mean to preach. Just my point is use the word of God! God is not moved by our tears but by His word. God can not lie. God's word is true. When you read to her read the word of God over her. Play some bible on tape tapes/cd's whatever you have (you can see I still use tapes LoL). You and your family are so very precious to Jesus!!! And I like you too! Go ahead solider of God...go fight for your baby girl! That is your first and most important ministry your children.
She is a beauty!
Big cyber HUG. As always.
An even bigger shoulder to cry on and lean on. I'm here for you. Night, day. Blog, im. Whatever sister girl.
Do teh best you can, which you are, and take rest in that. Praise God for docs who are on top of that beautiful girl. And know it's ok to grieve, no one ever wants to hear their baby is hurting in ANY way. I think it's normal to feel emotional. Cry. Then tomorrow morning use that passion to fuel your determination to do what you need to-- to continue doing what you need to.
Like anon said, lean on Christ first and let us and your fab RL friends love on you all. :) We're here to help carry those burdens too.
Love you girl.
:)
Ohhhhh, sounds like you had a rough time! I HATE the ear wax thing, it is the worst part for us, too. Last time I put debrox or something like that into her ears a few hours before and it went soooo much better. It is so stressful when they scream the whole time, though. I am sure that is why you are feeling down. Try not to worry - she is perfect, and I'm sure she will be talking your ear off in no time!
Wow! That's a lot to take in with one Doctor's appointment. Any time there is anything wrong with our kids it's so hard. I hope she can gain some weight soon. My sister-in law little girls has trouble gaining weight and her Doctor told her to put that instant breadfast in her milk so it would add calories... Makes it taste good to. (of course it prbably has sugar or something in it I've never looked) My daughter is dealing with a hearing thing now. She's eight. She's really has had a lot of trouble since she started school, and of course my thinking what a great mom I am. I should of had her hearing tested. No matter how healthy you kid is when they are born they all have some kind of problem later on. I'll be praying that she puts some pounds on soon and talking too!
Sounds like an emotional day! If you happen to be tired, that can't help either...
Well, what do you feel in your heart, in your gut? Look at your child and you know the truth. It will all be ok! He who began a good work in your child will be faithful to complete it...
xoxo
from the mom of another "tiny peanut" child,
Steph
I think anyone would be upset if they take their baby to the dr. and he is concerned about a few things. It was all things that are out of your control. You want to make things ok for your children b/c you are a great Mom!! Keep your chin up, pray, read to her, keep doing what you are doing. Try not to stress over it b/c she will pick up on your stress. And, by all means, vent on your blog!! That is what it is for! :-) I'll say a prayer for you and your precious beast tonight! SHE IS JUST TOO DARN CUTE!!!!
It is scary to think of our children having something "wrong" with them. Even though none of that is life-threatening, its still hard to think about. Add pregnancy to the mix, well, its a potent combination.
My son had EVERY speech delay there is. We could not understand him at all. Speech therapy helped a lot, even though he would have outgrown them eventually, it helped his life be less frustrating.
My first child would NOT say a word until he could say it perfectly.
Getting things checked out will make you feel better, even if something is wrong, you will feel better getting things fixed or working on solutions for things that can't be fixed. There is a sign language book out there to teach babies and toddlers. At least it would foster some communication before she is willing to speak.
I know what it's like to be in your position and not know what's going on. With my first child the doctors told me he had high chances of being born with Downs. It was like hearing it through a tunnel and I went home and cried. I didn't know how else to respond and that's ok. Crying is good from time to time and it comes in floods when your pregnant!!
He was born fine and talked and walked early in life but my daughter (second born) was almost 2 1/2 before she really spoke, she had her own made up language before that. Each kid is so different and if she jumps at noise and comes when you call it can't be hearing.
My Jake is almost 19 months and momma, dadda and bubba are the only words he uses. He goes on and on in his own language but has no need for words I guess.
Hang in there, get lots of rest and a large chocolate bar will help too!!!
Miller is 15 months old too. He weighs in at 25.7 pounds...not sure on the length I forget it. He says mama dada bird tissie (sissie) nana, bye bye, hi, and shoe......he carries on conversations with us but I have no idea what in the heck he is saying....she will be fine...she will talk when she is ready. Miller had his hearing checked because he got tubes put in and his hearing is great, she will be fine......and your just hormonal...I have to give it to you....pregnant with a 15 month old...I would lose it.
The other thing that could contribute to her lack of speech is her older sister. I wouldn't stress about it (like that really helps, right), but having an older sibling will quite often hamper the speech development of the younger child. We see it in schools all the time. Also when she does start to verbalize she could very well be a really strong speaker, just because she has heard so much. I think it's good to know things and to have support, but just be at peace with it. Trust in Him. He will give you rest.
Aww hun! I'm so sorry! Hormones or not, these are very valid heartfelt things for a mama to worry about. I'm so impressed that your doc is wanting her to go to a speech therapist this early. I know so many kids that aren't talking at their second birthday & THEN they get sent to a therapist. You have a great doc. Thank God for that! But you shouldn't be stressing hun because you know that you are being the best mama that you can be & that's allll that matters! You feed her, you teach her, you love her, you provide for her. And as for her weight? Girl, she's almost the same weight as Starlet!
I love you & you know that you can call me anytime!
I'm sorry that her appointment was so stressful. My oldest daughter, by the way, has been in speech therapy since she was two - and now she speaks very, very well and all the time. There are lots of things that can cause speech delays. The fact that she points out things she wants is a good sign (she's understanding what's being said and able to express her needs), and each child DOES develop differently but some speech problems can be pretty hard to deal with later.
You know what we do with our munchkin? We use one of those chilled insulated sippy cups and her milk is good in it for quite a long time.
What a sweet little girl Flip Flop. And you are too! Don't sweat the mood swings. It happens to us guys too ... you know that! Just go with the flow. If you want to cry, cry. If you want to laugh, laugh. If you want to smash a window, smash a window (but don't hurt yourself or anyone else).
I'll keep your sweet little daughter in my thoughts and prayers, OK? In the meantime, take care of yourself as well!
Have you considered teaching her sign language? My three girls have learned it at church and it has come in handy when speaking with my nephew. It may not teach her how to speak the words, but it may help with understanding what she wants...Baby Einstein is coming out with a new sign language video, and check the library, they usually have something whether it be a book or a tape.
Don't worry to much about her weight..remember some kids are just small, and thats ok.
My oldest didn't talk right away either. At 2 years old the doctor recomended speech therapy. His hearing was checked and it was fine. For some reason he just hadn't started talking. His speech therapist said he learned at an early age he couldn't form words so he gave up trying. (she also said we should have started by the time he was 18 months) He pointed to get what he wanted. I too played the "is this what you want" game until he nodded yes.
Our experience was a good one. His therapist was a wonderful Christain woman with 2 little kids of her own. She started out with simple sign language so he would learn he had to "say" something to get what he wanted. By his 3rd birthday he was all caught up and didn't need the therapy any more.
Every child is different, and yes, I think Monte would have eventually talked on his own, but it sure didn't hurt him either. It turned out to be a fun experience for us. (I was totally involved at all sessions)
I just wanted you to see a positive side of speech therapy if your doctor does suggest it. I was always just thankful that there was help for him.
My daughter and your daughter sound a lot alike!! She is very tiny too and was a normal size newborn 6 pounds 10 ounces. And at her 18 month check up last month we weighed in at 19 pounds 4 ouces (we did finally go ahead and turn the carseat around)! Her Dr. has never really voiced any REAL concerns with her being little - we just monitor her weight and growth really well. She's not on the normal growth chart, she falls below it, but she does grow with the curve. Her Dr basically has just said "they can't all be big - some of them just are little!". But it does make it hard not to worry when every where you go all anybody can say is "she's cute, she sure is small though". She really just started trying to say words in the past couple of months (right about 16 months) and now she is ALWAYS trying to say something! So I know the pregnancy hormones make it hard, but try not to worry and just give her some time - they are all so different as you well know! I'll be thinking and praying for you and your little cutie!!
Oh, I am so sorry that you are feeling this way AND that all that happened. ((((((((((BIG HUGS))))))))
I think that were right when you said when she's 5 it won't matter when she started- while I understand his concerns. My son started crawling a couple weeks before his first birthday and didn't take his first step until days before he was 17 months. It's really hard with the Drs. saying what's normal and such. Trust your instincts and I'm praying that God gives you some relief and peace about all of this!!!
Ditto on most everything everyone else has said. You are a Mommy, so you NEVER want to hear anything about your child except that she's beautiful and perfect (which she is!). Seriously, anything even remotely "wrong" freaks us moms out, especially since we tend to blame ourselves.
Based on what you described, I'd say the Beast is doing great, but I am impressed with how detailed your doctor is. You might as well rule out a few things. It may be stressful at first, but in the end, it will be worth it just to have some answers.
At times like these, you just have to 1. cry 2. pray and 3. eat some comfort food. ESPECIALLY if your pregnant. ***HUGS!!!!!***
What a day! Sounds like you've been through the emotional ringer for sure! Ahhh, deep breath!
I would definitely pay attention to your mama instinct on this one. As far as her size goes, has she maintained her own growth curve? If so I wouldn't worry at all... I'm surprised he discouraged water- I'm assuming because he wants her to get the fat content of milk? Keep in mind there are tons of other (even better!) sources of healthy fats- vegetable/olive oil, avocado, nut butters, etc.
I'm a big believer that kids talk when they're good and ready, even after just meeting her once she is obviously communicating just fine (she was able to ask me for veggie booty..and more veggie booty!) barring any hearing issues of course. I have a relative who didn't say a word until he was over 2 and then he just started speaking in sentences!
Ok, sorry for writing a novel! Just hang in there, give it to God, trust your gut and give that beauty a happy 15 month hug for me!
xoxo,
Ashlee
So sorry you had such a rough day. I know what you mean about the not talking part. My daughter is a little over to and just starting to talk, not completely clear, but there are words we understand. And I have taught heer a little sign lanugae so that has help also. Big hugs
Oh man. I'm sorry Sweetie. It probably is just all of it. Hormones plus feeling that something's not right with your little girlie is enough to make anyone cry. She looks happy - that's a plus. Hopefully they can figure it out and put your mind at ease. Love you.
ah big hug coming to you! my 3rd daughter didn't talk until she was 17 months old....notta thing! not even baby goo goo ga ga talk....nothing. The doc made a not of it and said at her 12 month if she doesn't start soon to let him know. but it took another 5 months! then she started talking complete words in phrases no less! we wondered if she was a little "slow" but no she was all there just observing and since she had 2 older sisters she didn't have to say much! this is probably why my youngest didn't WALK until she was 17 months! but take it all to Jesus He has the best set of shoulders to cry on and rely on!
Hi! My first visit to your blog. I seriously would not be too worried about her not talking yet. Every kid is different and has their own time tables. I sure have learned that with my little one. She also only likes water, she is a stinking addict! And she lost weight between 9 and 12 months too. Weird. However, I'm just not worried. She doesn't like to eat anything but breastmilk, but I am a small eater too so I'm not worried. You shouldn't worry either. You have enough stress already!
Take care!
Awww.... I feel for ya!!
Someone beat me to the idea of sign language. It's an incredibly effective communication tool. And as a teacher, I would recommend that when you teach her the sign, say the word. When she repeats the sign, try to get her to say the word. For the first few times that she signs successfully, give her what she wants. But then start requiring that she say the word while signing. Over time, she'll stop signing and just be talking.
Also, with SlowMo catering to The Beast's every need, she'll need to learn the signing and reinforce the speaking and signing effect. Sometimes the younger one needs to see the older one do it before she'll comply.
I hope this helps. If nothing else, I hope that things are getting better for you. From what you say, she's generally a happy, healthy little one. If you're not worried, you're probably right. A mother KNOWS.
You know what? You totally have a right to be emotional about this--this is your precious little girl! Look at the overall picture--she looks like the picture of health to me! God is in control and loves your little one even more than you can imagine. *big hugs*
I have a little sister who is five...long story.
But when she was two she wouldn't talk. At all. Now she's five and she's fine. No developmental issues whatsoever, just didn't feel like talking.
Maybe that's your gal's story too.
Ahhhh..... It's ok, hon. You KNOW she's fine. I'm sorry you're having those ups and downs from pregnancy. If it makes you feel better, Corinne is only saying a few words and that's only been recently. Take care.
WOW, thats a great way to flip a momma out!
The Beast is a doll in every 15 month picture!
My nephew did not talk until he was 27 months... they did testing on his ears, eyes, blood ect... and he was perfect. He just had his own way of communicating and that was by little grunts and hand movements and it worked for him. Every child has their own time line... God has plans for The Beast and you know he is going to come out with full sentences one day!
Hugs to you! Please do not stress about it, Your little BEast is PERFECT!
Oh boy! Doctors don't know everything, that's for sure! It seems to me that they always err on the negative side, would they really make any money if all their patients were "just fine?" Your baby's brain works just great obviously from what you described. She is so smart that she doesn't need to talk, she gets all her needs and desires taken care of without talking. Just like babies that are not walking yet (mine included)...why would they need to walk when they get everything they need by crawling or slithering? Hang in there!
Julie :)
OH I am so there with you on the crying thing. I can't seem to keep my emotions under control...I *know* it is the pregnancy hormones but it still stinks. I don't know if this would help at all by I did baby signs with my kids and that seemed to help them communicate better and then to be more confident in talking. I always said the word I was signing so they would be able to "practice" while playing. Some of our favorite signs were "eat", which you put one hand to your mouth like you are eating something small, "more" putting the tips of your fingers together in a type of tapping motion...there are tons of various of the baby signs because it is to improve communication and decrease frustration in both parent and child. You could also make up signs for things I've heard many people do that too. I will keep you in my prayers.
Well,all of your hormones DO make everything seem worse. But, it IS hard emotionally to have those Dr.'s visits. It's hard to hold your screaming child down while they get stuff done to them "for their own good." You should know that I was "underweight" up until I was about 7 yrs. old. I was even put on a milkshake and ice cream (ect.) diet for a while to try to get me to fatten up. Nothing worked (but it was fun) and I was/am just fine! No worries, we'll just pray that God keeps her in HIS hands and all will be well!
i know it's going to sound cliche but it's true...kids really develop at different rates. i wouldn't worry too much. i know many, many 15 month old babies who are not talking, like, at all.
also, emily was only 17 pounds at a year...and at 6, she only weighs about 32 pounds. she's tiny...but perfectly healthy. she may just be a little kid!
Cant you get ear drops to clear wax from childrens ears???
would it cost you to go to a speech specialist for a full evaluation? If it doesnt then go wont hurt will it
Big Hugs
This is my first time to your blog, your daughter looks beautiful. It sounded like a tough day handling a big doctors appointment and hormones as well. I wanted to encourage you as someone who was a sick baby. The doctors ended up blaming mum for my failure to thrive. I didn't sleep or eat very well, but was still an active baby. However, one of mum's cousins was a nurse and after watching me and her encouraged mum that she wasn't doing anything wrong and to hang in there through this time. At 3 after a specialist had given me some mineral suppliements to improve my the absorption of my food, I become better and to this day lead a happy healthy life. I graduated from uni 3 years ago and continue to enjoy the life God has given me, despite the rough early years. God Bless, Felicity
Son #1 is speech impaired and very small for his age (he'll be 12 in June). He's also wicked-smart, happy and confident.
Just try to take things one step at a time (easier said than done, I know).
Hugs!
sorry to read that you are feeling sad and a little confused about your daughter's situation.In my humble opinion, I think you are doing the right thing by checking out the reasons for her lack of speech.
She is absolutely gorgeous,Iwill be praying for you.
She's just a tad over a month older than Zander. He doesn't say much either. He says WAY less than his brothers did at this age...BUT I do believe in getting help sooner rather than later...I'm sure she'll talk before she goes to school and by the time she;s a teenager, talking on the phone 24/7 you will wish she will stop lol
I always have to remind myself that all our kids grow and progress at different stages. Hopefully she picks back up and all will be well. Comfort yourself in knowing she's waaaaay above-average cute. :-)
I've been wanting to comment since you wrote this post a few days ago, but I got pulled from the computer. First off, please let me tell you not to let what Dr's tell you Over Take your Mom's intuition! A mom Will Always know how her child is doing. My daughter was always a peanut, she would eat and eat and eat, and not gain very much weight. She was always in the 25th percentile for everything, it seemed. When she started walking, it looked as if she should have still been cradled in your arms, she was so petite! Well let me tell you, she's almost 8 years old, exceptionally active, a HUGE appetite and is now Average Height. She is Lean but she's never been skinny! When you see her lined up with all the other girls in her class, she is always on the Average/slightly smaller size. But never the smallest or tallest! She has a fast metabolism and has always will hopefully! She will definitely be blessed with not having to watch her weight! So...please don't worry about your gorgeus, healthy, perfectly normal child! She is growing just as she should, not as a chart tells us she should! Remember too, Positive Thoughts are Miraculous!
Let me ditto some ladies here:
You are her Mommy. Do not let what Dr's tell you Over Take your Mom's intuition.
The mucho wax thing could be a something . . . my little girl gets heavy wax too and so every now and again we sit on the couch and I do ear drops to help control it.
Anyway . . do chalk up the strenght of these emotions to your homones . . . be encouraged that it will pass.
And I posted a little blurb about my own pediatritions "counsel" that I thourally rejected.
Check it out!
Does like things with avocadoes? They're high in good fats. My daughter loves scrambled eggs, and I cook them in coconut oil which is an awesome healthy fat. Umm, I'm trying to think what else.
I'm mom to a peanut who was only 18lb at 18 months. She weaned at 20 months and to this day rarely drinks milk (she'll drink milk when my mom has raw goat's milk).
HUGS! I think I may have missed something, going to read more of your posts.
Oops, I thought I'd read the whole post before I posted my previous comment, but I hadn't.
I would recommend an ENT for ear issues... I had ear problems as a child and have some hearing loss but I think they've really learned a lot since I was a child.
My dd talked way late too. Our ped was very laid back about it. Sometimes I wonder if we should have had some kind of therapy but she's doing well now, and only 3-6 months behind what her friends who are 3 months older than her so I think she's caughtup.
OH- she finally started really talking regularly when her baby brother was born. She was 2 years and 4 months old. ;)
she is precious. I couldn't help but thinking while reading this that she looks older than my 16 month old. She looks like an old spirit in a baby body ;)
Blessings,
Karla
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