12/07/2008 Paul update

Well, lots of Paul updates! This last week was a very busy week for our boy. Of course, as already reported, Tuesday was our adoption finalization. After we celebrated with a yummy brunch he came home with me (Lacie went to my moms for the rest of the day) and we had mommy-son time together. It was fun. In the afternoon a speech pathologist came to our home to evaluate him, which was very interesting.

On Wednesday, we took Paul back to the international adoption pediatrician for a six-month follow up. (Yes, it had been more than six months since he has come home.)

Thursday and Friday we were back to school.

Speech eval and speech update: The speech pathologist was very impressed with Paul’s gross and fine motor skills, his strength, his ability to do something only after having been shown once. She said he seemed to be older than his stated age – with the exception of his speech. His receptive language is awesome. He does minimal babbling. He grunts, growls and uses sign language for communication. He can sign: more, eat, drink, banana, cracker, bottle, sit, sit here, please, thank you, bath, brush teeth, help, daddy, hat, ball, book, blankie, all done, shoes, socks, get out (of the tub, chair, etc), bird, and I am sure several more. I am constantly surprised how many signs he has picked up on. I will show him a sign and he will ignore it until several days later and he needs it – than low and behold, he knows it. It amazes me. Anyway – she said that although his signs are his only true form of communication, she thinks that he does not need to use words to express himself. She recommended that we begin to ask him to use spoken words along with his signs – to point to our lips and say, “use words – say ball”, etc. She said she believes he will understand what we are asking of him.

In addition to his language delays, he would not (upon request) point to his nose, eyes, ears, etc as children his age should. But he will look at his toes if asked where they are, and will go get items in the house if asked. So, it is not that he does not understand. He is very perceptive. Anyway –

Since Tuesday, he has said, “ball” (sounds more like “ba”). He also has said “no.” As a matter of fact, he is beginning to love to hear himself say “no.” I never dreamed that I would be excited to hear my child tell me “no.” He will also point to Elmo and said “Momo.” AND believe it or not, has begun to point to his nose, head, teeth, ears, tummy, hands and toes. Where did that all come from out of the blue? I have been very surprised.

We are supposed to get his hearing tested in the next week or so – and then I guess begin speech therapy.

Many people think that due to the language differences that is why he is delayed, and I agree that it does carry a lot of weight – but all children should be at a certain place in speech development – babbling certain sounds, etc. And the speech pathologist agrees that the language difference would not keep him from certain sounds and babbling. Besides, he will not qualify for the state assistance after the age 3 – so we may as well take advantage.

RE: the 6 month (really 8 month) follow up appointment with the international adoption pediatrician – Paul has grown again (of course.) According to his 18 month measurements at the end of September, Paul was 23.2 lbs and was 32.12 inches tall. In just two months he is measuring at: 24.4 lbs and 33.5 inches. This puts him at 20% weight and 70% height. The rest of his visit with the pediatrician went well. There is no reason to return unless something else comes up.

Paul is a happy boy. He is rowdy and loves to wrestle with his dad and sister. He loves to eat. He loves to snuggle and cuddle. With passion, he will take my face in his hands and squeeze it and put his face in my face. He also hugs and pats our backs. He loves hugging his sister too. He loves to dress himself (or at least make the attempt.) He is somewhat successful with his pants, socks and shoes. He is beginning to like books and is mastering some puzzles. He still loves to help clean up the kitchen and do laundry. He is my special little baby boy – and we are continually blessed each day we have him in our lives.

Blessings -