For any of you who aren't aware, Jeff and I have been a little concerned over the past month or two about Caleb's speech development. Most 18 month olds should have a decent vocabulary of simple words. I know it does no good to compare, and not every child develops at the same rate. I'm well aware of this fact, and for that reason I keep telling myself that everything is fine. He understands what we say most of the time, and can point and compare many things. He just won't say any clear words; a lot of babbling goes on around here! My mommy intuition (and being a worrier) tells me I need to dig a little deeper and step up my game, despite what Caleb's pediatrician says.
This morning Caleb woke up with rosy, red cheeks and a fever. He hasn't been eating much the past few days, so I instantly thought he had another ear infection. He has had 3 ear infections since early October, and we never really know when he has one until they are bad enough to cause fevers or loss of appetite. All of these ear infections, combined with slow speech development, lead me to think the two are related. I've researched alot about ear infections and fluid in the ear that leads to hearing loss. Essentially, the child hears like they are underwater, thus different frequencies of language aren't picked up. This problem can be resolved by a quick surgical procedure of inserting ear tubes in to the canals of the ear. This relieves the fluid buildup, and prevents frequent ear infections as well as improving hearing. I am no doctor, but I'm going to trust my maternal instincts and get this ball rolling. I've scheduled an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor in January, as well as an evaulation with a speech therapist.
Maybe I'm going over board, but I just can't help myself. Any moms knows that when your child hurts, you hurt. He can't tell me what he needs, so I'm going to make those decisions for him. I want the very best for Caleb, and will do whatever I feel is necessary. Tell me that I'm over-reacting, but I just have a feeling that my Mommy intuition will play out correctly in the next few months
"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice; once for herself, and once for her child."
I don't think that you are going overboard. In my opinion it is much better to be a caring mother who goes "overboard" than the kind that many of my students have which is a mom that does nothing. We'll be praying for you guys. Try to remember that "Do not worry about anything, but in everything, with prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understand, will guard you hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7. It's my life verse and I know it's hard but just try not to let worry take over your life. Love ya girl!
ReplyDeleteMel Miller