Everyone has been sick at our house...coughing, snotting, sneezing, sore throats, ear infections...we have had it all. T and E are on the upswing as they are nearing the end of their antibiotics. I'm feeling better, but David is still coughing his head off. Franny says this is just life with kids. I NEVER use to get sick. Oh well, as one of my fellow twin mamas says," It is what it is."
Thomas is walking all over the place now. He and E play chase around the kitchen squealing and laughing with delight. I have tried a couple of times to catch it on video but can't seam to get a good camera angle. I will keep trying. It is hysterical to watch though somebody always gets hurt-- usually Thomas. He is not as good on his feet as his sister just yet.
Tuesday night was the annual Mom's of Twins Club Christmas Party (for moms only). I was on the committee this year. It felt good to be involved in something. That night David was out of town so for the first time we had a babysitter that was not a family member or close friend of the family. One of the young women from My Gym watched the twins for us. T and E did fine when I left...no tears. I had moments of sheer anxiety on and off all night feeling a desparate and urgent need to go home. I know this is a sign that I need to get out more....corrections....we need to get out more (meaning David and I). I guess one of my friends could tell I was anxious because out of the blue she said, "Let it go, Ashley." Anyway, I got home around 10:00, and the twins were fast asleep. There are lots of things I need to "let go," but this is not the time or place to address them. I have thought about putting the twins in some sort of preschool, Mom's Morning Out, etc a couple of days a week to give me some time and them some time away from Mama, but I can't make my mind up. I don't want to send them somewhere for "crowd control," but want it to be a structured environment with goals for the children. On the other hand, they are young and part of me hates to start "school" at such a young age.....we go to school our whole lives it seems. I am the worst at making decisions.
CALLING ALL MY FELLOW SPEECH PEOPLE: David and I think T and E need a speech evaluation. They will be 17 months old on 12/13, and the only words E uses spontaneously are "mama" and "dada", and T only says "mama." E will imitate sounds while T imitates nothing. They do communicate with gesturing, vocalizations, and some sign but have no words yet. I'm not worried about the receptive language at all right now but am starting to get concerned about their expression. Any opinions?
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9 comments:
It is so good to hear about what's going on.
Glad that E&T are getting better and hope that you and David get well soon.
I can just picture E&T chasing each other. Hope you can get some pictures of that soon.
On the speech issue even though I am not one of your speech friends. I wonder if the issue is because of their eary birth and the fact that between them, they have their own 'speech' or lines of communication. Hopefully it will work it's self out but if it doesn't, of course they will need a little bit of help. The following is from an article that I pulled up
>>>>Language development in twins or multiples is often delayed or different from singleton peers. Some research shows that twins, particularly boys, may lag months behind in their ability to express themselves verbally.<<<<
Hugs and air kisses to all so we don't get what is being passed around...lol
Hey Judy!
Good to hear from you. I am aware that twins are slower to develop speech and language skills and boys are typically slower whether twins or not. Add being delivered prematurely on top of being twins definitely does not work in T and E's favor. I would rather go ahead and have them evaluated than wait. Early intervention is always better than waiting. Just wanted some opinions from the peanut gallery:)
I also enjoy your blog! Reading about your joys and struggles as a mother makes me a feel a special bond to you and all mothers.
We all second-guess ourselves every day.
I agree with you on the "schooling" issue. I have become a more confident mama since my subsription of Parenting ran out! Our own heart is a better guide for our children than the current trend in parenting. "Keeping up with the Joneses" in parenting is not always the best avenue to walk down with your own children. Personally, God and his written Word is my main source for leading my children. My mother and grandmother...i.e. "those who have been there" are also an excellent source for guidance.
Okay- I'm writing a dissertation here...honestly, I don't consider myself a "certified speech pathologist" anymore (even though I've been running my own private speech lab for 8+ years!)...but...you are a very qualified SP and your intuition sounds right. Can you test and diagnose them yourself? Or do you feel your results will be skewed because they're your children? I would personally be a bit concerned but they were preemies and they are twins. I've heard the same thing as the previous commentor - about twins having their own "language." Try to find a specialist who knows about and has worked with twins.
You are doing a terrific job! If you need a break - take one! Love you.
That's my opinion...and yes, I know, everybody has one!
Your kids are so cute. love the halloween costumes. I'm not a speech person but my feelings are always, it can't hurt to have an evaluation and it might make you feel better. Best wishes.
Patt Brown, B.B. Harris
Ashley, I am still stalking your blog. It is so cute what the twins are doing now. I sure hope you get it on video.
Now for the Early Interviention Speechy in me!: Try to get a copy of the PLS-4 Protocol. If you cant find one, I can mail you one. It is not the one and only thing you need to go by, but it is great guidance. One thing to remember, speech therapy never hurts....and can only help! If they qualify, it will be great to get them out and forced to communicate with someone besides what they are used to. INcreased communicative demands always help develop those expressive adn receptive langauge skills.
I cant imagine the pressure of wondering what to do....I am not a mommy and I sure cant give an opinion here....I can only state what I hear most often. At early intervention settings, we often see a huge difference in children who are surrounded by other children and are forced to communicate (tooth or nail sometimes) for what they need or even attention. Even if it is 2 days a week, or in a play group without mom for a bit, or with older siblings....you will see a difference in communication. Most intervention programs (state run, state money) will even recommend that along wtih speech or developmental therapy, a child would benefit from increased interaction wtih children thier age and slightly older.
I also know there are very different views about TV....but I have seen many babies respond well to the Baby Einstein paired with great parenting. What I mean by this is, being interactive while your child is watching it. Remember Parallell play and expansion......works great with the videos...in moderation of course :)
hope this helps!
Wow! Thanks so much ladies for your input! It is invaluable to me to hear from other moms, SLP's, and teachers. It seems that since writing this post Elizabeth has imitated more words and has started saying "hot, hot, hot" while pointing at the stove. I'm still not satisfied with their speech skills though. I am going to call Babynet (SC's state early intervention program) this week to try to set an evaluation up.
Kristy, I would love it if you could mail me a PLS-4 protocol. I will email you our home address. Thanks so much!
Marria, I would feel more comfortable letting someone else do a formal eval....afraid my results would be skewed and would like someone completely objective conducting the eval.
Patt, it is so good to hear from you! I sure miss BB Harris. With all your experience with teaching small children I completely respect your opinion.
I will keep you all posted.
It is nice to have a sounding board too get information and ideas and suggestions.
It looks like you and David have that good set of friends and family that will support Both of you in what Both of you think is best.
Mommy's and Daddy's do need time to themselves without feeling they have neglected their children.
I think you and David have struck a good balance. You have tested the waters by having family and now a outsider stay with E & T , they seem to be telling you something. Yes, it is ok to go out and have a good time, yes it is ok to leave us with those that you both trust, just do not forget where you live. Love to all.
Hey Uncle Jimmy, we miss you! Come see us soon! Love you.
Jimmy is telling the Hopkins household too open any Package that arrives. It is not wrapped this year (because it should be used NOW).
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