Stacey's Journal
Isaiah's World: Speech Therapy and Beyond

Oh What A Difference a Year Makes!

January 1, 2004

Isaiah is a very different child from a year ago. Of course he has gotten taller and gained weight. His round, plump baby face is long gone. He no longer looks like a baby-- he is now a sweet little boy. He knows the alphabet, he can count and he can spell a few words and recognizes a few words by sight.

But Isaiah has changed in another significant way. He is now talking. A year ago he was very proficient with sign language-- signing close to 70 words. He babbled a little and occasionally said "da-da" and a few other words. Now he says several words--- even short sentences. In fact, Isaiah's communication abilities have grown tremendously in the last week. Before Christmas Isaiah said "Da-Da;" now he says, "Daddy." Before Christmas he would only shake his head no; now he can say, "No!" (And, he is using that word quite often!!) Before he could not clearly say, "want." Now he clearly says "want" in a sentence: "I want yellow ball." Isaiah can even sing "Jingle Bells"-- (Jee-Ba-Ba!! Jee-Ba-Ba!!"). I could go on and on with the new words Isaiah uses, the sentences he uses and his improved pronunciation. The progress is just amazing.

Isaiah's progress demonstrates how patience, hard work, consulting qualified professionals and trust in God have produced incredible results!!

I must also say that there is one important way that Isaiah has not changed. Isaiah has a great sense of humor. He loves to kid around. He loves to makes us laugh and he loves to make himself laugh. He has an beautiful smile and infectious laugh. I hope this part of Isaiah never changes.

Stacey 1/1/04
editor@celebratingchildren.com