Five Facts Friday (5/29)

1. This cutie :)

2.  Last week when I was grocery shopping, I picked up three bags of different types of dry beans. I had had a bin of colorful pasta for Jack to explore with, but I knew he would enjoy playing/learning with something new. So I mixed all three kinds together, threw in some measuring spoons, a few small containers, and a large plastic cup. He went to town, and every day since, he's asked for that bin. He likes to carry around a few pinto beans just because :)

3.  Speaking of that little dude. He will be two years old in a little less than two weeks. It's hard to remember what my life was like this time last year with only one little one to take care of. I thought I was tired then, haha! 

*For real, y'all.*

For some time now, I've been waiting for his oral speech to take off, and it hasn't. He speaks 5 words clearly and consistently, but he has a sign language vocab of around 40 words (If I knew more, I'd teach them to him). He uses them beautifully and puts them together as phrases or partial sentences. The Husband and I understand him (his words, signs, gestures, etc.), so it hasn't been a big deal around here, but not everyone understands the signs, and we want him to be able to communicate with everyone. 

So. 

I made the call to ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) yesterday afternoon to see what our options are. I spoke with a lovely gal this morning, and we've set up an appointment a few days after his birthday for him to be evaluated by a speech therapist. They'll figure out his developmental age in all areas, and then we'll discuss a plan if there's a concern.

4. I debated about whether or not I should share this, but I've been pretty upfront about our family's struggles and issues over the life of this blog, and I saw no reason to stop now.  Be kind. 

5.  Part of me is concerned that something is really wrong. Part of me realizes that God's got this, and there's nothing to fear. 

I resisted calling mostly because I wanted it to all be in my head (or the heads of others). But that's a mom thing, right? We resist the notion that anything could be wrong with our kiddos. I gave in because it would stink if this is something that can be fixed or helped simply by catching it early. I don't want to miss the boat. He's incredibly smart and loving, and I want him to be able to do great things with that intelligence and love.  I pray every night that God will allow him to do amazing things for His kingdom.

I could use some anecdotes of speech issues or delays that have happy endings, so if you've got 'em, send them my way!  And, as always, I'm thankful for your love and prayers :)