reflections on a hot afternoon
I'm back. Our internet was down for a few days. I was trying to be calm about it, but it was hard. So call me a loser, whatever, it's my social life.
The blog has sort of become all things deaf this summer. This morning, I took Ellis for his last weekly playgroup at PSD. Next time he goes, he'll be in the big Two-Year Old Class that meets without mommies for three mornings a week. It's been sort of a weird experience this summer. The five weeks has spanned Ellis's cochlear implantation. The first week was before surgery, and today, the last week, he's a CI wearer. Well, that's what we aim for. Keeping it on is something of a challenge.
I know it takes time to start making a difference, especially for someone who's never heard. But I thought he might at least start some response by now. After all he is the smartest kid in the world. *grin* It's only been three weeks. Too short. Patience. Time.
Four more weeks until Ellis starts school. Four weeks until he gets to play with other deaf kids again. It's fun to see Ellis sign with other children in play. It's satisfying for him to have a few peers who sign, too.
Sometimes I worry. That he's not signing enough. He needs more language. He doesn't quite get "who?" and "what?" questions. Or that he doesn't tell me what he wants, he just responds to yes or no questions. What have I not done that he doesn't get those yet? Silly worries, I know. The next minute I beam with pride at his prowess. He really is clever. He signs all his alphabet except for Y, I, and J. His pinky isn't quite strong enough. So Cute!!!
Still I worry. More language, more language.
We are used to signing with Ellis. Speaking with him is something we'll have to learn. It's weird to add a new mode of communication.
I am going to say today that it's hard to be a mom of a toddler. Sometimes I find it a tad harder to be mom of a deaf toddler. I'm exhausted. Eye contact, communicate. Run over, don't call. Other times, I feel especially blessed, when my toddler looks up and forms his dimpled fingers into the sign "I Love You."
Comments
Did you say PSD? As in Pennsylvania School for the Deaf? Wow!
I work there. Small world! :)
Anyway, I wrote an article about my son's experience in the Community Classroom -- he absolutely LOVED it there. I can imagine Ellis having the same kind of fun.
Here's the article:
http://www.deaf-culture-online.com/hearing-kid-deaf-school.html
Best regards,
Mark
Posted by: Mark Drolsbaugh | August 8, 2007 05:48 PM
Comments
this is a really beautiful post.
Posted by: Anastasia | August 8, 2007 05:52 PM
Comments
I would venture to say every mom opf a 2 year old gets frustrated at the level of communication. Often you have to 'run,get' even when they hear, because they aren't coming when you want them to! And , Yes, the little sweeties are exhausting, esp. when it is stinky hot. This will pass. Look at you!
Posted by: mom1 | August 8, 2007 06:03 PM
Comments
You do have special challenges related to Ellis' deafness, but I had to laugh at your questions about his language skills. I question my 3 year old's skills all the time! I am just not at all laidback about her progress even though I want to be. I finally realized that Liv isn't a performer--she knows a ton but doesn't spew it forth like I did as a kid. Good for her. : )
Posted by: RT | August 8, 2007 10:11 PM
Comments
Hi,
I have a 7 year old hard of hearing and a 6 month old deaf infant, you might already know me as AnneMarie's metaASL. I am deaf and ASL 2nd generation signer.
I completely understand your anxiety about your Ellis's language development at around 24 months. My son Yoel immersed in a full signing environment did not get to start signing until like around 17 to 18 months. He signed probably few words until at around 17 months when he started walking, he started pointing plus signing one to word and did not get to sign several words telegraphic sentences until like around 2 year and half.
Deaf Noam at 6 month (right now) seems to be signing more than Yoel when he was 6 months old. Noam signs a prototypical sign (slapping hand on his right hip several times) for like "yes come come here", "I like that, I like that", "no no I do not want to sleep" now already consistently in routine situations.
Sometimes a toddler will not utter much until at a certain point s/he suddenly rants, then that's the spurt of development.
:^) You are doing a great job!!! Anne Marie - a doc student in ASL Development at U of Colorado Boulder
Posted by: Anne Marie | August 8, 2007 10:34 PM
Comments
Jeannette. I want to remind you of something. HE'S TWO YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!!!
Give yourself a break. And a cookie, you deserve it.
As my mom said when I'd get all freaked out about Drew, "they all read by third grade." ha
Posted by: Moriah | August 8, 2007 10:55 PM
Comments
Moriah, you crack me up. We did make cookies yesterday. I think it was the first time I've made cookies since February! Too scared I'll eat 'em. :-P
Posted by: Jeannette | August 8, 2007 11:01 PM
Comments
Yeah, J, all moms have been there, questioning their kids' development. Is it enough? Is it the right way? Am I doing enough? Am I being overbearing, doing too much? We all walk that emotional tight rope. Eat some cookies for all of us, Sistuh!
Posted by: lynnp | August 9, 2007 01:49 AM
Comments
J'net - Adam didn't speak at all until he was 3. He just reached up his little hand to what he wanted, and flexed his fingers. Ellis is doing great. And remember - you're trying to give the child 2 languages, simultaneously! Give him time.
Posted by: mary kathryn | August 9, 2007 12:48 PM
Comments
Oh, hon, these kids are soaking it up all the time whether or not they're spouting it. Enjoy it while you can, because once he starts, you won't be able to shut him up. My three kids are all college kids now, and they all started talking at different ages--one at four months old, one at three years old, and the other (deaf one) started three word sentences at four years old. Now they all talk me senseless past the wee hours.
Posted by: Dianrez | August 9, 2007 06:42 PM