Where I've Been

I have been avoiding my blog. There has been so much going on I didn't know what to say. Of course my life isn't all rainbows and butterflies, but I didn't want to spread my negativity. The last month has been hard, but thankfully it's all coming around.

Chance had his one year appointment a little late and it brought some news I wasn't prepared for. At every appointment they use a machine to take a picture of the kids eyes. At his 9 mo. checkup it showed a slight abnormality that the doctor decided to keep watching. At this appointment it was much much worse, and he also failed another measurement they check. We were referred to an opthamologist. His pediatrician was also concerned that Chance has yet to say a single word, no mama, dada, nothing. He also doesn't make very many different sounds. We were referred to an audiologist and speech pathologist.

After that appointment we had many more appointments with various specialists and the early intervention people. His hearing appears to be ok, but he had fluid so they have to recheck in 3 months. His eyes were not okay. He has severe astigmatism (same as Paul had). The doctor told us it was up to us if we wanted glasses. When I told him we might wait, he changed his mind and said he really recommends it. He showed me how Chance sees and we decided to get him glasses. Glasses are really no big deal, but it has really bothered me. I knew at some point all of our kids would probably need glasses. Paul got them at age 5. I wear glasses, but did not need them until age 20. Truthfully, Paul probably needed them at Chance's age, but no one knew. I didn't want something on my baby's face hiding his bright blue eyes and taking away from his cuteness. I know that sounds silly, but it's how I feel. It is a constant challenge to try to figure out how to get him to wear them. He's averaged about 30 minutes a day before he throws a huge fit when we get them out. He looks really adorable though.

I did not spring for the extra $100 anti-glare lenses. We got the rubber frames and they have held up so far to him pulling them off a million times. I told Paul I want to gift all of our kids LASIK when they get old enough since we cursed them with bad eyes.

The talking issue is still ongoing. He was evaluated by several people and found to be severely delayed. He is too young for any kind of therapy, but he is being monitored and I'm good with that. What upsets me is I already know what it's like to have a nonverbal child. I have been so intentional with Chance, and he has been exposed to so much more language than Bentley was. I feel like I have failed, again. I will get over it, and he will talk. So far they do not see any specific reason why he isn't trying to talk so we wait.

When we haven't been running around to appointments, we have been enjoying the wonderful weather here. We got Bentley a new bike and he asks every day if he can ride his "mater bike." It's too cute to resist.