I'm a talker. I like to write. I have relied on these forms of communication for most of my life. Even as a young child I used to spend hours writing stories either by hand or using animated programs on my Commodore 64.... My husband thinks I'm a chatter-box. I am sure there are days when he wishes he could unplug me...
Our family is now embarking on a journey together as we explore the world of alternate communication. We are learning that while words are powerful - there are so many wonderful ways to communicate. Our little angels, Cecily and Noah, are both very skilled at communicating their needs with and without language. In the last month Cecily has embarked on another cognitive awakening. She is truly communicating with us! She is expressing her needs and she is so proud of herself that we finally "get it..." I think for the first time ever we are truly able to understand what she is asking for and what she wants because we are following her lead and watching intently at what her little hands are saying...
We are uncovering the power of sign language, gesturing, facial expression and more. It is more than words. It is a dream come true for me. I have a very special and unique bond with Cecily. I can't explain it when teachers, therapists or Doctors ask me simple questions like - "how do you know she is happy? how do you know she is tired or having pain." I just know! Or so I thought I did. But now, for perhaps the first time I feel confident that Cecily is communicating her needs so they are met. It may seem simple to many but Cecily never pointed at things. She wouldn't reach or identify an object by the touch of her finger. We would follow her eyes and listen to her breathing patterns to see if she seemed excited, scared or happy. But now... all we have to do is look at her hands! I am elated with her progress. I am so proud of her achievement. And as a Mommy I am just so thrilled to be able to connect with my angel in a totally new way.
We know this is just the beginning! But we can see the glimmer in her eye and the smile that lights up her whole face (and ours) when she signs something and we acknowledge her need/want and her achievement. This week alone she added more and more words to her arsenal... She may not always sign it "by the book"... (And Noah is quick to correct a sign...) but she is doing it! And we are looking forward to the next phase as we uncover the power of sign and unlock the secrets to Cecily.
And a big thank you to my friends and family who have jumped on this bandwagon and have started to learn some signs... I am so grateful.
Tonight at dinner Brien snuck away from the table and I could see him eating a mint cookie. When he walked back to the table Noah (radar-vision when it comes to food) asked Daddy what was in his hand. He said broccoli... Yes, a white lie but he bought it. Cecily looks up at Daddy and signs "want cookie!" Was it an accident? Perhaps. But was it priceless! Yes it was. Noah quickly pointed out that Cecily wanted a cookie...I looked at Brien and we smiled.
Onwards and upwards!
Our family is now embarking on a journey together as we explore the world of alternate communication. We are learning that while words are powerful - there are so many wonderful ways to communicate. Our little angels, Cecily and Noah, are both very skilled at communicating their needs with and without language. In the last month Cecily has embarked on another cognitive awakening. She is truly communicating with us! She is expressing her needs and she is so proud of herself that we finally "get it..." I think for the first time ever we are truly able to understand what she is asking for and what she wants because we are following her lead and watching intently at what her little hands are saying...
We are uncovering the power of sign language, gesturing, facial expression and more. It is more than words. It is a dream come true for me. I have a very special and unique bond with Cecily. I can't explain it when teachers, therapists or Doctors ask me simple questions like - "how do you know she is happy? how do you know she is tired or having pain." I just know! Or so I thought I did. But now, for perhaps the first time I feel confident that Cecily is communicating her needs so they are met. It may seem simple to many but Cecily never pointed at things. She wouldn't reach or identify an object by the touch of her finger. We would follow her eyes and listen to her breathing patterns to see if she seemed excited, scared or happy. But now... all we have to do is look at her hands! I am elated with her progress. I am so proud of her achievement. And as a Mommy I am just so thrilled to be able to connect with my angel in a totally new way.
We know this is just the beginning! But we can see the glimmer in her eye and the smile that lights up her whole face (and ours) when she signs something and we acknowledge her need/want and her achievement. This week alone she added more and more words to her arsenal... She may not always sign it "by the book"... (And Noah is quick to correct a sign...) but she is doing it! And we are looking forward to the next phase as we uncover the power of sign and unlock the secrets to Cecily.
And a big thank you to my friends and family who have jumped on this bandwagon and have started to learn some signs... I am so grateful.
Tonight at dinner Brien snuck away from the table and I could see him eating a mint cookie. When he walked back to the table Noah (radar-vision when it comes to food) asked Daddy what was in his hand. He said broccoli... Yes, a white lie but he bought it. Cecily looks up at Daddy and signs "want cookie!" Was it an accident? Perhaps. But was it priceless! Yes it was. Noah quickly pointed out that Cecily wanted a cookie...I looked at Brien and we smiled.
Onwards and upwards!
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