One year ago...

...we were at the hospital unpatiently awaiting the arrival of little Ian. I remember the nurses telling me to get some rest, but how was I supposed to sleep when I was so nervous with anticipation. I had no idea what to expect in the next few hours...Would he have dark eyes? Would he have any hair? How will his cleft lip look? Will the palate be affected? Will everything else be okay? After 12 hours of labor, Ian showed up at 6:32 am on October 30 weighing 7 pounds and 2 ounces and 20 inches long. He was the most beautiful thing ever and despite all the pain of labor, I couldn't have been happier. Today, at one year later we have overcome many obstacles as a family. Although it has not always been easy for us, I would not change anything about him. I can only hope that having his small defect with make him an even stronger individual than he already is. I am so blessed to have been chosen to be his mother because he, in his 12 months here, has already made me a better person.

I love you, Ian! Happy birthday!

Our little bulldog!

Give me a B!

Ian has started using the "ba" sound more frequently. This is very exciting! Before now he had used it only a couple of times. Last night he was just a "ba-ba-ba"ing away. Now if we can just get the "da" sound, DJ will be very happy.

Speech

Ian had his first speech appointment yesterday. I was a bit worried, considering how shy our little guy is. The doctor pretty much asked us questions to determine where he is on two levels: comprehension and production of language. Ian understands at the 12-14 month level. Yay! The doctor was very pleased with his understanding. She made me feel like a good mom, saying it was so good that I read to Ian every night. I've never felt like a bad mother, but it felt nice to hear such positive words from someone who works with cleft children professionally. On the other hand, Ian can speak at the 8-9 month level. He has not yet spoken his official "first word", although he's been saying ma-ma for months. He hasn't completely associated ma-ma with the person. The doctor did not seem concerned with this, considering Ian has only had a "full" palate for 2 months. Overall, it was a good visit. We go back in April to have a more thorough assessment. We will be able to determine what else needs to happen since he will have more verbal language by then. Until then we will be stressing words with "p", "b", and "d". Wish us luck!

Little music man

Ian loves listening to Daddy's band every Friday night. He dances and waves his hands around like a little conductor. How cute! Here are just a few pictures of him cheering on the football team and standing on his own, I should add.

11 months

Our baby is 11 months old! Where has all the time gone?