Speech Evaluation

Kapooka had a speech evaluation today. We've had some concerns because she isn't picking up new words and has started to lose some words. The speech therapist and occupational therapist that came were really nice and very helpful. They are a little concerned about Kapooka's expressive language. However, they said that her receptive language is right on track and that cognitively "she is as sharp as a whip." That made me smile.

With the receptive language they think that she should catch up by the time she is two. They will re-evaluate her around the two year mark. If at that time she has not shown improvement or is still borderline, then they will begin therapy. They believe this is probably related to her prematurity and that in this area she just needs a little extra time to develop. However, if we have additional concerns or she loses additional skills before then, we will get an immediate re-evaluation.

We were also given some simple ideas to help her communicate now, and some fun games to play to help her develop the muscles and skills she will need to be able to speak. I am glad to have a few steps to work on with her. It makes me feel less helpless.

Getaway Picture Post 2

Playing in the waves of very cold Lake Michigan.

Kapooka hated having dry sand stick to her, but she hated the cold water, so we built a battlement that protected her from the waves. She played quite contentedly.

We had a great time!

Kapooka loved the seagulls. She spent a lot of time pointing into the sky just like this.

Getaway Picture Post 1

Wildcat on a sand dune.

What a goofy kid!

The College Football Hall of Fame. Kapooka tried to eat the football.

Wildcat couldn't push it up the hill, but he posed for a picture.

Go Huskers!

For Your Viewing Pleasure...

This is a typical Kapooka slide. Isn't it fun?

Prayer

Wildcat and I have been praying for my college friend's baby since before he was born (lots of pregnancy complications). The baby went home this week. Wildcat and I both teared up a little with joy. It led to a good talk about the power of persistant prayer, and how God was good even though baby JP still needs an apnea monitor and feeding tube. I am so happy for Pam and her husband. If you would like to see their story, here is a link to their blog.

http://orthodoxcatholicfamily.blogspot.com/

Bad Day

for the mama. The kids were great. I am very proud of how tenderhearted and helpful Wildcat is becoming. Kapooka was so smiling and into snuggling today. Mama is on day 6 of a migraine. I am frustrated because I even went and got a shot yesterday.

We do have some cute video footage of Kapooka. It is my goal over the next week or two to figure out how to post that. Stay tuned!

A Great Summer Day

Today we met with some of Wildcat's school friends at a local park. This park is one of our favorites. It has a water tower painted like a balloon and is close to railroad tracks. They have a nice swing area (Kapooka hated swinging). They also have some awesome wooden play structures. Lots of things to climb and bounce. There are tunnels and multiple slides. There is a boat to pretend to sail. We all had a good time, but it was really hot. At one point the sun was shining, but it was sprinkling. One of our friends (a kiddo) said that it couldn't rain because the sun was out, so it must be the sun crying. We were running late, so I didn't grab any pictures.

Today, Kapooka also had her enrollment for a speech evaluation. It was just paperwork, but we should hear by Friday as to when the actual assessment should be.

Tomorrow is swimming lessons and a trip to the library.