[veiledexpressions]

I have been lurking and have decided to just jump in

My daughter has no official diagnosis. She has hypotonia (low muscle tone) and has a 75% gross motor delay. At 9 months old she couldn't even hold her head up while lying on her tummy, let alone crawl or sit up unsupported. She just turned 2 last month and just started to get herself into the sitting position. She can't stand or crawl on all fours at this point (she can, however, rock on all fours now, yay

). I just read the thread about feeling weird around parents of "normal" children, and sometimes I , too, feel that way. Ciara also has a 50-60% cognitive delay, and plays like a 10-12 month old baby.

I don't think any parent has any idea what they take for granted in the way of milestones, until they watch their child struggle for each one. I watched my son do things effortlessly, and yes, I was proud, but I didn't "get it". With Ciara, each new milestone (or inchestone) brings me to tears. She was watched very closely for PDD as well. My family has a strong history of Autism,Aspergers, and related disorder. I, myself, have OCD, and have an evaluation for Aspergers shortly. So far,though, she seems to be quite social.

Dh and I are expecting our third child in July. I can't help but worry somedays because this baby seems to be a weaker, less frequent kicker, like Ciara was, although Ciara did appear normal until 4 months or so.

Ok, that was a novel lol I'll stop here

I hope to get to know everyone.

 

[peekyboo]

Well hi there Jen, it's me, Phoebe (aka bcHOSTphoebz/monday's child), and of course Maura

I've been wondering how you guys have been! Just so you know, my Sean was a "quiet" baby in utero - yeah, apparently, he was saving it all up for when he got out b/c he walked at 8 months and hasn't stopped moving since, lol! Oddly enough, Maura was one of my most active in utero (she and Collin tie for first out of the four

)

Anyway, we're doing great considering. Maura's bright and happy, continually making progress - I think she's up to at least 15 months in her motor skills, but is 10 months in her speech skills (though we might be able to up that a little since she's FINALLY starting to really follow directions.) I know I've said to professionals that Maura seems so babyish compared to her peers, but no one ever seems to address that issue.

We only have hypotonia and global delays as a "diagnosis" - I think we also will end up with a strabimus diagnosis (crossing eyes) and possibly glasses (which I'm strangly excited by, lol - I think little kids in glasses are too cute for words, not to mention that if she's not seeing properly, glasses will help her develop even more, right?)

And I know what you mean about milestones - I was doing a happy dance the other day because Maura climbed onto the couch for the first time. I spent two weeks telling people Maura could FINALLY do the pincer grasp - and then demonstrating it. Thank goodness for the EI people - they take about as much joy in these little things as I do!

 

[USAmma]

Hi and welcome!

There is a thread in Finding Your Tribe called TTC/Pregnant after Special Needs Child . You will find lots of support there!

 

[snuggly mama]

Hi and welcome!

My dd is now 4, and she has lots of diagnoses. She has a genetic syndrome that causes her issues -- kidney transplant, blind, bone/growth issues, motor skill delays, etc. Truth is, though, she's a great kid, and she has a bunch of friends at her preschool. I honestly never thought I'd see the day. We, too, celebrate each "inchstone" (boy, I really like that term!). She didn't walk until she was 2.5, but what a great day when she took those steps!!!