Listening With My Heart

I know you're all so tired of hearing about Micah's lack of speech. I apologize if it seems as though I've been beating a dead horse. (But if actually beating a dead horse would produce words from my boy I'd procure one post haste.)

It feels a little silly for me to say that the boy is non-verbal. He is very verbal, and the levels of his noise made us think for a while that he was hard of hearing. He's got some lungs on him! But his sounds don't consist of words or phrases. It's more like grunts, yells and moans. And I don't how to explain to you that it's not as morbid and nursing-home-ish as it sounds. He's an incredibly happy boy, and his sounds reflect that.

On a rare occasion he'll say words. These aren't clear, nor are they baby-talk versions. Baby-talk would be Wuke instead of Luke because a sibling couldn't pronounce his L's. Micah-ese is more like OOOOOG, but theres' no doubt that he's calling for his brother. He occasionally throws in things like OOK! (look), ahdo (there you go), eeezhh (please), aaaahhhh (hi) or GO! GO!

Cut to this morning with me sitting on the potty, and he ran up and gave me a hug. He does this frequently, and like any mom, I love it every single time. Even if I'm on the potty. But this morning I cried, sitting with my pants around my ankles, when my boy ran out of the bathroom in search of an adventure.

This morning, as Micah hugged me, he mumbled directly into my ear "ahvvvvvvvu."

You decipher that any way you want, but my heart heard my boy say that he loved me.

Thank You, God. His speech is in there, I know it is. And I know that someday it'll come out. But God, You know that I needed a little help in the faith department and gave me the help that I needed through my son. My son, Lord, that You created to be the joy of our hearts. My son, that said I Love You.

42 comments:

Pam said...

I'm sure he did say I love you!

We should get Micah and Riley together- they would probably understand each other since that is pretty much how Riley talks still too.

Leanne said...

Yep. That's EXACTLY what he said.

He's a very smart boy that one.

Oh, and I love your posts about him. Don't stop telling us how it's going with him. I, one of probably a million, want to know.

Karen said...

Oh Karen, what a beautiful blessing! I never tire hearing of your life.

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

It's just makes my heart melt! I never tire of hearing you talk about Micah's speech. It's nice to have someone's shoulder to lean on. I was talking to a family at church and her daughter is 8. I mentioned that Peanut is not speaking yet and they said their daughter isn't saying many words either. It just takes longer for some. I'm still convinced part of it is because they are so busy doing other things.

MommaSuds said...

I just love reading your posts about Micah.I am sure that is exactly what he said.God let him know that you needed to hear that this morning.
People with Downs Syndrome are very special.I grew up with my aunt who had Downs Syndrome and now they all hold a special place in my heart.
His speech will come.I know it will.When it does I am sure that he will have much to say and you will love to just sit and listen to him talk.Just as you do now.

jessica said...

oh, hooray! what a glimmer of light for you.
for the record, i'm never tired of hearing about your family and micah!

Shellie said...

Oh, sweet!!! I'm sure that was an I love you! It's coming! I'm catching up on all the last week or so here and I won't spread comments for you to look up one by one. I think the suggestions for kindergarten are good, and another thing that might help is to just go in to help the class occasionally, so you can see what his day is like, rather than always be there, try that first. Once you see, you as his mom will probably have a pretty good idea what things are making it hard for him to adjust and then you can work on ways to help him with that. The Things are going through the same thing right now... A lot is just getting used to something harder.

Suburban Correspondent said...

It's always so exciting when a little one learns to communicate with speech, because we feel as though we are finally making contact with the person inside, you know? And to have to wait as long as you have for that contact...well, no wonder you are excited!

Debbie in CA : ) said...

That's music to ANY mom's ears. God is SOOOOOO GOOOOOD! He knows when we need that extra bit of reassurance. Prayers without ceasing. Rejoicing in the moment. Loving every step along the way. You've got your priorities in the right order. (Potty hugs end all too quickly ... I nearly forgot about them. Thanks for reminding me. *Smile*)

Anonymous said...

I, like most others, will NEVER, EVER tire of reading about Micah and both his triumphs and defeats. I certainly don't know squat about launguage development and delays, but it sounds to me like he is making progress. He obviously understands what is being said to him! Maren is in this exact same phase right now - she has maybe a dozen actual words (most of them animal sounds), yet you can have a conversation with her based on the noises she makes and the intonation she uses.

I hope the coming weeks bring even more progress! (And I wonder if some of his language is being prompted by school? Cooper was a chatterbox before starting preschool, but now . . . the kid talks fron sun-up to sun-down!)

Marmarbug said...

SOunds like I love you to me. YOu have a precious boy there. Please keep talking about him I like the post on him!

The Sports Mama said...

This made me cry and get all squishy inside.

I know that's exactly what he said to you.

Jennifer said...

gah! That is incredible. Makes my insides all melty :) How precious is he???

AutoSysGene said...

Oh yeah, that was an I LOVE YOU! No sweeter words, huh?

You just started my day with a smile!

Burgh Baby said...

I'm sorry, I'm a pile of ooey gushy mush and can't think of anything coherent.

Anonymous said...

No question about it..he said he loves you..i love hearing about Micah..you are an awesome mom no wonder he loves you..he knows how hard you are fighting for him and it was his way of saying thank you and love you all at once..great job mom!

Trisha said...

No one can have any doubt about what Micah said or what he meant. You are a super mother to a wonderful child (well, really wonderful children!).

Caution/Lisa said...

There are no more beautiful words in any language. Way to go, Micah!

Aimee said...

Oh sniff! Love that kid!

Sending a little high-five for Micah and a little hug for the mama.

kimmy said...

Your story gave me goosebumps. I'm sure that what Micah was saying that he loves you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!

Kimmy

Quarantine Hobby said...

Wow! That's just wonderful, Karen. What an absolutely beautiful story.

Andrea said...

This is so sweet! *wipe away tears*, He is such a loving boy!

Cecily R said...

Okay, so a lot of people make comments about how a post has made them weepy. I gotta admit, when I see them I wonder if that's really true.

Know this: when I say this post made me cry it is absolutely the truth.

And now I am such a blubbering idiot, I can't even say anything smart or clever. Other than that I love your relationship with Micah. And I can't think of anyone who deserves that 'I love you', no matter what language its in, than you.

pb&j in a bowl said...

I have no doubt at all that he said "I love you". How sweet!

Bluepaintred said...

Holy Smack Karen! That is seven different kinds of awesome RIGHT THERE!

I am So pleased for you!

My Two Army Brats said...

Woohoo! That is awesome! I can't wait to hear what he says next!

Paula Lynn Johnson said...

That was just the best.

Flea said...

Oh! Oh! Oh! Pass the Kleenex! I'm so happy for you!!!

imbeingheldhostage said...

Flea, pass the kleenex over here when you're done. Dangit Karen, I was going to bed and thought I'd pop over for a quick read and you made me cry. How am I going to explain to the Hubby why turning off the computer made me cry?

See, God gave Micah a Mom who hears with her heart :-)

Unknown said...

that is exactly what he said!! No doubt about it -- he loves his mommy!!

Karen Deborah said...

I could cherish a potty hug like that too! What a precious gift!
He's such a darling boy.

CanadianMama said...

How could he not love you!!

Madame Queen said...

That brought tears to my eyes! I'm so happy for you. It IS in there, and you are working so hard to help him get those words out. It WILL happen.

And you don't ever have to apologize for talking about this!! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, how exciting is that! Wonderful, Karen. I know it made your heart overflow with joy.

Michelle said...

I knew he said "I love you" just by what you wrote, so I'm positive that is what you heard too! What a beautifully written post, I had tears!

the planet of janet said...

oh, sweetie! that is the best!

Irene said...

OMG! Seriously! I have tears too! I have no doubt he said "I love you". No doubt. How incredibly sweet.

caramama said...

That was DEFINITELY "love you"!!!! How wonderful to hear!

Anonymous said...

He is definately PERFECT in EVERY way... and he said he "loves you"

Michelle said...

Awww, you made me cry! And yep, that was definitely an I Love You. Not quite a videocamera moment since you were on the potty, but still... definitely one to be shared and celebrated!

Wineplz said...

I completely burst into tears when I saw what you wrote! I am so incredibly happy for you!!! Like everyone else, I took that as "I Love You"...plain as day. The language that he does have is easy to understand if you spend some time with him. He's definitely trying to make himself understood and is pretty successful! I'm sure it won't be too long before he's yammerin' your ears off. :D

just jamie said...

OF COURSE that's what he said. And I love that your britches were around your ankles when he said it. They know when we're vulnerable.

(Sorry to be MIA lately. I'm reading. Just can't keep up with the commenting these days.)