Micah's Christmas Gift to Me

This Christmas, Micah is giving me a gift that only he can give. And it may be one of my favorites of all time. With the exception of the year that Luke was born not right at the holidays but a few weeks early. That was a great gift, but one that is appreciated to the fullest once per lifetime. I'm just saying, I'd rather not be giving birth every holiday season just to recreate the magical charm and glow of new motherhood of that special year.

But Micah's gift is next in line to the gift of Luke. He's talking. Every time I even so much as think it, much less hear it, I tear up. I know we've been around and around about this, but there's the very real possibility that my boy may never talk. Ever. And there's also the very real possibility that he may talk, but nobody will ever understand much more than a few words per sentence. I think that's where we're heading with this Christmas gift, but I'll take the small steps and celebrate like there's no tomorrow.

My boy will talk.

He graduated on, just this month, from the single syllable AaaaAaaaaAaaaaaah (which means absolutely everything from "Where's Woody?" to "I want to go to McDonald's for supper. Now.") to near babbling. Any parent knows how babies learn to talk. They start with the babbling. The practicing of syllables and sounds, putting noises and lip movements together in experimental ways, making moms and dads all over the world burst with pride at the genius that is their baby. Micah is no different even though he's 5 1/2 years instead of 5 1/2 months. But his babbling is very different. It's not the mamamama or daddaaadaa that other kids do. I think the difference is that Micah's brain is more advanced than that of a baby. The boy has stories in there that want to get out. And he tries telling them. He tells us about his day, and what he sees as we're driving down the road, and tattles on his siblings. And it sounds a lot like this.

ghkthaaaaaauan mthbaaaakg giiiikt kaaaaaaashgt nnnmmmmunnnmmm

Absolutely nobody has a clue what on earth he's saying except him, but he's making an effort. My heart swells with pride in his accomplishment because I know that someday those consonants and vowels will sort themselves out inside his mouth and real words will come.

And I'll cry. Again.

It's the merriest of Christmases, and the best gift that he could ever give me. Someday, my boy will talk. And I will understand him. And there is very little that beats that in the gift giving department.

23 comments:

Pam said...

Oh! That is a great Christmas present! The best yet! I loving sharing in your joy and pride for Micah's growth and learning. He is one smart boy and one day we will all hear how smart he is!

AutoSysGene said...

How very cool! All Micah needs is a few vowels in there and he's all set.

Can't wait to hear all the stories he has inside waiting for you!

Anonymous said...

What an amazing gift for you! Those must be the best sounds that you've ever heard!

Andrea said...

That has to be the most wonderful presant any mother could ever recieve. Micah is such an amazing boy. And since I have started reading your blog he has grown so much. My heart swells with joy for you and your boy!!

Karen Deborah said...

Precious to the heart of a mother is hope for her children. Merry Christmas.

Keri said...

I think I'll cry with you. Hang in there. He WILL talk. Just you wait and see.

Michelle said...

You are giving me goosebumps here, Karen! Such a wonderful gift!

Flea said...

Hoorah! You're already having the best one, but here's to a very merry Christmas!

imbeingheldhostage said...

That's the exact kind of words I get when playing scrabble, so they shouldn't be dismissed :-)

It's been great watching Micah's progress and I look forward to more. I hope your family is happy and healthy this season and you all have a wonderful Christmas.
Merry Christmas Karen!

Kidzmama said...

I get goosebumps every time you talk about Micah's speaking accomplishments. It's such a wonderful tool you found. And demanded your son get. Now!

Have a very Merry Christmas Karen.

Anonymous said...

I too get goosebumps every time you talk about Micah's voice and am so happy to be able to share in your pride and his accomplishment! A wonderful holiday gift indeed!

pb&j in a bowl said...

That is wonderful! I'm so happy for your family and everything that it means to you.

Danyele Easterhaus said...

i'm gonna cry too! micah's voice is a gift for me too...knowing that little dude is communicating blesses me!!!!!

CC said...

Hurray hurray hurray!!!!!!!!!!!!

Voice output devices often help promote verbal communication. I have a strong feeling, this is happening for Micah.

You go guy!!!!

Debbie in CA : ) said...

Can there be any greater gift than hope? Nope!

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

What better way to celebrate Christmas than following Mary's precious lead. Enjoy each moment and store them away in hope for tomorrow.

Merry CHRISTmas, dear one! And to all your family too. : D

Burgh Baby said...

I told you so. ;-)

the planet of janet said...

nothing better...

hugs

HalfAsstic.com said...

Awesome! And I am sure this is just the n!
Merry Christmas, Karen! :-)

The Sports Mama said...

Have I mentioned lately how very much Holland rocks?

Daisy said...

This vocalizing must sound like a chorus of angels!

just jamie said...

Every time I hear about Micah's efforts, I get the most miraculous chills traveling up and around me.

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

I am so happy for you and your family Karen. I know how difficult it is to not be able to talk to your child. It breaks your heart. Everyone tells me Peanut will talk in her own time. I pray they are right. It sounds like it is Micah's time, now. It gives me hope. What a wonderful Christmas present!

caramama said...

That's so wonderful! I'm incredibly happy for you and your family. Micah is just amazing and seems capable of anything. :-)