Talk Is Not Cheap

We've had Micah's Voice two weeks today. Can you believe it? It's still so new and fascinating to me. And I'm still humbled and grateful for the wonderful people who made it all possible.

That sounds rather like an acceptance speech, doesn't it? But I'm accepting the generosity, so I guess it's accurate. I have even more praise for Prentke-Romich, but everything in due time. We'll save that for another day.

So many have wondered what Micah would say when he was able to talk. While it's not what I imagined he'd say, I am not shocked. Are you ready for this?

When you give a boy a voice, he'll ask for food.

Yep. Micah uses his new Voice Box to ask for food. Repeatedly. He wants to eat breakfast, he wants a snack, he sees a picture of a cookie and he asks to eat. And don't even get me started on bedtime.

At bedtime, he takes his Voice with him when he remembers. And he asks for his DRINK to be handed to him. He gets creative with this sometimes and will say GET DRINK or MORE DRINK. And you know that my mama-heart swells like a sponge in water. I'm just glad that there is no button that says NOW. And trust me, we won't be adding one.

He's taken things to the next level though. He's started asking for EAT when he's in bed. I'm learning to just say NO, but for Pete's sake, the boy has a Voice and he's using it! What kind of cold-hearted mother would I be if I denied him his first request? There was that one night that we tromped downstairs and got him shredded mozzarella cheese in a bowl. (Hey, it was at his request. You think I'd come up with that all on my own?) Somehow that got down under the covers and was sufficiently dried by the time I went to bed. That was a fun night, let me tell you.

There was also the night that he got graham crackers. I wanted to mess with him that night, so I took them and made him ask for EAT every time he wanted more. He did. I was thrilled. He even did it spontaneously, which was even better. Those crumbs were in Sam's side of the bed. I can be taught.

While this is all super-fantastic in an over-the-top kind of way, I'm still a bit disappointed. I guess I still have that dancing in fields of flowers dream and expect him to use it to actually talk to me. He doesn't say HI when he comes into a room, he doesn't say GOODBYE when he leaves. He doesn't say MCDONALDS CHICKEN NUGGETS when he wants to go out to eat. Of course, maybe he just never wants to go out to eat.

I have to keep reminding myself that he's been speechless for over 5 years. He doesn't realize what a voice really is, and how to use it. I have to tell myself repeatedly that his grasp of understanding the Box and it's myriad of buttons is still amazing in and of itself. Have I mentioned that he's memorized them all? And takes himself to different screens? And knows those buttons, too? He does. It's amazing.

In honor of his second week anniversary with a Voice, I'm going to call back to the Children's Institute and ask them to send the referral to the insurance company. I've gotta get things pushed through because who knows what funding for things like this will be like once January rolls around. It might be better, and it might not. That's a chance that I can't afford to take.

23 comments:

Pam said...

Yeah for M and using his voice sometimes. I'm sure with time, he will learn to use it communicate even more. I can only imagine how hard it is for you though. Good luck getting the fundig pushed through- as you said, you just don't know what the future will be like so best to get it done while you can.

Flea said...

Chuckling over here, imagining Micah asking for food over and over. Imagining five years of not getting enough to eat. You starving that boy. Yeah, right. :)

I'm so glad he's proving what you already knew - that he's as bright as they come.

Michelle said...

Well of course he's going to ask for food. Boy's got his priorities. I'm still impressed by how well he's picked it up at all. Remember what you were told when you first went in to try it out?

KG said...

That's so fantastic! He's clearly understanding nouns and learning that if he asks for something by name he can get it. I mean - toddlers do that when they're learning to talk, too, right? Like my kid pointing to his cup and saying "Bottle" (which actually sounds more like "bong," but that's another issue entirely). Anyway, he'll get there. I'm so impressed by how quickly he's made progress!

Debbie in CA : ) said...

Now this is the kind of post that reminds me why I am giving up on the news sites and sticking with the real-life-is-amazing kind of blogs! I smile, I wipe tears, I do the joy dance, and I praise God as I read your words about Micah's words. He'll grow, he'll soar, he'll wax eloquently . . . but you can't do that on an empty stomach!!! Forget the chicken nuggets -- I can't wait to hear him ask for a souffle or chocolate mousse. Get your cooking skills sharpened up sweetie! :D

Cecily R said...

I am SUPER impressed at how fast he's learning. I get excited all over again when you post new info about it.

I obviously don't KNOW the disappointment you are feeling, but I think I get it. I know that's no real help, but I do get it.

The Sports Mama said...

You know I adore you and your family. That is certainly no secret. So when I say this next thing I want to say, know that it is said with all that adoration, ok? :)

When he starts asking for the car keys, you're going to HAVE to learn how to tell him NO. You realize that, right?

Trisha said...

Yeah Micah! It seems like he is getting used to his voice and is figuring things out! Soon you will wish that he would "shut up!" I am so glad things are going well - get that referral pushed through!

Unknown said...

What a fast learner you have there :) Have you been starving him for 5 years? :) He will figure out the ways of communication just be patient. :)

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

How awesome. Had to check in after falling off the edge of the plurk world. So happy to hear he's doing well!

imbeingheldhostage said...

Wow, now he just needs to learn to say "Mommy, get me a sandwich while I blog please". THAT would be the perfect sentence.

I think he's right on target with the eating thing, our 5 year-old is doing that-- he's an eating machine.

Leanne said...

Yeah for Micah and his Mom. I'm glad you posted this, I was going to send an e-mail soon asking for an update if you hadn't. Nothing better than being hasseled by 'strangers' eh? :)

Still, I'm glad, nope, I'm THRILLED that the 'voice' is working and you know what? I'm glad he's eating too - it means he's healthy.

Besides, if he's like my guy, if he's not eating or at school than he's getting himself into trouble...

caramama said...

That is so wonderful! It's really amazing that he's memorized it all and can navigate everything. I'm just so thrilled for Micah, you and your family! This is a wonderful thing.

You make a great point about the fact that he hasn't had a voice in the five years he's been alive. I'm sure it will take time for him to realize that his voice can get him more than food. Or maybe he does realize it but food is simply the most important thing. I know it is for me!

HalfAsstic.com said...

Oh I do so hope it's better in January. I think we're all holding our breath a little hoping for something good to happen.
I am so glad he's using it and I think it's great that you are requiring him to use it. I bet the more he has to use it them more it will be automatic to him and eventually he will rely on it more.

Lorie said...

How great! And talk is definitely not cheap! How priceless!

Anonymous said...

Don't you just get the best warm fuzzies when you realize how amazing God is? He's given your son the ability to talk.

Andrea said...

Boys, they are always hungry. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I love that he asks for food!! He is too dang cute!!

I am so happy for him and his new found voice. I love that he loves it, and he uses it!! He is a smart little guy!!

Karen said...

My son who is just learning to talk at age seven asks for "Donalds" daily. I think Micah just has better taste than to ask for McDonalds.
I am so happy for Micah and all the people that love him that he is finally able to be heard.

Momisodes said...

That is too cute :) He would get along with my little girl so well. Between her and our dog, I'm begged for food all day long.

Good call in prepping for January.

CC said...

Oh my gosh! What did he get? I wish I'd have known he was getting a trial device. I'd be reading you daily!!!

Most my kids...give them a voice for the 1st time and they'll ask for "food" items or "computers". As if we didn't already know they loved these things....but it sure is nice to hear it!

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

Aaah, food, the ultimate reinforcer. Peanut took off using PECS when they finally started using food for the reinforcer. The kid doesn't talk but constantly signs eat or tries to get in the pantry. You'd think I was starving her! I'm glad Micah has found his voice. One day he'll take it to the next step and I look forward to reading about it!

Michelle said...

I'm so glad to hear things are finally starting to fall into place for Micah and his voice!

Wineplz said...

I'm still thrilled for you guys. :)