Dexterisms

I don't like to talk about this too much, mainly because everyone is an expert, and sometimes it can be....overwhelming to get advice coming from everywhere.  Dexter has a speech delay.  We noticed around 16 months that he had "lost" or stopped saying many words he had learned and was just sort of grunting and pointing.  So we talked to our pediatrician about it and I actually had to push to get him evaluated by an early intervention speech therapist.  As a teacher, I know that the earlier you intervene, the more they advance.

Dexter was evaluated and blew them away with how well he understood language, followed directions, and his overall physical development.  He did qualify for speech though when communicating.

So we are astounded at how much he's changed since he started therapy at 18 months and since his tubes were put in his ears.  In other words, before the tubes, because of his many infections, the poor kid wasn't really hearing.  Hence the problems.  Needless to say, he has been cracking us up lately.

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We push manners like crazy, please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, etc.  The other day, Dexter burped at breakfast, so I asked him, "Did you burp?" which I usually follow up with What do you say.  Dexter says, "No, Mommy.  Chair burp."

I went to get him from his room one morning,  D "Back hurt,  Belly hurt.  Teeth hurt."  Me "I'm sorry buddy.  You're just falling apart!"  D "Dexter broken.  Mommy fix it!"

Going upstairs at night for tubby and bed D "Bye light, bye carpet, bye door, bye toys, bye shoes, bye tv, bye kitchen, bye playroom...."  really kid?

He likes to take Annie's play mat and make a tent/tunnel with a blanket.  We don't let him do that if she's on it.  She was playing on the mat when he decided he wanted a tunnel. D"  tunnel mommy"  Me "After Annie is done playing."  D "Put Annie there (pointing to the couch)" Me "No she's still playing.  You can have it when she's done."  D "Dexter want tunnel!  Baby Annie there!!!"
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He won't eat most meats without ranch dressing.  I don't know...  He's the first kid to hate ketchup.  Me "Eat your chicken."  D "Need dips!"

IN the grocery store, passing by a display of said ranch dressing D"  Bye bye dips!"

He likes to count backwards and say blast off..in his own way D "10.9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1 Whop Ow!"

I know there are more...but Miss Annie is stirring so I have to run.  Seriously, if you have any question about your child's speech, early intervention rocks!  It costs you nothing and they come to your house.  It's that simple!