House of Krause

Talk about break my heart, today held a moment that made me cry. We were all sitting in the car waiting for Paul while he ran into CVS.  He needed some suntan lotion. Melanoma seems to want to grow on him.  He’s always looking for new and improved lotions. Paul is such a genuine positive person. His glass always seems half full.  Anyhow, Luke was buckled in his seat and Preston and Lily were playing games. Luke gave me a grunt to let me know he needed me.  I turned back to see what he wanted. Then began an exchange of guesses at what he was trying to say.  Mickey Mouse ears? I asked. He shook his head no. What about your Thomas book? No again. Blanket? Not it.  “What was he trying to ask me?  Was it something totally different??”  Luke was fumbling for sounds and his hands were gesturing like crazy. I was thinking slow down, we’ll figure it out, but before I could go on, Luke put his head straight down and started crying the saddest cry I’ve ever heard. It was as if to say ” You really don’t understand me, I’m totally defeated.”  By that point I started to cry, and said “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” I got out of the car to go around and give him a hug.  That hug seemed to make us both feel better. Just then Dad returned to the car. I quickly told him why Luke and I were crying and hugging in the parking lot.  Then Paul welled up with just a single tear and said, ” Don’t worry Jen,  we’ll understand  him soon!”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Preston, my first angel from heaven!

I’ve been asked several times lately,  “Where do we start?  How can we stimulate our baby’s language development?”  I thought it would be a great idea to share the suggestions that have been graciously given to us. This is a combination of wonderful ideas from Luke’s occupational therapist, play therapist and several speech pathologists.  Every time my husband and I got new information, I would enter it on my phone. Happily I pass this on to you.  Oral motor strategies are very important for Luke as he struggles with poor muscle tone, and sensory issues around his mouth.  I’m sure your little ones will enjoy the fun regardless! Here’s a few to start with;

Oral Motor Strategies

1. Blowing bubbles, blowing whistles

2. Blowing milk bubbles with straw

3. Blowing cotton balls with a straw (Have cotton ball races)

4. Peanut butter or jelly around the mouth. (Baby has fun licking it off)

5. Jigglers(vibration) to rub on cheeks/mouth

6. Variety of foods. Lot’s of textures and flavors (sour and spicy) within diet limits of course!

7. Motorized toothbrush at least twice a day

8. Ditch the sippy’s.  Sippy cups use the same muscles as the bottle. Try a straw, if your really brave go for the open cup. If your not quite ready give your child a cup to practice in the bath tub

9. Try sucking thick liquids through a long wide straw (applesauce, pudding, fruit smoothies, milk shakes)

Activities

1. Find child’s interests and run with it

2. Puzzles

3. Blocks

4. Crafts for little ones

5. Dancing

6. Singing/ Playing musical instruments

7. Reading,  and lots of it!!!

8. Playing with baby dolls

9. Pretend phone calls

10. Go outside, the world awaits! Parks, Swinging, jumping, playing ball, being in nature (bugs are a big hit so are flowers)

11. Talk during mealtime and getting dressed

Label, Label, Label, everything in your child’s world!

Luke 9 months

Your baby is learning to talk from you!

Extra Miracles!

Sweet Pea and Tallulah

Animals have a strong impact on little ones. I read a story of a boy with Apraxia who started talking when he got a new puppy. If your not ready for a new fury friend consider a fish in a bowl or a trip to the zoo?? Exciting!!

Sign language has also been extremely helpful for us-see entry titled My Sign.

Preston & Lily

I’d love to hear the activities that work for your little one.

Love your child, talk to your child, listen to your child!

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:13

It’s amazing what a pile of dirt can do for kids! It’s wonderful Luke has learned to give the camera a great big cheesy smile.This is something new-  I sure Love you guys!