Almost three kids later... we're still the only ones from our original crew with kids and we have yet to have a family BBQ. We actually don't have friends in our life that are around our kids very much... it's hard enough just to get family to come around. So I experienced a weird but so touching moment last week while at one of our play groups.
When we first PCSed to NOVA I tried to find activities and groups to get Liam and myself involved in. For the last year I've been hanging out with the same group of ladies and their kids and we've gotten to know each other and enjoy each others company very much. They are all well aware of Liam's delays and have watched me struggle with him and try to juggle his needs with Claire's.
Last week when we went to playgroup, it had been the first time we were all together for just a playgroup in quite some time. Liam walked into the house, went up to his buddy, and started babbling and signing! He was so confident and happy - not usually how he acts outside our house. My friend was so surprised at this "new" Liam she literally teared up... it was amazing to see someone who has watched Liam throughout the last year have the same overwhelming excitement that I have to see any new advances he makes. It was nice to be able to share that moment with someone.
All his test are clear and negative - no medical reason for why Liam is the way he is. So now we'll spend the next 3-6 months in therapy (we're up to 4 days a week!) and we'll keep checking in with his developmental pediatrician. Since there's no diagnosis there's no projection of when Liam will catch up or what will get him to catch up; so therapy is kind of trial and error - we'll see what works and doesn't work and will just go with it.
Claire is almost caught up to where Liam is. She is already mimicking us (something Liam didn't do until after he was 2) and she understands simple signs like "more" and "eat." She is so verbal and loves to hit many different octaves of babbles :) She's so close to walking it's annoying! We're just waiting for her to let go and take off; of course her favorite walking buddy is her brother :)
The relationship the two of them has warms my heart. They are happiest together and they know when they're apart. They are each others biggest supporters and bring out their best qualities. It's an honor being their mom and I can't wait to add another one into the mix!
At least life isn't boring these days... and I wouldn't have it any other way <3
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Working on our "B" and "OO" sounds this morning; peek-a-BOO!
