I know I say this every time but WOW it has been awhile since I have written about Miss Chloe Jean - guess that means things are running smoothly and that is exactly right. Chloe ended the school year by running into the classroom, hugging goodbye and off we went our separate ways. We recently had her 3 year check up at Boys Town NRH - yes you read that right - Chloe has been enjoying her hearing journey for 3 years now! She rocked the language and speech evaluation appointment - well she did have some moments of "I don't know" but with encouragement with stickers and stacking monkeys - she was able to complete her evaluation. At almost 4 years old, with only hearing 3 years, Chloe's language skills averaged above her normal hearing peers. All that hard work with her service providers really shows when you see results on paper. It shows even more when you watch her hold a conversation with an adult in a store, church or activity all on her own - no interpretation from parents needed! And trust me she is very good at communicating what she wants! Remind you she is still my very strong willed and independent child!
And speaking of hard work - we received some great news from Chloe's private speech therapist. Chloe will actually get to "Graduate" (be dismissed) from her private speech services mid-August. I am going to be honest, I had tears in my eyes listening to this news. And initially they were not tears of joy, but rather tears of fear. I know in my mind that Chloe is ready for this change - but her Mom is NOT. Those weekly trips to Lincoln for the last 3 years are like my security blanket. I have adjusted to this change of schedule and accepted that "wow, look how far she has come in just 3 years." Think of it, she has gone from not babbling at all to bossing us all around!!Chloe will be in preschool again this year (and next year too) with a new teacher. She will continue to receive services from the district to help her advocate when she can not hear in the classroom and work on hearing and communicating during group activities for example.
All the news I have for now - feeling blessed - God is so Great!
