Childhood Expressions

... I'm participating in Dr. Barbara Boucher's blog carnival over at Therextras.com.  Her theme this time around is about Childhood Expressions.  I can think of no other post that expresses Nathan ... and his unusual language ... than borrowing some good insightful info from a condensed previous post.  I give you: 

'Eyes OK'

We've had our share of ups and downs with all things Nathan related. Being the possessor of an extra chromosome has its advantages and disadvantages. A few of the downers are health, physical, cognitive and speech challenges.  For example, On Wednesday he had an appointment with an ophthalmologist which went something like this: The doctor's Assistant persuaded Nathan to sit in the big up and down exam chair. "Please read the top line in the mirror." She had little insight that he has unintelligible speech ... but soon switched from letters to numbers. After I informed her that she might try shapes, she dug out a slide with stencil looking animals, a car, house, etc. This proved pointless and she gave up. All the while he's trying to ask her if she plans on giving him a shot. Next, in comes the doctor. He plans on putting eye drops in Nathan's eyes ... but first is asked something about a shot. "No, we don't give shots here." In go the drops and after a few minutes, the 'dance' of unintelligible communication proceeds between the doctor, Nathan, and myself. I was the interpreter, and calming force. Somehow, the doctor, with the help of his hand held lenses, was able to deduct that my child is farsighted and has an astigmatism ... but does not need glasses.

Lost In Translation:

Here is a sample of Nathan's vocabulary:

ice (said while pointing to his eyes) = he's thirsty and wants some ice water. Since ice and
eyes sound alike ... he points to his EYES.

mirror = "come here"

boom = the name he calls his 'security blanket' which just
happens to be a little plastic yellow garden spade

Ma = all things related to Mom (me)

KeeKee = (older sister)

Wowa = (older sister)

baby = nephew Jacob

Ha-nee = Holly, his dog's name


eee-eee = said while signing to eat

no = no (the same in every language) his favorite word

nu-do = noodles/pasta

cut = splinter

bee off = make the (bee sting) pain go away

bee off blip = the pain is gone

Words he uses sign language for:

French fries, cookie, please, sorry, help, water, sleep, potty, eat, chips,
baseball, basketball, soccer, book, cat, ready, play, friend, Jesus, fruit, more,
ketchup, NO, days of the week, happy, sick,

edit: the sign for 'vagina' was used incorrectly (much to my horror) as his sign for his Playstation Game. Two acquaintances asked if I knew what he was signing ... well, we now have an appropriate sign for the word game being used. :)

As you can imagine, one has to be well trained to be his mother ;)

Did I mention he's the joy of my life???

Is it any wonder that I've installed a Voice4u app on my iPhone.  This application has touch screen icons with an audible 'voice' that he can scroll, tap & touch to help make known more of his needs and wants.  If you are interested, check out the website here for a demo and more information.

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."
Psalm 90:14