Stuttering

Recently, you started to stutter. Originally, it was during moments of pause for thought collection. Then I noticed that it became worse. To the point of stuttering at the beginning of every word of a sentence. Even though, all the research that I did and Drs. that I spoke to tried to reassure me that it wasn't me that did this to you, my heart told me differently. My heart said, "I caused this to happen". I felt that I caused unnecessary stress and anxiety to you which had an effect on your verbalization skills.

After having you tested with the speech pathologist at school and reviewing her diagnosis of "blocking" and suggested therapy, I opted to delay treatment temporarily to see if my hypothesis was correct. Sure enough, after only 3 weeks of creating a calmer environment, less stress and making the decision in my head that nothing else was more important that you (meaning that work, chores, errands, and friends were going to take a backseat) the stuttering cleared up almost immediately.

Goes to show you, that some times you have to listen to your heart. Only you know your child the most. Not to say that I do not follow Dr. Yee's advice (with this exception, I have always followed his advice) but some times it's ok to listen to your instincts and test it.

Now for my own self growth, I have to learn to be a calmer person and learn to roll with the punches and say "it's ok if such and such doesn't get done" because it clearly has an effect on you.

Closet Full of Towels

This afternoon, I was putting some of the beach towels away in the closet. I began to mumble to myself, "We have too many towels, they don't fit." Sure enough, without hesitation, you said "Mom... you need space savers". Naturally, Daddy and I just giggled because of the power of marketing and commercials. Wow... maybe it's time that we back away from the TV. LOL

Video of ISR Fresher

I finally received the underwater video from Michele, your ISR swim instructor. This video was taken during your refresher lesson just before we left for Thailand.

Quick Little Girl You Are

Man, its getting harder and harder to communicate with you because you are so sharp. I really have to think about every thing I say and what the possible answers you will have before I speak. For example:

This afternoon you were playing with Vaughan and of course I was watching from afar. Vaughan knocked over the tent that you had made out of a blanket and you calmly walked around to him and wrapped both you arms around his neck and squeezed tightly. As soon I said, "Ava" you turned around and said "What Mom, I was just giving him a hug." Of course you and I both know that you weren't giving him a hug, so you were sent to time out and when I asked why you lied to me, you immediately said, "I'm sorry Mom."

Then later this evening, you and Vaughan were riding around the house with your mini quads and you stopped in the middle of the doorway. When I asked you to move so that Vaughan could get through, instinctively you replied "I can't, I'm at a red light". What can I say to that? You are way too smart for being only 4.

Reward for Learning Sight Words

We made a deal at the beginning of the summer. We decided that for every list of sight words you learned you would do something fun as a reward. Since you learned the first group of the Dolch List you earned a day at Busch Gardens.

PS... Vaughan says thank you for learning your words since he benefits from your success as well.

Prince Charming

While driving today we had a conversation that went just like this:



Ava: "I'm going to miss you"

Me: "Where are you going that your going to miss me?"

Ava: "When I grow up and have my own babies."

Me: "Am I not going to be around when you have your own babies?"

Ava: "Weeeellll, I will have my own house but I will make sure that it is near you."

Me: "OK, sounds like a deal. After you meet your prince charming, have your babies and your own house."

Ava:" Mommm.... Prince charming doesn't exist in Florida"

Me: "He doesn't? Where does he live then?"

Ava: "There is no such thing as Prince Charming mom, he is only in the movies."





I knew that I had to remember this conversation, because I know that one day we will come back to this statement. You have no idea how wise you are for only being 4 yrs old.

I LOVE YOU!!!

Star Wars at Barnes and Nobles

I happened to find out that some of the characters from Star Wars (your latest obsession) was going to be at the Barnes and Nobles. Daddy decided to surprise you with an afternoon visit to the bookstore to see them.

Darth Vader

Storm Trooper


Anakin