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Sometimes prayers are answered in funny ways...

Let me back up a little.

In October of last year, Ty was evaluated by the state and determined to be developmentally delayed. We knew he was behind in his speech, but he also qualified for developmental therapy to improve his cognitive skills. Though he is behind in some cognitive areas, mostly communication, he is leaps and bounds ahead of schedule in motor skills and physical abilities. We had to wait over a month to find a speech therapist who had an opening, but now we've had sessions for nearly two months.

A lot of emotions go through your mind when someone tells you your child is not typical. Mostly we've had more questions than answers. We are not certain if this is a phase that will be remedied with speech therapy, or if he will have this trial all of his life. Either way, I can hardly type this without feeling overwhelming gratitude for having him in my life. I occasionally see the looks on other mom's faces when they see my son have a tantrum, or ooze with energy that is nearly impossible for him to contain (both usually the result of trying to communicate how he's feeling). Perhaps enduring those looks is my trial. I wouldn't trade him for anything. He is such a sweet boy and I'm lucky to be his mommy.

Fast forward.

Yesterday Ty and I were having a stand off. He wouldn't eat his lunch and I knew he needed something in his belly. I laid out a few options on his tray and waited. For nearly 45 minutes. He finally caved and ate all of his sandwich. Before cleaning off his tray, I offered some of the other options one more time. He shook his head and said, "NO!" very adamantly. I was elated. He said a new word. Now we can add this to our short, but important list of words he does say. I realize "no" is not the ideal word to add to a small vocabulary, but progress is progress. I'm still waiting to be called mama...

Today Miss Maren let Ty come to preschool for a trial run. Though he wasn't perfect, she said he could come back for the rest of the session. I wanted to hug Maren, but refrained because I was closer to tears than she probably suspected and I would have burst if I embraced her... and I wanted to keep my composure in front of the other mommies. (I'll hug you later, promise.) We are also looking into a music class and a tumbling class through Parks and Rec. The more interaction he gets, the more progress we make. (So if anyone wants to love on Brooke for a few hours a week while I take Ty to some classes, I'll make it worth your while...)

Whether this is just a temporary setback or a permanent challenge, I am already being stretched, molded and strengthened by my Heavenly Father. I have so much to be thankful for. Like a little boy who told me "no".