So, I took Lincoln in to the pediatrician's office last week to get his Chicken Pox vaccination. The pediatrician weighed him, checked his ears, nose and throat, listened to his heart, etc. and then asked me one single question: "Does he say 'mama' and 'dada' yet?". I told her that he did, but indiscriminately. She got a worried look on her face and said, "Well, he's really kind of behind", which made me a little upset. Really? Do ALL Korean kids say "mama" and "dada" discriminately by the time they're 14 months old? I was willing to let it slide and not get my feelings hurt, but then she had the nerve to ask me if he was in day care or if I took care of him myself, implying of course that he is neglected and not spoken to enough. Oooo... why I oughta...!!! I know, I know... I'm a little sensitive.
The good news is that my dad set the standard very low for when kids in our family should be speaking. He didn't say a word till he was 3 and then decided it was time, and started speaking in full sentences. If Lincoln turns three and is still not speaking, then maybe I'll start to worry a little, but for now, whatever. The scripture in 3 Nephi 13:27 comes to mind: "...which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?". I can't make myself grow, and I can't make my son talk so, no need to fret, right?
What the pediatrician neglected to ask was, "Can he clap his hands, answer the phone in Korean ("Yeoboseyo?"), shake his head in Korean ("Dori, dori, dori'), push buttons on command, open and close his hands in Korean ("Jem, jem, jem"), and dance?". I would have said proudly, "Funny you should ask that, but yes, he can do all of those things".
"Well, can he walk like Captain Jack Sparrow on 'Pirates of the Caribbean'?"
"Why, yes he can!!"
"That's great! He is really progressing!! BUT... can he climb up on the couch while screaming like a dinosaur?"
"He sure can!!!"
"I am VERY impressed! Your child is very skilled and is border-lining prodigy status!"
"You know, I've always thought that myself, but wasn't sure. Thanks for your input, Doc!"
My kid's got MAD SKILZ!!!!
hey, somebody's got to be behind. why not lincoln?
ReplyDeletetotal jk.
i think saying specific words by a specific age is the SAT of infantry. no child left behind! onward standardized testing! onward square peg in circle hole!
i love you guys and obviously think the world of you. even if you are square pegs.
He is borderline genius!!! Love it!!!
ReplyDeleteAs moms we try to justify why our kids aren't doing what everyone else their age is. We do it with Emma and she was 2 months premature...so yeah, she will be behind. No worries, I know you know that. Will #2 get here already?
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, you are right. Lincoln has crazy mad skillz. Jack and I watched the video of Lincoln walking like Captain Jack Sparrow twice we liked it so much.
ReplyDeleteBaby #2 is coming SOON! I hope all goes well.
By the way, Baby #1 (aka Lincoln) is adorable!
ok that was pretty funny. Stupid doctors. don't they know not to provoke a pregnant woman????
ReplyDeleteJust you wait one day you will hope that he stops talking :) Love you!
ReplyDeleteI love this! I go to the doctor every time wanting her to tell me how smart Zac is. It was fun to see what Lincoln is learning. I keep waiting to see that new baby boy. So excited for you!
ReplyDeleteI just have to add my little ditto here too. When I took Aidan to his 15 month appt. I was basically told the same thing. Aidan didn't say any words. None. And the nurse kept looking at me like I was crazy and something was really wrong with my toddler. As I told all of my friends my experience they consoled me with their own similar stories. It's funny to me because one thing my doctor always told me was "Your child hasn't read the book, so don't be surprised if he doesn't follow it exactly" but then she makes me freak out over him not speaking. Ahh! Fortunately he is perfectly normal and has a great vocabulary now. They all have their own timing and I really do think little boys are somewhat slower in their vocab development compared to girls. Physically, however, Aidan could run, climb, roll, swing, dance, and ride his little trike with the best little 2 year-old. So they've all got skills in different areas. Your little boy is such a cutie. Good luck with the coming one. You're gonna love it!
ReplyDeleteLook, Kids learn stuff pretty fast, but they do what they learned when they feel like it.
ReplyDeleteI think all kids are very smart but they are the only ones who decide when to do the first step :)
Love you guys and we miss you!