"HI!"

That's what Faith SAID yesterday!! It's her first spoken word. She's been making a lot of sounds lately, especially just screaming to hear how loud she can be, but on Saturday when we had a speech therapy session with Kim (speech language pathologist) we talked about working on that being her first word since the "i" part of Hi is a sound she makes frequently and easily and really I've thought she has made the sound "hi" before, if you are willing to consider something close. Speaking her first word is one of the goals we set on her "service plan" during this 6 month cycle that ends in March. (Faith is evaluated every 6 months for developmental progress/delays and goal setting for the support services she gets through the state).

I wasn't home when she did it yesterday, but from what I heard the big difference is that she meant it as "hi" and was waving while saying it. When I got home, Fred said "Faith has something to TELL you" but she would only wave or sign Hi to me, she didn't say it again - you know how kids won't show off when you want them to!

Anyway, this is so exciting! Faith has become so vocal lately, she likes to coo and scream and I even heard heard singing along with a musical toy once recently!! :) I have tried covering her trach while she is exhaling with my finger and she will vocalize for the entire length of her exhale instead of more bursting noise she does on her own. So, our next step is to get her a "Passy Muir Valve" (PMV) that is a one-way valve that only allows her to breathe in through her trach and then exhale through her mouth. I'll certainly post an update and a picture of her with it on once we get it and start trying it out.
I have heard other parents say their trached kids can speak fine over their trachs with the PMV (although many have oral anatomy issues like Faith's jaw or cleft palates that make certain sounds difficult) and I'm starting to believe Faith will start making huge strides over the next year.
Changing topics, Anthony was sick yesterday - he seemed fine in the morning, and it was his first day back at school after weeks of being on break, but I guess shortly after he got to school he told them he was tired (and that he got up really early - but he does that every day!) and cold, so they let him go lie down in the "cozy corner" on a bean bag with a blanket. By the time Fred got there to pick him up he was sound asleep and running a fever. It got up to about 102 in the evening, but it broke overnight and he seems fine today. Sounds silly, but I really enjoyed getting some quiet cuddling time with him!
More later, hope everyone's week is going well!
Robin