Delayed is this post. Delayed was the visit. Delayed is my baby. That's what she wrote on the papers she faxed. Delayed. It was tough to see those words even tougher to muster it up that day because I knew this is what would happen.
My baby had been suffering from one cold after another. One tells me it's hard for babies to clear out the gunk. I was sick, she got sick. Her cousin was sick, she got sick. The pediatrician didn't say anything sounded bad in her lungs when she was in for her nine month appointment. I figured she would be fine. We talked about her delay, a little. I made mention of the fact that she did roll over in the appropriate time frame but hasn't really since. She will fight against the roll. My first baby was the same way, so I didn't fret. My baby sat at the mark deemed normal. She's on track. Then by nine months she really wasn't crawling, scooting a bit yes and her language is lagging. The doctor* and I talked and she advised me to let her know things were progressing in a month.
*I should point out that I do not over worry and that we absolutely love our pediatrician. She has called our home to follow up with different things (Henry had RSV when he was really little and she called the house to see how he was). The doctor and her nurse know our kids well and I feel she checks in on how mom is doing as well.
The month has passed I had to admit it, Sophie does have a delay (lack of rolling, can't move from a lying on stomach to sitting position, doesn't crawl, doesn't crawl stairs, doesn't reach to stand, doesn't stand and the language is behind) for whatever reason. I am also concerned of this lingering cough, running nose and over all irritable baby. Enough is enough. I made the appointment and it just so happens the day I did was the worst day for her. She just looked miserable. All this time though, no fever, slept well and what I thought was "just her way".
In the beginning of the appointment I went over the concerns of her cough, cold, etc. She looked in her ears. Both infected. I wonder how long have they been infected? My mind is racing. I already went over the chart with the nurse with a general timeline of how long she had been on again off again sick. Too long. How long? I feel horrible. I also know the chest x-ray is coming. I dread this. I've been through this before.
Next we talk about the delay. I well up with tears, she hands me a tissue. "We'll get you some help, see where she's at, we'll get her on track". I also knew this was coming.
Tina
One told me this would be a good idea. Don't let her get further behind. One said she's a third baby she's just behind a little. After all was said, I knew in my heart of hearts that I should get help now so she's not further behind. So that's been very heavy on my mind.
In the last week Sophie's become a whole new baby. She's in general happier and I've heard a few more "words" from her as well. I would guess the ear infection has been plaguing her longer than I'd even like to think about.
I am still waiting for a call from our county to see about a home visit where somebody to assess her. Scares the heck out of me. I've been working on helping her the only ways I know how. She's kind of resistant and very picking on when she wants to "practice".
I am sure she will get up so speed and there isn't anything majorly wrong. She does need some assistance. New ways for me to help her?
We love her so much and only want the best for her.
Tina