He PASSED...or failed...or something...

Crazy day!! Logan had his speech evaluation today at noon. I am still blown away with the whole thing. I mean--he's been home from China for 2 1/2 weeks. We've not had him with us even one month yet, and he's already had a speech evaluation! And the great news of the day: he passed...or he failed...or...he QUALIFIED FOR SPEECH THERAPY! YEE HAW! He'll start in about 2 weeks or so.

No, he doesn't speak English yet. No, he won't get therapy in Chinese. Many of Logan's issues right now have to do with oral/facial muscle control, so he'll be learning exercises to help with those things. He'll have some feeding therapy too, to help with his tongue-thrusting while he eats. Any exercises that build muscle strength in the mouth are game, and our first assignment is to get a hard plastic straw and help him be successful with it. The therapist suggested starting with his favorite juice or other thin beverage, then work up to "McDonald's shake" thickness as quickly as he can. Then, have him practice every day until he's great with a crazy straw! I guess we'll be drinking some smoothies here... It's not like Logan needs the calorie packing, though. That would be Ryan! Hmmm... Maybe Ryan will benefit from Logan's speech therapy too. That would be a bonus. :)

And even better news: Miss Laura, who did the speech evaluation, will have a full report ready for the SLP (speech language pathologist) at the Craniofacial Clinic on June 23. The two places will work together to make sure Logan's getting the best types of therapy for his situation, with one side looking at the practical, and one side clearly understanding the anatomical differences in the mouth of a child with a cleft palate. Miss Laura has worked with cleft palate kids before, but she welcomes the input from the clinic. They are the ones determining if/when he'll need surgeries and how best to do those so he regains/retains the highest level of speaking ability possible.

Fortunately, today is over. It's been a crazy one for sure. But God continues to bless us with amazing people in our lives. I knew we had someone who had agreed to bring us dinner, but I forgot to tell her I'd be gone much of the day. When I got home, it was sitting on the porch just waiting for us! I am so grateful for friends who love us and care for us!! Thanks everyone--you are DEFINITELY appreciated!