Audri had her first doctor’s appointment last week and it couldn’t have gone any better.  Of course, I say that, but I’m not the one who was jabbed in the legs six times to be immunized.  Nor did I have to part with three vials of blood.  The whole experience took a lot out of Audri, and for her efforts, we rewarded her with a gigantic Elmo balloon.  She now walks around saying, “El-moooooooo!”

I’d say Audri’s learned about 20 words since she’s been home; and she now says “Audri” and can say a cute version of Mr. Na’s name.  I can see her working very hard to learn how to form her mouth for each word.  She studies us intently, so we exaggerate every syllable of each word–which is probably why she says, “El-mooooooo”!

The doctor didn’t seem overly concerned with Audri’s delays.  We agreed that it’s too soon to stick her in some sort of therapy because of the tremendous progress she’s made in just two short months.  Once she’s home for six months, we’ll flesh out a plan if need be.  Right now, our strategy seems to work: fill her little tank with food, love, and encouragement.  It’s already paid off in that she’s gained four pounds, grown a half inch, her head’s grown a half inch and she can say words like “El-moooooo”!