Steps.

Lately, I get very happy when I hear one word: "Sammy!"

Why?

Because my sweet Maggie is saying it.

There are times, in each of my children's lives, when I think the next "step" is going to take so long to achieve.

Sleeping through the night.

Rolling over.

Sitting.

Standing.

Walking.

Talking.

Some steps take longer than others.

Maggie has always had her moments of difficulty.

She was born going through withdrawals from the prescription medication I was given to help with pain and hyperemesis.

She wanted to sit up before she was ready, so that she could be closer to her sister.

When she couldn't, she was really frustrated, so we had months of crying when she didn't get her way.

Then the speaking (or lack there of) issues began.

The last year or so has been very frustrating for all involved.

She wants to say so much, and we try with all we have to understand what she is saying, but to no avail. All parties become frustrated.

She struggles with being angry because of our language barrier.

After waiting a long 6 months to have her tested again for speech issues, we had the answers.

She's delayed in her speech.

No shock there.

But frustrating that as her mother, I knew that in December something more should have been done, yet the school system said she was "fine."

A month-ish ago, the speech therapist that discussed her case with me, suggested that we start clapping the syllables to words.

It started immediately.

What's your name?

-Ma.

No, it's (clap, clap) Mag-gie.

-Ma-me.

Close enough, and a small stride.

Then, out of the blue, I heard "Sam."

Usually, Sam's name was "Mam."

Then another day, I was taken aback when I heard "Sam-Me!"

I hugged her.

I had tears in my eyes.

"Oh, Mommy (another new one), stop!"

Small steps.

But we're making it through this obstacle, too.

I'm so proud, as I always have been.

Melissa