Susan, I just called my Mom and asked her some questions. Mom started out in speech therapy and from there has spent the past 30 years working in various aspects of special education/needs.

First, some babies just don't talk until later.

Second, speech problems are linked with hearing problems, so if you are sure she can hear then that rules stuff out.

Third, if you are concerned and you want to get some piece of mind she suggests you take Annabel to get evaluated by a professional. That way you know for sure and you don't have to worry.

By federal law (it's IDEA) states have to provide services to babies under 3 yrs old at no cost. There are several routes you can go, but since there's a university there, Mom suggests contacting the unversity and see if they have a speech and language program and asking for their assistance. If they don't, you can also call the school system, explain that you have a toddler you want evaluated for speech and what do they recommend.

Or if there is an Easter Seals there you can try that.

It's all free and if there are no problems then you know for sure and if there is something, well then you know too.

Mom also told me that when my brother was 3 yrs old he started stuttering and Mom figured that it was just his thoughts going faster than he could talk. But still she took him to Easter Seals, to make sure.

This conversation reminds me of JEFF FOXWORTHY: So my friend is all excited because his kid can point to planes and say "airp'ane" . I hate to break it to him, but big deal. The kid's fourteen, for heaven's sake.

Thanks, askye. There's absolutely no doubt she can hear--she dances (OK, bounces up and down, but with good rhythm) to music, responds to her name/simple commands, is visibly intrigued by people speaking foreign languages, etc.

I'm not going to do anything until we're back from Alabama, since I have enough on my plate just getting to everything that has to happen before we leave, but I'll keep those resources in mind for when we get back. Though I don't want to put an added burden on my mom when she has so much to cope with now, I'm hoping she'll tell me if she thinks there's a problem--half the reason I worry is I've so rarely been around babies and toddlers that all I have to go by is the charts, and Mom has all the real-world experience I lack.

Mom's are good for that stuff, Susan. I'm glad you've got her to ask.

What is a very nice way of saying remuneration, gift, kickback, honorarium? I can't think of the word, but I know there is one.

I'm writing a letter where the client wants to impress a snooty pants with the information that said Mr. Pants will receive a little candy if he tells his friends about the client. Client doesn't want to be crass and name the amount of said candy, and he doesn't want to give it unless the friends sign up, but he wants to mention it, but discreetly, so he doesn't seem crass to Mr. Pants. It's difficult.

Susan, FWIW, my older brothers always claimed my first word was "shit." So, you know, it could be worse.

Also, one of my cousins didn't start talking until she was two. Graduated high school as class valedictorian for a class of 1500.

Deena, would "small token of our appreciation" work?

Also, one of my cousins didn't start talking until she was two. Graduated high school as class valedictorian for a class of 1500.

Thanks, Sail!

Ah, yes, thanks Susan. I don't know why I couldn't think of that.

I didn't start talking until I was 2 1/2. I could say "mama" and "dada" and not much else, and then at 2 1/2, suddenly started talking in complete sentences. Skipped all the steps on the language development charts completely.

Well, if she's as smart as you, Hil, that will be pretty amazing.

I'm going to go get some more work done.

Aimee, insent to your profile address.

Stephanie, Ellie is so wee and adorable! I wish you and your family all the best.

I don't have kids, but I am totally pro-leash and also pro keeping kids in a stroller as long as possible. It is worth it for the peace of mind in crowded places, imo.

I know I complain about my family a lot. They can be incredibly overbearing at times, but sometime they can be just wonderful. I was at Mom and Stepdad's house tonight and I was talking with Mom about a good place to find a suit for Teacup Guy that wouldn't be too expensive because he is hopefully going to start interviewing for a more permenant job soon, and my stepfather chimed in with "Your boyfriend is about the same size as me. He can have one of my suits." And just like that he went into his closet and handed me a gorgeous gray suit. I got all choked up.