But since we're perfectionists, we take the rules that are meant to make less intense people do enough and break ourselves trying to live them out 100%. Or we look at guidelines meant to make people pay enough attention to catch a kid's problem before it's too late and freak out over one little thing when the overall pattern looks fine.

I think this is very true.

From the things the nurse said, it seems that much of what those pamphlets are intended for is to alert people to hearing problems with their children.

I also just want to say that when I weigh in - I do listen to you. And not just your most recent post, but everything I know about your relationship with Anabel, what I see in the pictures, all the stories you've told us over these last 15 months. I'm not responding out of "Eh, why worry?"

I know from your stories of interacting with her that she can hear, and that she understands you. I can see from her pictures that she's alert and engaged and curious. I know from your stories that she's already capable (and inclined) to play by herself.

And I am bringing my own experience to the table. I do vividly remember being on the other side of Emmett speaking and being completely unsure how it was going to happen that he was going to speak (or get potty trained, or read or any of the other major plateaus).

Anyway, I have a lot of faith in Annabel, and in you as a mother. Please don't doubt that.

t rips off "What scrappy said" Tshirt

t dons "What Kat said" tank instead

Bitch love, and therefore advice, can be a tough love. It always helps me to be clear about whether I want feedback or not.

(You know, if I'd come in here and posted what I'd originally planned before I found the flyer and made the call--namely, "She does have to say something eventually, right? Given that she can hear and make sounds, she won't spend the next 18 years just babbling, right?"--I probably would've got the kind of support I was actually hoping for. I really need to learn to rein in my emotions before I reach the scenery-chewing stage.)

From the things the nurse said, it seems that much of what those pamphlets are intended for is to alert people to hearing problems with their children.

I think that's part of it, but also it seems like it's an issue if the child is behind on a broad spectrum of developmental tasks. Both the nurse and the hotline staffer today asked if she was walking, and the hotline staffer wanted to know if she stacked objects or put things inside other things. Since she's pretty much doing everything she's supposed to do and then some BUT talking, the not talking isn't so worrisome.

Oh, and to brag on Annabel a bit, the kid's got rhythm--she dances with the beat. And just today after the Sesame Street theme song finished, I heard her perfectly echo the opening notes, though instead of "sunny day" it was something like "da da ay." Perfect pitch, though.

{{{Susan}}} FWIW from a non-parent, I don't think that development testing is ever a bad idea. Better to catch issues early and deal with them, although I seriously doubt that there is going to be any serious development issues for Annabel. If you decide to go through with it I hope that you find that it brings you some peace of mind and you can let go of some of your concerns.

This damp summer weather must stop. I am sick of just crying for no reason because everything hurts so damn much.

Sweet snuggly cassiepants, are you awake?

I'm sure it feels like you got a smacky-gram from the Bitches, Susan, but I hope it doesn't stop you from venting or whatever here. I am sure that having an outlet to do the hand-wringing helps a lot, and ensures that it won't communicate itself to Annabel.

I feel like part of the problem is I haven't been doing all the babytalking and songs and rhymes and pointing to things and naming them and so on because I didn't know I was supposed to!

Heh. I know I'm supposed to, and I don't do it very much. And when Mal does get to listen to rhymes, it tends to be Byron or Coleridge, because I know them by heart, but can't finish "Baa Baa Black Sheep." My bet is Mal waits until he's 4 to talk, and then his first word will be "Sennacherib."

But seriously, hairpats and calm.

To all the Bitches, in fact, as it seems like we could all use them! With a side order of no-hurties to sj.

I'm very sorry you felt attacked, Susan. I think Perkins and Hec and co have already said what I'd say, and expressed it better than I would. I do feel for you that you don't have those RL friends you mentioned easily accessible.

Morning, Bitches.

conformation - I forgot that When I went on Advair the first time I had 3 or 4 days of rage. ( i don't generally feel rage at the level where I wish to rip strangers heads off their bodies so I can have some quiet) It is an inhaled steroid - and it isn't supposed to do that. Well, I went back on it yay breatheing) - at a much lower dose- and while it wasn't as extreme this time, it does explain my urge to growl over the last few days.

A world of gronk. I'm at the Burbank airport. I feel like I actually live here lately. I already miss my sweetie, my kitties, and my bed.

Hi all. Just back from date with Riddle Girl. Pleasant evening, and enjoyable company, but I doubt there'll be a second date. Still. First post marriage date, it's all good.