Mama

Tonight my heart is overflowing. Taylor said her first word "Mama". This is so huge for our family and for Taylor - a major milestone. She has said mama a few times over the past day or two and I was excited that she was making the "ma" sound (a new one for her), but wasn't sure if she was connecting it with me. At therapy today, she definitely looked at me and said "mama" when Susan was working with her and she wanted me to save her from the exercise. And tonight, as I was putting Jacob and Lauren to bed, I had placed her in her crib. I was reading Jacob his story and heard Taylor in her crib saying "mama, mama". I'm on cloud nine. I was thinking the other day how precious the baby stage is and how everyone says it goes too fast. While typically true, we've also been craving a tight hug around the neck, to hear her call out for us, and other basic things that we've taken for granted in the past. Thankfully, we've had smiles and laughs to sustain us, but we've had the baby stage for 14 months now and we're so excited that she is learning new tricks.

She also had a brilliant day at therapy. Susan has mentioned that Taylor is much better for Julie and David - smart girl, she knows I am the softy, so she definitely isn't happy most days I take her to therapy. Today, she babbled and even laughed many times (at a squeaky doll) and seemed to have a good time. This is such a gift because we don't want the hours of therapy to be a drain on her. Today was also the first day that I saw her sit really unassisted (with our arms close to catch her), but I can see it happening. She had her arms down and balancing herself and I know she is going to do it soon. It's been a long road since May and finally we feel like there are bright lights of hope. Still so far to go, but I'm thankful for the feelings of hope and optimisim that I have tonight.

I'll update you on her doctor appointments yesterday tomorrow - tonight I want to treasure the happiness of hearing her call for me and my belief that we're on the cusp of a breakthrough.