"F" Words

Fun. Food. Fantastic. Fork. Freckle. Family. Each of these words can be difficult to learn to say, especially for a child who has had a speech delay. Owen was one such child.

A little background for you. When Owen was 2 he only had about 24 words total in his vocabulary. He qualified for the Early Intervention Program here. In a short amount of time, 9 months is all, he completely caught up to where he should be with his speech and even excelled in some of the categories measured. His speech problem was not that he doesn't understand or can't hear. It was a matter of being insecure and not sure on how EXACTLY to say a word. Most children mimmick what they hear other people say. Owen didn't do a whole lot of that, because he wasn't sure how that word would come out of his mouth. If he didn't think he could say a word, he wouldn't even attempt to say it. Some say he's a stubborn child - I prefer to think of it as a perfectionist. Wonder where he gets each trait from?

Last summer, Owen realized he had one little freckle on his left bicep. When we would ask him where his freckle is, he would point to it without hesitation. Today, being warm where we live, he was wearing a short sleeved shirt. Owen seemed to rediscover this freckle. Owen pointed to it and asked me, "Mom wat's dat?" I replied, "It's your freckle." To which I got this in return, "Ohhhhh. My f*&@%er." I was quick to reemphasize the proper pronunciation of the word freckle. But, I think it all went out the window when I died with laughter.

I must admit, I did call my mom and have him tell her what it was too. She also died with laughter. Adam thought it was funny too, but couldn't believe how hard I was laughing. Owen, you made my day!!!!!!