To Clarify...

Maybe it's due to my under-developed embarrassment gene, but I haven't felt the need to justify many things in my life.  Sure, there have been regrets or things I have done without valid reason.  But for some reason, I haven't been one to worry too much about what other people think.

That, of course, changed a little when I had PB.  I still don't care too much what other people think about most of my parenting choices.  They're mine and I am doing the best I can.  But I recently received some feedback on a couple of my blog posts that concerned me.  Not because I really cared that they didn't agree with what I'd said about PB's delays, but because I think I was misunderstood.  And that's not something I want at all.  So I will attempt to clarify a few things here:

I said that I couldn't be sure of PB's future.  Of what he would be able to accomplish in his life.  What parent can??  What I meant by that is that it's something I think about.  And it's not something many parents of precocious developers worry about.  They see their children doing amazing things, ahead of schedule, and "just know" their child is destined for greatness.  Let me be clear.  I "just know" PB is destined for greatness too.  He might just have to work harder for it.

I have been told several times by different people that PB is fine.  That I am over-reacting and that maybe he is just a late-bloomer.  Yes, PB is fine.  More than fine.  He's awesome.  But I will contest you on the late-bloomer part.  He has been evaluated by numerous professionals and has been determined to be behind his peers in some areas of development.  He is receiving state-funded infant stimulation education, in addition to his OT/PT.  In California!!  I have a feeling this state is not providing free treatment to "late-bloomers".  Just saying.

I know that when some people hear "delays" they picture something much different that PB in their minds.  I know that PB is likely to overcome these challenges and be "just fine".  I truly, truly do.  I see him learn new things every single day that blow. my. mind.  He's a smart little boy and is working hard to catch up. 

But you have to ask yourself...if you noticed your child wasn't doing things or learning things as quickly as his peers, would you not do everything in your power to help?  Would you not seek out professionals to either calm your fears or validate your concerns?  Then understand that's all I did.  I noticed something and brought it to the attention of someone who knew better than me.  And was validated.

Please also know that in quiet moments, I have asked myself if I was over-reacting.  I have asked the Hub (ad nauseum).  When I see PB do something new and remarkable, I ask myself if he would have done that on his own, without all the therapy.  But the moment passes and I know that I am doing the best I can to give PB all the chances in the world to show up for his first day of preschool and not have anyone know there was ever anything amiss.  And I have a feeling....you would do the same.