Speech Therapist Says "Significant" Improvements

Back to speech again yesterday. Demi's therapist was again impressed that she was "on." She was also impressed that Demi was initiating portions of the conversation or was making pertinent comments about the pictures they were looking at. Typically, Demi was doing well to repeat a 3-4 word sentence. This time, the therapist was giving her the sentence to say. Demi would clearly (in most cases) repeat the sentence, plus she would add something on to it.

Almost at the end of the session, the therapist turned to me and said that she clearly saw a significant improvement in Demi's speech over the last month. And it's been almost a month since she commented about the language holes filling up. She commented that it could very well be due to the liquid zeolite detox drops, since that was the only thing that has changed.

Since Demi's mind seems to be opening up, we're going to develop a summer program for her. Unfortunately, we'll only have one more official session with this therapist. She will be leaving the area to pursue her PhD in speech. Before she leaves, however, she'll make sure we have a plan for Demi's continued development. Demi will also receive summer services from the school system, but I don't know the details yet.

Back Acne Gone; No Menstrual Cramps?

At the risk of getting a bit too personal, I have two new developments to report:

1) The annoying pimples on my back are completely gone. But my face still has issues. I've been much better lately about washing my face and using good products (a Mary Kay cleanser and Waiora Regrnerating Serum). Maybe it gets worse before it gets better? I hope so!

2) Strangely, I had no menstrual cramps at all this cycle. Typically, I have moderate cramping, easily (but necessarily!) controlled by popping a couple of ibuprofens. This time, despite heavier than usual flow, I had no cramps at all. I don't know if that's a side effect from NCD (bonus!) or Juice Plus or just a fluke.

Cognition improving with Cellular Zeolite

Another speech therapy session yesterday. Another improvement! Yea for Demi!
For articulation, the speech therapist will typically go through some picture cards, have Demi identify the picture, and then have her repeat a sentence about the picture. This time, for the first time, the therapist had Demi identify the picture and then make up a sentence about the picture all by herself. She did it! She made up a simple sentence and said it so we could understand it 12 out of 15 times.
Typically, when introduced to a new concept or exercise, Demi would take at least a few times to "get it", sometimes QUITE a few times. I was amazed to hear her coming up with creative sentences on her own.
At home, of course, she makes up sentences to communicate, but that's typically out of necessity or an oft-repeated pretend scenario. At therapy, she was saying things I've never heard her say: "I play with marbles at home." (She was making up a sentence for the word 'marbles'.)
I'm so happy to see her progress accelerating!

Language Continuing to Develop

Another Speech session yesterday for Demi. Her speech therapist regularly uses her typically developing kids in her therapy as models and play partners. So yesterday, Demi played with Evie (almost 4yo). And she actually played! (most of the time) The therapist was looking specifically for verbal/non-verbal initiation of conversation and responses. Demi stayed on one particular topic for at least 10 exchanges, asking questions, answering, making corrections.

After that first "exercise" she didn't do quite as well, but I believe that may have been because the games were not as familiar to her. I know she's still delayed and has a long way to go, but I believe the pace of progress has increased.

Fought Off A Cold

I can't really tell if it's a cold or allergies, but whatever it was didn't last long.
It had all the classic (for me) symptoms of a cold - sore throat for a couple of days followed by congestion for a couple. But the symptoms were very mild and passed quickly. I typically do not have allergies, although I was diagnosed with them once. (I don't understand how I could have them one time and not any other...)

In any case, I'm quite happy that it's gone now. :D