Keegan's YouTube debut...

I am almost ashamed to admit that I have spent a slightly ridiculous amount of time on YouTube trying to find videos of kids with apraxia to watch so that I can compare them to my Keegs.  Yup, I'm totally comparing like a neurotic Momma Bear.  Mostly, it is out of curiousity.  Do those other kids sound like my Keegan when they speak?  Do they move like him and bump into things and fall over constantly?  I wonder, I wonder, I wonder... 

I've been desperately trying to find a local support group so K & I can meet other kids, but I don't think there is one.  And the video's I have found are ok, but not great.  I want to HEAR the kids speaking, not just watch them be less-than-cooperative in their speech therapy sessions...   So that's part of the reason I wanted to make my own...  Who knows how many other Momma Bears there are trying to find something to compare.  Maybe K & I can help them out on their journey as we make our way on our own.

I also wanted to give Keegan something to compare himself with.  Because I think in the next few years, Keegan is going to change dramatically.  At least I am very hopeful that this will be the case.  So, I want to document it. 

So here he is, speaking on camera for the first time!  I know that to most of you it may not be the most enthralling video footage, especially since I should be shot in the head for having such an annoying voice, and Keegan's hair makes him look like he just stepped out of the forrest after being raised by a pack of disheveled goats for the past three years.  I am a big advocate of the regular haircut, K's Dad is not-so-much, and we are currently in a stand-off.  :)

However, this is actually NOT Keegan's true YouTube debut.  The following quick little cell-phone video was posted just days after his arrival to this world.  My favorite part is when the little binky starts moving at the end and his eyes get all confused.

Enjoy!

PS...  A special thank you to Jeff for graciously letting me use his video camera, and for helping me get the footage onto the internet.  On occasion, he is actually handy to have around. 

Comments

[Earline]

Hi there,
I just found your site off of Rob Hummel-Hudson's Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords. I thought I would share with you a little video of my Andrew. He is 5, 6 in September and has severe CAS (apraxia). He is making progress, it is slow, but it is coming. I too am interested in the proloquo2go. We have a vantage, but the thing is too big and bulky for a 5 yo to take out in the neighborhood to talk to friends. I love the idea of the iphone, and the cool factor can be amazing. We recently had a neighbor friend who is 3 years old ask why Andrew talks funny. Makes my mamma bear heart hurt. I definately understand...

[Sarah]

HOLY COW! Thanks for posting this! I know how hard you've all worked with Keegan and he is talking so well! SO INSPIRING! I'll have to finish up an email to you - so many thoughts to share. Also, I know we will be back in NH in October, but I'm hoping to visit sooner. I'd love to get together, meet you, and have the boys meet.

[Gigi]

Hi Steph, I loved watching your video! Thanks for putting it out there. I just wanted to let you know that there is a company giving away free boxes of omega-3+vit E (I think k's in there too) supplements. My friend's child is taking it, and they've seen big improvements in his speech (and even his climbing!). The site is www.speechnutrients.com. Thought I'd pass it along so you could check it out. Good luck!

[Jyoti]

If you need me to cut his hair when I do your I will!!!! :)

[sylvia]

hey steph, I've been following your blog for quite a while now. I wish you much strengh on your journey with Keegan and hope you'll find a helpful support group soon! Love both these videos, he's an adorable little guy!

[Sue]

I love how when you said "Where's Alyza?" to Keegan, you hear her in the other room saying "What?" Too funny.

[Lynn]

I laughed out loud at the "confused" eyes. Too funny. Looks like you guys are off to a great start!! He's a lucky little guy!