Yesterday, on my way home from work, I turned the corner onto my street and spotted Ray on the sidewalk with Amy. Ray had his little push-wagon, as usual, and when he saw me walking toward him, he threw up his arms (we've been playing "So Big!" which he loves) and then started pushing his cart toward me. As he neared, I started to hear some faint music. About halfway to me, he stopped and started "dancing" (rhythmically bobbing up-and-down at the knees). I got a little closer and saw that Amy had given him a little transistor radio for his cart, which was playing "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye.
So that was my greeting last night: a squealing 1-year old rushing toward me and bopping to Marvin Gaye!
Amy says he also loves playing with the knobs and that she never thought she'd have to be telling him to turn the music down until he was a teenager.
August 2004 Archives
Grandma Ann (Jim's mom) flew up a couple weeks ago to visit her #1 grandson. We took the ferry to Bainbridge Island, explored the downtown and Pike Place Market, and generally introduced her to the greatness of our city. She and Ray did some bonding and had a very nice time together.
Grandma Ann tooks some photos, which you can view in the Gallery (logon required)
Ray turned 11 months on August 7th. He is blur when crawling and he loves walking with his new push-wagon. He even once managed about 7 seconds of free-standing, which, in the Baby Rodeo, is enough for a blue ribbon, I'm told.
He's also getting really good at sign language; he now understands and can sign "more," "food," and "milk." And really, what more do you need? Reinforcing his new communication skills has, however, proven to be a double-edged sword as now Amy is obligated to nurse him when he crawls up to her and demands "milk!" He's currently working on "water," "all done," "book," "sleepy," "thank you," "outside," and "bed."
He also seems to be waving at more appropriate times, like as Jim leaves for work (though usually after he's already out the door) and at the end of a meal, when he waves "bye-bye" to his bowl.
Sleep is getting better. It's clear that he's trying his hardest to settle himself and let himself drift off to sleep. He's still waking up at the usual times at night, but we are seeing some progress.
Go to the gallery for recent photos (logon required)
