Moved on

For those that haven't noticed, I haven't written here in a while. Now that almost all of my family and friends are on Facebook, it just doesn't make sense. So, please find me there and at my more broad blog http://thevervepath.com

Thanks for reading!

Meeting Baby Lilia

M finally became a big cousin this week. Jennifer, Aaron's twin sister, had her little girl on Monday. M was waiting anxiously for 2 days since the hospital didn't allow children in the labor OR mother/baby areas. So, finally, today he got to meet baby Lilia. He was very excited and wanted to hold her right away. He watched as she slept and stated several times to "wake up". When she was finally awake, he waited patiently on the couch to hold her. When we "handed" her to him, he immediately leaned in for a big kiss. It was incredibly sweet. He was very gentle and loving and you could see the joy in his face. He held her another time too. He was having a hard time understanding why she sleeps so much and why she couldn't do certain things (like hold the balloons he brought over to her). All in all he seemed to really enjoy having a baby around and being the "big" kid. I asked him if he would like to be a big brother and have a baby that lives with us and he gave a big yes. I asked if he would want a boy or girl... he said boy, sorry Lilia, I am sure it is nothing personal. :)

Oh, and for the record... he did NOT bite the baby! :)

Pictures will be posted soon.

Some fun

Gift of Sign

I have not been spending as much time with M on his sign language, but this article has hardened my committment. It is such a wonderful gift to him and to the world he lives in if he can communicate through sign as a child and an adult. I intend to continue teaching him, learning with him, and encouraging him to learn on his own as he gets older. The article is good, but the video is what really got to me.

http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/03/19/1844254.aspx

Small Blessings

Last night we took M to Chick-Fil-A for family night before going to Gymboree. There was a balloon artist there, which thrilled him. M and I walked up and talked about what he wanted. When it was our turn I saw that there was a paper on the table that asked you to point to what you wanted. I quickly realized that the artist was deaf and had found this great way for the kids to communicate. But... I was thrilled when my 2 year old was able to use this gentleman's language to communicate! M signed "doogy please" and then "thank you". It really warmed my heart and I realized that we are giving M a real gift by teaching him sign language. The man seemed pleased and signed "You're welcome" with a big smile.

Maddox rocking Guitar Hero

You wish you had moves like this!

M's first valentine and other fun stories

A few fun stories.... today we made M's valentine's gifts. When we were done, we took one with a few cupcakes next door to give to his special valentine, Gracie. She answered the door and he handed her the treats. She quietly took them and turned and walked away. Her daddy encouraged her to say thank you, which she politely did and then her mommy encouraged her to give him a hug. This, of course, made M turn and run. He does hug her on occasion, but only after a few hours of warming up. It was really cute to watch!!

Earlier in the day we had been getting ready and lost daddy... again. So, I am calling out "Aaron". Next thing I know, M is following me calling "Aa-on". too cute.

We had a great evening together and watched Lady and the Tramp. After the movie, M wanted me to read a book. I told him I couldn't cause I didn't have a light (we had the house in total darkness for the movie). Without missing a beat, he got up, climbed up on the mantle, and switched on the light... looked at me and said "Book!!".