A special sort of treat

While in Colorado Ford discovered Bailey’s dog treats in the pantry.  In addition to wanting to feed Bailey all day long, he also wanted to give him treats.  A couple of  the days that Bailey was at work with my dad Ford got a treat out for Bailey and carried it around in his hand all day until Bailey returned home and he could give him the treat. 

Sitting in his Tonka Dump Truck showing me the treat

Ford had to hold on to the treat during snack time and then decided he might as well give it a try

During snack time on a separate day Ford threw his spoon on the floor and decided to eat his yogurt with the dog bone

Our blossoming talker!

For the sake of having this in the future, I wanted to take the time to write down all of the words Ford has learned.  I have tried my best to actually get them all written down, but know I have missed a few here and there.  It has been absolutely amazing listening to him as he learns to say new words, copy our words, and to use them on his own.  I am so proud of him!  He has even said some 2 word phrases.  The speech pathologist in me is very pleased and excited!  The momma in me is thrilled that my little boy is learning to communicate his wants, needs, thoughts, etc. more effectively!

December 10, 2008:  Ford’s first “words” were  “Hi” and ”Dada,” followed by “doggy,” ”kitty,” ”Bailey”

January 2009: Ford made animal sounds for a dog

February 2009:  Ford started using a sign for “all done,”  made a sound for a cow and owl, Ford said “ball,” started using the sign for “more,” started saying ”that” (came out like “dat”), “yea/yes,” “bar” (for Nutri Grain Bars), “cheese” (which sounded like “th”), and “juice”

March 2009:  Ford said “light,” “eat” (while signing “eat”), started signing “please,” started making sheep sounds (“ba”), said his first 2 word combination “Dad, eat,” started using the sign for “milk” and “down,” started saying “down” (“dit”), “puff,” started using the sign for “thank you,” and started calling me “Momma” or “Mom” meaningfully

April 2009:  Ford started saying “poop,” “bowl,” “Grandma,” “Grandpa,” ” Grandad,” “keys,” “bye,” “hot,” “Emily,” ”bubbles,” “baby,” “glasses,” “strawberry,” “beep, beep” (as in what the microwave says when it’s done), “Giraffey,” (sounds like “daddy”), “pass” (what we call his pacifier), ”uh-oh,” “up” (which came out “bup”) and made rooster/Gamecock/Cocky sounds (“ah, ah, ah”)

May 2009:  Ford correctly pronounced “up” (vs. his earlier version of “bup” for “up”), “duck” (“guck”),  ”outside,” “blackberry,” “bumble bee,” “shower,” “cracker,” “Wal-mart,” “cheers,” “walk” (“galk”), “”kitty, hi!,” “frog” (“gog”), “pool,” “Josh,” “roll” (for cinnamon rolls), “oops,” “truck,” “library,” “knee(s),” “Bean,” “puppy,” “go,” “park,” “water,” “stuck,” “bath” (“baff”), “choo-choo,” “shoes,” “carrots,” “burp,” “car,” “tire,” “book,” “art,” and “waffle.”  He also started making lion sounds and duck sounds.

June 2009:  Ford said “dangerous,” “kick,” “home,” “excuse me,” “Amen,” “hungry,” “Elmo” (emo, or memo), “Ernie,” “peach,” “trees,” “yuck” (“guck”),”go,”  “home,” “bees,” “diaper,” “love you” (if you didn’t know what he was saying this is a hard one to pick out, but since we know it is super sweet), “Momma yuck” (when I was sick he was telling Jeff that I Momma felt yuck), “ouch,” “on,” “Cocky,” Ryan,” “Max,” “thunder,” “mine” (luckily we have only heard this once or twice so far), “Trice,” “apple,” “open,” “off,” “pineapple,” “color,” “brush,” “Nellie,” “GG” (what he calls his Great Grandma Elaine), “moose,” “Sammie” (his musical sea horse that is in his crib),  ”rock,” “hat,” “itchy,” “Lila,” “no” (it took until June 21 until this lovely word entered his vocabulary), “buckle,” “push,” “sandwich,” “please” (sounds like “peas” and he usually does the sign along with saying it), “meat,” “eyes,” ” nose,” ” bear,” “tall” (when he does his forward rolls we say “be tall, be small, tuck your head and roll like a ball” so when he wants to roll he now tells us “tall”), the phrase “open please,” “bus,” ” book,” hug,”  “teeth,” “crab” (his pool float), “snack,” “stinky,” ” sauce” (as in applesauce or blueberry sauce, or barbecue sauce), “fruit,” “avocado,” “out,” “Luke” (came out as “Muk” and “Muke”), “Macy” (came out as “Manaz,” Mas,” “Meneez,” or “Mamaz”), “Lisa,” “started trying to sing his ABCs (he sings “AbAb” over and over), “Connor,” “Milkshake,” “Charlotte,” “fries,” “Amy,” the phrase “bye, pool,” and starting making cat sounds

July 2009:  Ford said “breakfast,” “bike,” “Jason,” “Kari,” “cereal,” “Brooke,” “sky,” “bird,” “phone” (comes out as “mone”), “”hello,” “octopus,” “balloon,” the phrase “big pool,” “drink,” “tractor,” “bread,” “milk,” “Patti,” “church,” “ride,” “bucket,” “elephant,” “vaccumm,” “fire truck,” and the phrase “bye cup”

Our little Bean is now 18 months old and I have found myself often wishing we could slow down this time with him.  Even just 18 months later it is hard to remember him being as little as he was when he was first born, or how many nights we were up trying to figure out why he was crying and couldn’t sleep in his crib, or even remembering back to when he wasn’t babbling and talking and moving around, but here we are 18 months later with a happy and very sweet 18 month old little boy.  We couldn’t be happier to have him in our family.  He is such a blessing and I continue to be so thankful that God created him and blessed us with him as our son.  Here are some of the things I love besides his blossoming vocabulary. . .

-I love when he is going up or down a stair or just walking and he holds out his hand for mine.  I love the feel of his little hand holding mine.

-I love that he gives hugs and kisses

-I love the sound of him calling my name “Mom, mom. . . mom” or “Momma,” especially right after he has gotten up from sleeping

-I love how excited he gets when he is around dogs or cats

-I love how he smiles with his whole face and his cute front teeth and dimple are more easily seen the bigger the smile

-I love that he says “hi” to people everywhere we go.  He is such a little greeter and we think it is a special quality.

-I love that he is inquisitive, confident, independent, exploratory, and passionate

-I love that he enjoys walking up and down smaller steps with out anyone and the look of confidence and pride when he does it.

-I love that he lets us know he has a dirty diaper (most of the time) by saying “poop,” sometimes very quietly and often just once or twice before jabbering away about something else

-I love that he lately has started just walking up to me to give me hugs. . . I melt every time and don’t want to let go

-I love that he loves to “talk” on any phone and holds it up to his ear and just jabbers away very animated.  I also love that when someone else is actually on the other end of the phone he now will say “love you, bye.”

-I love that he loves Graham Cracker Bees and will say “bees, bees, bees” over and over and over very enthusiastically until he gets some.   And sometimes he adds “please” to the “bees” and what we hear is “bees peas” over and over.

-I love our sweet Ford and know that the personality that God is developing in him is a very special, unique and wonderful one.

-

The next Picaso?

Yesterday Ford went to his first art class at Gymboree.  We have signed up for the 3 month summer session and get to go to whichever classes we want, as often as we want throughout the week!  I think it will be wonderful, especially as it gets hotter outside and we will be looking for air conditioned places to run around!  So, yesterday Ford and I headed to the art class for the first time.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but overall was pleased.  The class started out by playing with play-doh.  This was Ford’s first introduction to play-doh and although he tried to put it in his mouth a few times, overall he did OK with it.  Did not particularly love it, and wasn’t super interested in it, but he managed to keep himself busy during play-doh time.  Then it was time to start making things!  This was the part Ford enjoyed most.  First he chose a yellow butterfly made out of construction paper.  Then he was given paints and a paintbrush and he painted on one wing.  Then Momma helped by folding the butterfly in half to make the paint go on the other wing so each wing has the same pattern.  We then glued it on another piece of construction paper, added eyes and hung it up to dry.  Unfortunately, we did not take this one home so I don’t have a picture of it, but I absolutely love it.  The next activity was making small butterflies using cupcake liners and a pipe cleaner.  First, Ford colored on the liners with creamy crayons.  Then he took a wet paintbrush and painted over the crayon which made it look more like water colors.  Next, Momma helped by putting the pipe cleaners on, turning the cupcake liners into butterflies.  The class ended with building with big, foam blocks, but Ford wasn’t too interested.  He wanted to explore, but all of the equipment was covered.  Overall, I think he had a great time and we will definitely visit Art class again.  I loved watching Ford discover art and absolutely love the pieces he made!  I am very proud of him!

Check out the beautiful blues and greens Ford painted on his leg!

Ford’s trip to the library

Last Monday, May 4, Ford went to the library for the first time.  We are lucky to have a branch just a short drive from our house that we can visit frequently.  It was Ford’s first time to go with me and he was able to check out four books and even a CD to listen to (which he has loved).  He enjoyed his new books and this past Monday was able to return them and pick out some more.

Ford’s book choices and CD

Enjoying his library books

Ford’s second round of check outs

The apple doesn’t far fall from the tree

Wednesday, April 29th, was Baskin Robbins annual $.31 scoop night which benefits the Fire Fighters.  Jeff was out of town that evening but I decided Ford and I would go.  They had part of the parking lot closed off and had lots of activities going on.  They had a fire truck for the kids to see, a Dare ambulance type truck, a dunking booth, face painting, bounce houses, the K-9 dogs (one of which Ford got to pet!), a police boat, and a basketball hoop.  They also had two ice cream booths set up that had six flavors to choose from.  I decided to go to one of the booths since the line was much shorter than going inside.  I bought a scoop of rainbow sherbet for Ford and a scoop of Reese’s for me.  It was Ford’s first taste of ice cream and it was a hit.  He is definitely like his mom and dad in that respect.  I gave him a few bites with the spoon and then took the spoon away and was getting ready to clean him up when he decided he wasn’t done.  He had no spoon but that was not going to stop him from tasting his tasty treat.  He started dipping his fingers in the ice cream and then putting them in his mouth.  Smart boy.  After a few “dips” Momma took the sherbet and it was time to go home.  It was a fun outing and I know next year Ford will enjoy it even more than he did this year. 

Ford’s first taste of ice cream!

Going in for some finger dippin’ and lickin’

To see Ford enjoying his first ice cream go to : 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t19_EwhdZkg

Introducing. . . Ford, the walker!

On Monday March 16th Ford took his first two steps by himself!  We were at Stroller Strides and were done with our workout so had all the babies out on the floor playing.  Ford stood up and decided to take his first two steps!  All the mommies were so excited and so was Ford!  He was smiling a huge smile and clapped right along with all the moms!  He did this two times that morning and later on in the day.  He even showed off his two steps to Jeff.  Over the last few weeks Ford would take two steps here and there, but not too much.  His interest in walking while holding onto something increased and he was soon walking around the house with one hand touching a wall as he maneuvered his way around the rooms and halls.  He also continued to really enjoy his push toy and walking while (barely) holding onto one of our hands/fingers.  Jeff and I just went on an amazing trip to Cancun (definitely will post about it, but might take me awhile) and my mom stayed here with Ford.  While we were gone he took steps by himself and on Monday (the night we got back) my mom reported that Ford had started taking more steps.  Tuesday April 7th Ford was full steam ahead!  I can’t believe it, but he really went from 2 steps to a few more on Monday to a ton on Tuesday and today!  It was/is exciting to see and so cute to watch.  My mom left this morning so she got to see him full steam ahead as well.  He is even walking while holding onto things.  Such a big boy!!

To see Ford walking go to :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYBaa9V2vSI 

The remote controller

On Friday Ford found the remote control to the TV within easy reach and quickly snatched it up to start playing with it.  He then learned that by pushing the blue button in the top corner he could turn the TV on and off.  Every time he heard it turn on he would get excited.  He was so proud of himself.  He doesn’t really watch TV, so wasn’t too interested in what was on, so much as he was interested in the process of turning it on and then off and then on again, all the while hearing it turn on and off.  This kept him busy for quite some time and was fun to watch.

 

To see Ford controlling the TV in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_bUOuvaiBY

Ford’s latest tricks

Here are some of the newest “tricks” Ford has learned lately. 

1.  He is standing on his own.  Every day he gets more and more stable without holding on to anything and is standing up by himself for longer periods of time.  Also, Ford can now stand up while holding an item (like a toy), clap while he is standing up, or drink from his sippy cup or straw cup while standing, all without holding on to anything.  He also continues to be such a strong walker when he holds onto our fingers.  It really seems like we aren’t providing much of anything, but he isn’t quite ready to try without us yet. 

2.  His vocabulary has grown a lot.  Although his words are still approximations we can definitely make out the meaning to quite a few new words.  He now says “that” which comes out as “dat” (always accompanied by him pointing to something), “yes,” “cheese,” “bar” (for Nutri-grain bar), “ball,” “eat” (which comes out as “eeeee” which he says as he makes the sign), and he said “light” after Jeff the other day.  He also says “buhh” for “up”  and “buhh” for “puffs.”  Ford is also making more animal sounds.  His animal sounds tend to be the ones that involve the same vowel, but when asked what a dog, cow, or owl makes, he knows what vowel to make.  So, he knows a dog says “woo, woo”, a cow says “oooo,” and an owl says “ooooooo.”    He also just learned on Sunday (3-8) what a sheep says. . . “ba.”

3.  On Saturday (3-7) Ford learned a new sign!  He now signs “please!”  Such a sweet mannered boy (well, most of the time, like when he isn’t throwing his cup or food off of his tray).

4.  On Saturday February 28 Ford demonstrated he knew his first body part!  I asked him where his head was and he showed us by putting his hand on his head!  We wondered if it was a fluke, but the next day when I asked him again where his head was he showed me!  Way to go Ford!  He has also continued to do this trick as well. 

It has been so amazing to watch Ford learn and meet various milestones.  We feel so blessed that he is developing as he is and feel privileged to be able to experience it with him.

Clap it out (and more)!

Ford has been clapping for many months now.  However, it has not been a clap like most of us make.  He has had his own “style” of clapping which has been so cute to watch.  Rather than bringing the palms of his hands together he puts one hand on top of the other and slides it off and then switches and puts the other hand on top and slides it off, doing this over and over at the same rate you and I bring our palms together.  It always makes me smile when I see him clap.  On Friday Ford clapped by bringing the palms of his hands together for the first time!  We were at Stroller Strides and he and his friend were playing on the floor and something was “clap-worthy” and he busted out with a “typical” clap!  I was a little shocked, excited, and sad at the same time because I love his “original” clap, but I know that as he gets older the “new” clap will “fit in” better with his friends.  Since Friday Ford has only clapped the “new” way and seems to really enjoy it.  Sometimes he smiles a huge smile or giggles as he is clapping.  Almost as if he knows he has discovered something exciting!

Family Date Night

Last night the three of us went out to eat for a “date.”  We packed up dinner for Ford and headed to Stevie B’s Pizza.  We had a buy one get one free pizza buffet coupon so decided to go out for a cheap, but yummy, meal.  Ford tried pizza (mainly just soft crust pieces) and salad, both of which he liked.  He is going through a phase of wanting whatever we are eating and will point to our food/drink and say “dat, dat” as in “I want that.”  It was a short night out, but still nice.

Church 

Ford has been going to the nursery at church for quite some time now.  A few times when we would pick him up he would be in someones arms becuase he had gotten sad.  However, he never cried when Jeff dropped him off.  That changed this morning.  Jeff said Ford looked at him and started crying his sad cry as Jeff left, and when we picked him up Ford and a little girl were sitting in the rocking chair with one of the ladies.  It was obvious he had been crying and he started whimpering when he saw us.  The other two ladies each had babies in their arms as well.  All but 2 babies were crying, or had been crying.  One lady said that Ford hadn’t been crying the whole time and that it all started 30 minutes prior when one baby started crying during a diaper change and it set everyone off.  Jeff and I laughed about it in the car because we were late to church and so by the time Ford stopped crying when Jeff left, there probably wasn’t much time of him not crying before everyone started crying.  Oh well, hopefully he will get back in the routine of the nursery and it won’t be so bad.  We have not made it to church the last few weeks because of colds, ear infection etc.  The good thing is Ford recovers quickly.  Here are some pictures we took after church.

Our little greeter!

On Wednesday I heard Ford say “hey” after I said it one time to him.  I smiled and loved the fact that his intonation was exactly like mine (note to self though that I might need to start shortening the way I say “hey” and “hi” to him so he doesn’t sound “funny” as I draw it out a bit).  I didn’t think much of it, just assumed he was copying the sounds he had heard.  That night when Jeff came home he briefly said hello to us, but then had to take care of something for work so went down in the basement.  Ford and I went upstairs to my bathroom for Ford’s bath (his bathtub is not currently in use, but that is another story).  Jeff came up a little later and Ford heard him walk up the stairs and into our room.  Before he even saw Jeff he said “Dada, Hi!”  Yes, that is what he said.  It was so incredibly sweet and I wish you could hear the excitement and inflection he said it with.  I said to Jeff, did you just hear him say “Dada Hi” and he heard it too!  I wasn’t imagining.  Ford has said “mama” and “dada” quite a bit, but not really to represent us yet, but that night it was very obvious he was calling Jeff and giving him a happy greeting!  On Thursday Ford started saying “hi” – a lot.  I smiled (and still do) every time it came out of his mouth.  It is not a short “hi” and not a one pitch “hi,” but a longer one, with inflection that matches how I have been saying “hi” to him.  I wondered for a couple of times if he was just copying what he was hearing, but soon realized that he was in fact greeting others!  He initiated “hiiiii” to others a lot that day (and has every day since) and so appropriately, and again, he initiated.  Since then he has been a greeting machine with his waving hand and verbal cuteness, “hhhiiiiiiiii.”  It is incredible that our little boy has learned how to say a word and use it properly, needing no prompts what so ever.  I love that Ford’s first word is one that draws people in, and that makes others smile.  It completely fits his personality.  It makes my  heart melt every time I hear him.