Language Surprises

Harper has not been a big fan of sign language thus far in his life. We taught him "all done" and "more" probably 9 months ago, and he'd do it sometimes but mostly get really mad when we asked him to do it. We stopped asking, still doing the signs ourselves every now and then.

Yesterday I asked Harper if he wanted more of something because he's been saying "more." He didn't say anything, but he signed "more" - which we haven't seen from him in at least 6 months! Today he's been saying and signing "more" when, well, he wants more. Right now he wants more clementine and less popcorn. Wow, life is good.

Father and Son

Washing dishes together. So helpful is little man . . .

Sharing a moment with blankie . . . No, I am not wiping my nose with blankie

Decorating for Christmas

Even though Harper's first Christmas was last year, he was too little to enjoy the festivities, so this is his first interactive Christmas, if you will, and so far it's been a lot of fun!

One of Harper's favorite places to play is the stairs, which are now decorated with garland, lights, and a lone stocking. When Harper saw the decorations after his nap, he gave the WOW face, then wanted to get down and touch everything. Next he saw Frosty, the Christmas tree, and other "new" odds and ends, and he continued "wowwing." He could barely sit still during his snack, and, of course, the living room (where all the decorations are) is the only place he wants to play.

Last night we all decorated the tree together, and Harper got to hold each ornament and show us where he wanted it on the tree (although we did have to deviate some from his directions to prevent a lopsided tree). Of course, with all this comes the need for more teaching and patience - don't touch the tree without mommy or daddy, be gentle with the ornaments, don't strangle the stocking. But it's so worth it. This morning, rather than read books, Harper held ornaments, wowwing the whole time.

My Problem with the Free Clinic

I am thankful for a place that I can go to get Harper vaccinated for free, since it would cost about $550 for his vaccines and wellness appointment at our doctor's office because our insurance doesn't cover wellness for children (brilliant of them, eh?). But I hate the way they talk to me - like I have no idea what I'm talking about and every question I ask is ridiculous and a waste of their time. Like I need to apologize for being informed about vaccines, when they're supposed to be given, and the risks of taking a child into a health clinic during a flu epidemic. Can you tell I just got off the phone with someone at the clinic? Tomorrow, when I take Harper in, I will be calm, loving, and positive, by the grace of God. :)