Baby Sign Language Works?

So about 7 months ago we tried to teach Christian sign language. We did the signs over and over to him for months and he would just look at us funny and never do them back. Finally after months of trying we gave up. Then 2 months later, out of no where, I walked into the kitchen and Christian was hanging on the fridge door doing the sign for "eat". At first I thought it was just a coincidence, but then he kept doing it all day whenever he wanted something to eat! It's amazing that he can communicate his basic needs now without screaming. A few days ago he was sitting in his high chair eating lunch and he started to do the sign for 'eat', I looked at his tray and he still had food on it, so I told him that he already had some. He looked at me and then did the sign for 'more', so I asked him what he wanted more of, and he picked up his apple and shook it at me. So I gave him another apple slice and he was happy. This is way better than when he would just scatter the food off his tray until you put something on that he wanted. He can do a few signs now, and he has also started saying a few words too! His latest word is doughnut. Unfortunately we ran out of them and that made him quite upset. He says new words all the time and it is so fun!

Nicholas' first time riding a bike

Nicholas has a little friend named Mackenzie who lives just a few doors down from us. She got this pink bike for christmas. While they were out playing Nicholas decided he wanted to try riding her bike. He got on and before he would pedal he insisted that he needed to wear Kenzie's pink helmet in order to ride. He then took off slow at first, but he was riding like a pro and even doing trick within 15 minutes! I guess we need to get him his own bike now (hint hint Sam)!

For the love of my boys

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I thought I would dedicate this post to the loves of my life.

SAM

I love his big smile. I love it that he is so intellegent. He works all day with numbers, words and signs that most of us don't know or ever will know what they mean. I love that he is so dedicated to his church callings. He always does his home teaching, and never misses a church meeting even if his wife is in labor. I love that he does all the laundry. I love that he gave me two beautiful boys. I love that he will sit down with Nicholas and read "The Friend" Magazine. I love that he bought me sweat pants for valentine's day a few years ago (even though I cried at the time) because he really put a lot of thought into it. I love that he took me to our ward valentine's dance last friday because he knew I would enjoy it even though he hates dancing. I love that he recognizes my need to go shopping and does his best to accomodate it. I love that he thinks I took this picture just to show off the haircut I gave him. I love that he loves me.

NICHOLAS

I Love his white hair and blue eyes. I love his dimple in his right cheek that you can only see when he cries. I love his enthusiasm for life. I love that he LOVES learning. When we tell him that it is time for our family home evening lesson he get so excited and runs to sit down at the table. I love that he can out run almost every kid his size, and even some bigger. I love that he will sit and snuggle with me on the couch while we watch a movie. I love that he eats fruit and veggies like they are candy. I love that he has half of his books memorized and he will "read" them to me word for word. I love that he sings his abc song to Christian to cheer him up if he is crying. I love that when we play hide and seek, he hides in the same spot every time. I love that he is happiest when he is making me happy.

CHRISTIAN

I love his fat cheeks and nose. I love his long black eyelashes. I love the 4 ca-licks on his head, especially the 2 in the back that go opposite of eachother giving him a natural mini mohawk. I love that he takes 3 naps a day. I love the quiet way he toddles around the house keeping himself busy with whatever interesting thing he can find. I love that he has mastered Nicholas' evil laugh. I love his wordless communication. His eyes and is pointer finger say it all. I love that he sucks on his two middle fingers when he needs soothing, It looks like he is saying I love you in sign language. I love that even though he is shy he holds his groung and will not be pushed around. I love that he makes car sounds when he pushes toy trains and "toot toots" while he plays with toy cars. I love that you can see his heart through his eyes.