Sign Time

Lilah's communication and understanding has changed so much in just the last week or two. I can't remember (or read) what I've already mentioned about what she can sign, but she's added a few. Her favorite, of course, is "more," and now uses it anytime she wants something, including non-food things. Jonas was throwing the ball for Shelby (the cat) the other day and Shelby was jumping way up in the air. Lilah was enjoying the show, and was signing more after the jumps. She uses "all done", but usually only after I ask if she is done verbally, she makes the sign, but then signs for more. She's maybe a little confused on its meaning. She does the "eat" sign too, which is gaining popularity. She does a cute little "come here" wiggle of her fingers when she wants the cats to come to her. I called her into the den tonight (she was crawling away from me into the kitchen) and she turned around, and did "come here" back to me. Pretty funny.
She has perfected what I call the floppy fish. In protest, she throws her head back and kicks her legs to get away. Her arms are up in this pose if one is trying to pick her up, or down and thrashing if she's on the ground. I'll see if I can get it on camera.
She also loves to "blow" lights on and off. After my mom, sister, and Jonas worked on this a bit over the last few weeks, she now does it on her own all the time. My favorite is when we walk into a dark room, and I hear her blowing. Pretty cute and she gets a HUGE smile when the lights come on. She's so proud.




Lilah strolling her baby around


Lilah playing patty cake


Lilah blowing the lights and fussing at Shelby


Lilah signing "more" and waving goodbye

Happy Birthday, Lilah!!!

Happy Birthday Lilah!
We had a marvelous little party for Lilah last Saturday. We had her playgroup friends and some friends of mine and Jonas' over for the fun. Lilah had just a tiny piece of cake at this party (after having cake and celebrations with Mimi and Papa in Colorado, and Nana and Michelle here in Washington). After having no interest in eating the cake at the last two parties and just making a mess, this time she ate the cake very neatly and got hardly any of it on her hands and face.
We had a nurse visit at the doctor's office today to get her a few of her 12 mo immunizations. We weren't able to get in for her well-baby check until the end of November, and I want to keep her on schedule for shots and get an accurate weight and measurement for our baby book. She is holding steady at 22lbs 5.5oz, which has changed hardly at all in about three months. She has grown a bit though, and is measuring 31 1/4 inches. Sounds pretty tall to me, but we'll get it officially checked again next month too. She's not walking yet, and I think it may be a while. She let go of a toy she was standing next to today with both hands, and the look on her face was hilarious. She was totally panicked as she stood there and immediately grabbed a hold again. Her confidence needs a little boost before she'll be walking. We practice a lot, but I'm in no hurry.

I'm Telling

SO much has happened since the last time I wrote! I'm even going to have to reference the calendar to remember it all. Lilah started using the sign for "more" at the end of last month, and hasn't really stopped since. She even has added emphasis if she really means it, furrowing her brow and really slamming her hands together!
Also at the end of last month, we met Jonas' parents in Estes Park, Colorado for four days. It was Lilah's sixth plane trip! We had a great time seeing them and touring Rocky Mountain National Park. The weather was super chilly, so we spent a lot of time trying to keep a hat on Lilah. While we were there, Lilah started saying mama! I don't think she does it necessarily in reference to me, but she is catching on a bit. It is only semi-directed to me right now. Also while we were there, we saw a TON of huge elk. The sights were magnificent and there is now a rumor of an annual national park trip!
The day we came back from Colorado, my mom and older sister came to town! They spent the week with us and just went back today. It was really great to have them here without a wedding or a birth in the middle of the visit. We got to actually hang out and enjoy each other's company. We took a trip to the pumpkin patch and got a lot of really cute pictures. Lilah liked the pumpkins.
Just after Lilah has learned the sign for "more," on Tuesday she started saying it, too. When she says it and signs it, she really means business. We are calling it her official first word.
She also this week just started walking with a walker push toy. We've been working on this one for a while, and she just hasn't had any interest in pushing it along while standing. Her Nana bought her a new walker on Wednesday and within the first little bit of playing with it, walked a few steps with it on her own. Not too much later she was pushing it all over, and squealing with delight. Now whenever she sees it she crawls on over, pulls up, and pushes it along. So cute to see her walk!
One last story - We were sitting a the dinner table tonight - I was feeding Lilah and myself, Jonas was beside me, and our backs were to the island. Lilah sits at the head of the table, so she has a good view of the room. Multiple times during dinner, we had to get up and kick Shelby off the counter top (Shelby is our small mischievous cat). Halfway through, I looked to Lilah to give her a bite to eat, and she was pointing to the counter top behind me. When I turned around, I saw Shelby perched there watching us. From then on, Lilah let me know everytime Shelby was on the counter by pointing and making a goofy "you know that cat's on the counter again" look. Good job Lilah!