Exploring the Christmas Tree

This is a video of one of Micah's first experiences with the Christmas tree. For the most part, he left the tree alone, except for the present with the lime green tissue paper you see in the video. This was a present for him, and he must have known it somehow since he seemed to "unwrap" it every time he got near the tree.

It's amazing how much he's changed even in the month since this was taken. He puts less and less in his mouth now, preferring to explore with his hands more. He can turn the lights on and off in his room (it's a dimmer, so he has to push the button) and is close to figuring out the other switches. Being "in charge" of this duty delights him to no end :-) He also has started naming things instead of just imitating the sounds we make. The other day we were playing on the floor and he picked up a tissue and brought it over to me while saying "tiss-ooo" over and over again. With all of his allergies, it's no wonder that this is one of his first words! He's babbles on and on using words that sound like they might mean something but don't quite yet. It makes me laugh :-) Since he is becoming frustrated when he can't complete a task he has in mind (i.e., reaching toys in the bottom of his toybox--he's not quite tall enough yet) I'm trying to teach him a simple sign for help--touching his hand to his chest. Right now, he'll just kind of whine and point to whatever it is he wants. When he's hungry he points to his high chair or brings the sippy cup over when he's thirsty. Even though he can't talk, just having him be able to signify exactly what he wants is such a relief! It's hard not knowing what he wants when he's upset. With all of these fun things, there are also not-so-fun things too. He's started clinging and crying at daycare when I drop him off--a telltale sign of the separation anxiety kicking in. The workers are really good about distracting him with toys before it becomes a full-on meltdown, but I have to admit, it's hard not to just cling right back and take him to work with me!