communication

we have been picking up more signals from caleb, as far as his wants, likes, moods, etc., and decided a few days ago to make a more earnest attempt to start incorporating sign language into our daily communications with him. we think he's old enough now to start really putting two and two together, although we know it may be some time before we see him really start to make efforts to sign back.

but even without the signs, i feel like i'm getting to communicate with my son more and more, and also getting a better idea of what's going on in that adorable little head.

today, after a nap and some potatoes, i settled down to play while caleb apparently embarked on a mission.

we keep a selection of toys in a basket, and as i was sitting with caleb on my lap next to the basket, he began to lean over and make selections. sometimes he knows exactly what he wants and goes for it, at other times, one thing gets played with for just a few seconds and then he moves on to the next.

today, only 3 toys met his criteria. because only 3 toys were seen as suitable for making a serious ruckus.

it would seem that caleb had some energy to burn, because the first toy he stopped at was his box of flashcards, which he likes almost entirely just for the box itself, since it works well as both a drum and a giant rattle. this child who will not yet push himself up with his arms will pick up and shake this box of flashcards, and today, wanted nothing more than to smack the crap out of it.

a couple minutes later, he discarded the box and again returned to the basket. at first it seemed he was just trying to empty the basket, as everything he picked was in his hands just long enough to toss it aside. but apparently that was just because what he wanted was at the bottom: his plastic keys. as soon as he had them, he began shaking them wildly, with the most serious look of concentration on his face.

a few minutes later, having seemingly exhausted the keys, his eyes went straight for his xylophone. now, amazingly enough, we have actually watched him grasp and strike it with the accompanying stick before, but today, it was strictly a hands-on job, and with both arms, he flailed at the xylophone hard enough for me to actually pick out the tones.

toys deemed worthy of a serious ruckus

the ones that didn't make the grade

then, all of a sudden, but with a calm that completely belied the previous 10 minutes or so, he pushed the xylophone to the side, looked me straight in the eye, tapped my chest in a way that has become code for 'i want to nurse,' leaned forward, laid his head against me, and wrapped his arms around my side in what is the closest gesture to a true hug i think he's ever done.

for now, i'll take that as 'i love you, mom.' i felt that loud and clear.