Atticus is just so fun lately, we can't help but want to record it all. Besides, he loves to watch videos of himself: he laughs, he smiles to see himself laughing in a video clip. You may need to watch in youtube or Google Reader to see Atticus fully in this video:
And this one (my voice was scratchy from a flu thing I had).
One small step for Baby, one more small step for Baby.
This guy loves to walk!
This last week has been wonderful for Atticus' development (Atticus the name we use on this blog for safety reasons). We've recently had two great visits with his physical therapist from Early Intervention (who for this age also does occupational and early speech therapy for Atticus). She is so positive about Atticus' progress and skills. One of the best things she's done is help me see how subtle Atticus can be when he's gesturing or imitating me, things that I could easily miss because I wasn't looking for the way a baby would do these things. One of our main focuses right now is to get his pre-language skills down: imitation, taking turns, gesturing, etc.
Every day Atticus loves to play in what we call his "office." Next to the couch we have his musical table. If we place some of his other musical toys on the couch, he'll activate them all at the same time and bounce up and down to the music. It really is cute to see.
Even over the last week, Atticus has had an explosion of development. It's amazing how many things he's doing at once, and it's so fun to see him enjoying new things:
He's become much more interested in books. He particularly loves touch-and-feel books, where he will easily find whatever is different on the page. We can spend 10-15 minutes or so reading book after book with him.
Next is a video of an impromptu game of bounces we had during lunch on Sunday. Sorry for all the food mess, but hey, it was lunch. Enjoy!
I've entered the new year pensively. The reflection at this time of year surprised me with the pain it brought me. Not because of my failure to live up to my expectations of myself, but just because there is this sheer exhaustion I have that doesn't promise to let up any time soon. While I have much to be grateful for, I can't help but compare the hope I had one year ago to the realities I now face.
Oddly enough, I've noticed Atticus has noticed these few days of sorrow I've had. What a remarkable baby he is, so in tune with the feelings of his parents. I believe this is a talent he's brought with him that signifies how great his essense is inside that little body of his.
Kevin's French hymnbook from his mission has one of the most beautiful lullabies that was pointed out to me on the Exponent blog because of its beautiful reference to our Heavenly Parents. It reminds me of how tender and amazing Atticus is. I bought a beautiful version of this on iTunes that combines it with "Goin' Home" of the same melody and added it to his lullaby playlist.
"Here's a bit of an English translation" from Jonathan Mahoney, the person in this video:
Remember, my child : not long ago,
your divine parents held you in their arms.
Today you are here, marvelously present.
Your gaze still shines with the reflection of heaven.
Talk to me, my child, about that blessed place,
because for you the veil is still thin.
Remember, my child, the forests, the cities.
Can we down here imagine them?
And the night sky, is it rosy or gray?
Is the sun waiting for snow or rain?
Describe to me, my child, the color of the meadows
and the birdsongs of a forgotten world.
Remember, my child: at the dawn of time,
we were friends playing in the wind.
Then one day in joy we chose to accept
the Lords great plan of life.
That night, my child, we promised in love,
and in faith, to be reunited.
