Cooper learns from what he sees. And he sees the dog doing a lot of things. Cooper has already tried to drink water from a puddle on top of an overturned canoe after watching Lucky do that, but today was even more impressive.
After throwing most of his lunch onto the floor in a fit of frustration, Cooper was demanding to get out the high chair. So, feeling defeated, I let Cooper out of the high chair and let Lucky in to clean up the macaroni elbows and cucumber slices blanketing our kitchen. Lucky, being a dog, started hoovering up the macaroni. Cooper, being a very funny kid, put some things together in his head for the first time ever- and got down on all fours, bent his head to the ground, and started sucking wet, dirty cucumber slices off the kitchen floor and eating them. There they were, together, cleaning up lunch. I have to admit that instead of making the two of them stop, I just laughed at them. At least I know Matt mopped pretty recently.
Cooper's vocabulary expanded in the last few days. His previous sum total of spoken words (Mama, Dada, Doggie, Water, and "That") now has nearly doubled. He's added Bird, Chicken, Kittie, Moon, Balloon, and "Mooo" (for his favorite picture of a cow). These words are not pronounced very well, so I could also rewrite them as Burr, Did-den, Did-eee, Ooon, Dah-ooon, and Mmmmm.
My favorite is Bird, because he says it with such certainty. He sees a sparrow and points to it, and declares "Burr!" in this soft, hushed, gentle way. It almost sounds like a cat purring. But he's sure of the bird, and so if you ask him what he sees, he'll repeat "Burr!" very surely, but quietly. I'm not sure how this became the right way to say Bird to him- I don't think that Matt and I sound quite hushed and reverent around birds, but maybe we do.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
He's watching you
A few days ago, I saw Cooper walking around with an outlet cover in his hand. This didn't really worry me, but I could see the empty outlet, so I took it and plunked it back into the outlet for safety. He walked over and pulled it right back out, like no big thing. Somewhat miffed (and rather surprised) I told Cooper that wasn't a good idea. So he did the next logical thing- he puzzled for a second at it, and then stuck it back into the socket. Perfectly. And then looked at my proudly, as if to say, "I'm pretty good at that!"
Sigh. Might have to get some of those fancy spring loaded covers for the outlets that are most likely to be a real hazard to him.
He's been watching us carefully lately, and doing things he has no business knowing how to do. This is only one example. He's also learned how to get the lid off his cheapo sippy cup (there goes the practicality of THAT), the tops open on dad's bike water bottles (thank god it is summertime), and my favorite for sheer amusement- how to drink from a Camelbak. This from a kid that steadfastly refused a bottle for six months! It took a single day of watching Matt and I use a camelbak on a day hike, and by the end of the day he was grabbing the hose, gently biting the nozzle, and drinking all the water he wanted.
These examples all involve drinking water, I know, but that isn't all. He also has figured out that Mom likes to pull the heads off of flowers (sort of) so now he wanders the garden, beheading the blooms. And Dad likes to move dirt, so Cooper scoops up dirt with his buckets, shovels, tiny trowel, and plastic spoon, and dumps it in random spots.
Most horrifyingly, I de-pooped the backyard in full view of my child. Guess who learned that picking up poop was something he should try? Ugh. Luckily, I've been able to dissuade him from trying this again (so far). And also luckily, it is very very dry here, so while it is gross, it isn't... shall we say... extremely gross.
Sigh. Might have to get some of those fancy spring loaded covers for the outlets that are most likely to be a real hazard to him.
He's been watching us carefully lately, and doing things he has no business knowing how to do. This is only one example. He's also learned how to get the lid off his cheapo sippy cup (there goes the practicality of THAT), the tops open on dad's bike water bottles (thank god it is summertime), and my favorite for sheer amusement- how to drink from a Camelbak. This from a kid that steadfastly refused a bottle for six months! It took a single day of watching Matt and I use a camelbak on a day hike, and by the end of the day he was grabbing the hose, gently biting the nozzle, and drinking all the water he wanted.
These examples all involve drinking water, I know, but that isn't all. He also has figured out that Mom likes to pull the heads off of flowers (sort of) so now he wanders the garden, beheading the blooms. And Dad likes to move dirt, so Cooper scoops up dirt with his buckets, shovels, tiny trowel, and plastic spoon, and dumps it in random spots.
Most horrifyingly, I de-pooped the backyard in full view of my child. Guess who learned that picking up poop was something he should try? Ugh. Luckily, I've been able to dissuade him from trying this again (so far). And also luckily, it is very very dry here, so while it is gross, it isn't... shall we say... extremely gross.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Belated friend baby announcement, and more
I just realized I forgot to mention that another friend of ours had a baby, about a month ago- a day or two before we left town. Baby Mattea (Mah-TAY-ah) Beatrice (last name starts with G) was born weighing 7lb, 6oz. Her name is in honor of her father's mom (her grandmother), who passed away a few months before Mattea was born. Her nickname is Tea, pronounced "TAY-ah." If I could make Google's blogger add an accent to the E in her name, it would make so much more sense!
While Tea is working hard to fool me into thinking she's an easy kid (by always, without fail, being asleep for the duration of the time that I visit my friend's house to help out), I know that is not the case. Tea isn't a good sleeper even by newborn standards, and my friend's three or four (or more?) visits to the lactation consultant have been helpful, but not an easy fix. However, the latest report is that Tea is starting to sleep a bit better, and her weight gain is really good so even though she's a troublesome little nurser, she's getting plenty in there somehow.
I also just found out that a friend of mine that had a baby earlier this year has been having some really serious mood issues, which is hard to hear. Balancing a new baby, work, family, stresses... it is so hard no matter what, but when you add severe and prolonged mood swings- that just sounds awful to me. Luckily for her, she is a very pragmatic and straightforward person, so she is getting therapy, acknowledging that this is not normal, and seeking lots of help. I'm really hoping she sees improvement with her state of mind soon, of course.
On the brighter side, Cooper's drippy yucky nose finally cleared up and, as hoped, his rather unphotogenic habit of leaving his tongue sticking out all the time also disappeared. I was very suspicious that the two were related! Now if only I could get rid of my extremely bad seasonal allergies this year, we'd all be congestion free!
While Tea is working hard to fool me into thinking she's an easy kid (by always, without fail, being asleep for the duration of the time that I visit my friend's house to help out), I know that is not the case. Tea isn't a good sleeper even by newborn standards, and my friend's three or four (or more?) visits to the lactation consultant have been helpful, but not an easy fix. However, the latest report is that Tea is starting to sleep a bit better, and her weight gain is really good so even though she's a troublesome little nurser, she's getting plenty in there somehow.
I also just found out that a friend of mine that had a baby earlier this year has been having some really serious mood issues, which is hard to hear. Balancing a new baby, work, family, stresses... it is so hard no matter what, but when you add severe and prolonged mood swings- that just sounds awful to me. Luckily for her, she is a very pragmatic and straightforward person, so she is getting therapy, acknowledging that this is not normal, and seeking lots of help. I'm really hoping she sees improvement with her state of mind soon, of course.
On the brighter side, Cooper's drippy yucky nose finally cleared up and, as hoped, his rather unphotogenic habit of leaving his tongue sticking out all the time also disappeared. I was very suspicious that the two were related! Now if only I could get rid of my extremely bad seasonal allergies this year, we'd all be congestion free!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tons of new skills
Cooper has been learning to do things so quickly lately, it makes my head hurt. He's recently learned the meanings of dozens of words, so each thing he learns is multiplied by his new words and quickly becomes impressive. For instance, he knows how to "pet" things, so you can ask him to pet the dog, pet daddy's hairy toes, or pet his favorite stuffed animals.
He's also learning his body parts. He knows head, belly, nose, and feet and will point to them when asked. When pointing to his belly, he also bends over to look at it, which is very charming. We are currently working on some other basics such as toes, knees, eyes, and ears. These seem to be a little bit harder, probably because they are not talked about as often. He also knows the meaning of shoes and socks, and will get his shoes (if he is in the right mood, and can quickly find them) if you ask him to get them.
Cooper has also determined a few ways to quickly get what he wants. Attempting to crawl into the stroller has become his way of requesting to go for a walk. Getting into his high chair is immediately met with a snack. Standing under the sink while pointing to the faucet gets him water. And standing by the back door while pounding on it does in fact lead to him being let out to play in the yard.
Unfortunately, very little of this has had any meaningful effect on his spoken language. He articulates the same number of words (about 5) as he did at 10 months old. It is clear he is understanding an amazing amount, and he makes a wide range of funny and charming imaginary words when you ask him to say something, but his ability to actually say anything isn't improving much. I'm not quite concerned yet, but it is something we've started to think about.
With that said, he occasionally does surprise me. Matt has been trying to teach him the names of his farm animal toys (horse, chicken, goat, etc) and yesterday, I asked him what this animal's (the goat) name is. Instead of the usual response (doggie!), Cooper clearly said "dote," a word I've never heard him say before, and one that is an obvious try at goat. And then he's never said "dote" since, despite my multiple tries to get him to say it again. But it makes me wonder- how much could he say if he wanted to? Does he just not feel like he needs to? It isn't clear.
He's also learning his body parts. He knows head, belly, nose, and feet and will point to them when asked. When pointing to his belly, he also bends over to look at it, which is very charming. We are currently working on some other basics such as toes, knees, eyes, and ears. These seem to be a little bit harder, probably because they are not talked about as often. He also knows the meaning of shoes and socks, and will get his shoes (if he is in the right mood, and can quickly find them) if you ask him to get them.
Cooper has also determined a few ways to quickly get what he wants. Attempting to crawl into the stroller has become his way of requesting to go for a walk. Getting into his high chair is immediately met with a snack. Standing under the sink while pointing to the faucet gets him water. And standing by the back door while pounding on it does in fact lead to him being let out to play in the yard.
Unfortunately, very little of this has had any meaningful effect on his spoken language. He articulates the same number of words (about 5) as he did at 10 months old. It is clear he is understanding an amazing amount, and he makes a wide range of funny and charming imaginary words when you ask him to say something, but his ability to actually say anything isn't improving much. I'm not quite concerned yet, but it is something we've started to think about.
With that said, he occasionally does surprise me. Matt has been trying to teach him the names of his farm animal toys (horse, chicken, goat, etc) and yesterday, I asked him what this animal's (the goat) name is. Instead of the usual response (doggie!), Cooper clearly said "dote," a word I've never heard him say before, and one that is an obvious try at goat. And then he's never said "dote" since, despite my multiple tries to get him to say it again. But it makes me wonder- how much could he say if he wanted to? Does he just not feel like he needs to? It isn't clear.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Packing
We are packing for our mega trip to the East, and Matt and I are the blind leading the blind. No, that implies that one of us might THINK we know what to wear... we are both the blind, sadly agreeing that neither of us knows which way to go.
Me: "Which shirt?"
Matt: "Uh... the one you like better."
Matt: "Which tie?"
Me: "That one is striped. I like stripes. Do that one."
Me, staring at my shoes. The options are- black strappy, black flats, black chunky heels, black flip flops and black sandal-ish heels.
Me: "They are all the same color."
Matt: "Pick the most comfortable ones?"
Me: "They are all uncomfortable."
Matt: "Are these shoes going to be OK?"
Me: "I sure hope so, because they are the only ones you own."
We'll look great. Fish out of water, for sure, but great. I have 6 separate events to dress for- for which I am planning one dress, two nice shirts, and two nice pairs of pants. Over, and over, and over again.
Me: "Which shirt?"
Matt: "Uh... the one you like better."
Matt: "Which tie?"
Me: "That one is striped. I like stripes. Do that one."
Me, staring at my shoes. The options are- black strappy, black flats, black chunky heels, black flip flops and black sandal-ish heels.
Me: "They are all the same color."
Matt: "Pick the most comfortable ones?"
Me: "They are all uncomfortable."
Matt: "Are these shoes going to be OK?"
Me: "I sure hope so, because they are the only ones you own."
We'll look great. Fish out of water, for sure, but great. I have 6 separate events to dress for- for which I am planning one dress, two nice shirts, and two nice pairs of pants. Over, and over, and over again.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
New nap schedule
Cooper's new nap schedule is awesome, but it is also killing me. He is firmly in the one nap realm now, and he naps for about 3 hours. This is GREAT. But here's the catch- he naps from 10:30 to 1:30. During lunch time! Because of the way that our house is oriented, I'm not able to make myself any sort of good lunch that requires the making of any noise whatsoever. He's most prone to waking up in the second half of his nap, so if it is... say... 12:45 and I am starving to death, I have to tiptoe down there, grab cheese and crackers, and retreat back upstairs to nibble. Upstairs I could sing opera if I wanted, but in the kitchen the noise travels. To make matters worse, we are having some painting done so the rugs are all up- which creates really loud echoes from our wood floors.
I shouldn't complain. It is a great schedule. I just need to remember to make more dinner leftovers that are good when unheated (the microwave's remarkably loud door spring freaks me out). And once he wakes up, I make me a post-lunch and him a regular lunch, so it ends up fine, but god I am so freaking hungry right now!
I shouldn't complain. It is a great schedule. I just need to remember to make more dinner leftovers that are good when unheated (the microwave's remarkably loud door spring freaks me out). And once he wakes up, I make me a post-lunch and him a regular lunch, so it ends up fine, but god I am so freaking hungry right now!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Fuzzy and cute?
Cooper is just a little guy, and I know it will take a while for him to learn certain lessons. However, I do wish he would hurry up and learn this one; just because bees are fuzzy, brightly colored, and make an interesting buzzing noise it doesn't mean you should try to pick one up.
He's gotten stung twice now. Both times on the tip of his fingers. Both times far enough away from me- perhaps 15 feet or so- that I have to re-create the incident from evidence at hand. Both times started with child sitting happily in the grass near some flowers. Then, child shrieking and rubbing hand frantically on pants. After some careful observation, tiny throbbing stinger removed from pad of chubby little finger. Lots of whimpering and tears, and a swollen finger.
Poor fellow. I hope he learns soon. And also- poor bees. They do not like this either!
He's gotten stung twice now. Both times on the tip of his fingers. Both times far enough away from me- perhaps 15 feet or so- that I have to re-create the incident from evidence at hand. Both times started with child sitting happily in the grass near some flowers. Then, child shrieking and rubbing hand frantically on pants. After some careful observation, tiny throbbing stinger removed from pad of chubby little finger. Lots of whimpering and tears, and a swollen finger.
Poor fellow. I hope he learns soon. And also- poor bees. They do not like this either!
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