Milestones

It has been forever since I have posted! I have been thinking about a hundred blog posts, like 10 top reasons to do elimination communication, the entire SUMMER of 2011, getting a PhD, and starting a new job! But, there is just too much, so for now, I am going to try and get some of Simon's milestones recorded.

Simon became mobile on July 1st. I captured his first crawling steps in a short video. Soon after, we left for our trip on a CRUISE ship, where he didn't get down on the floor much. When we got back, around July 12th, Simon really got a chance to practice, and has become very proficient! He does mostly a crabwalk, with his left knee down, and his right foot up. He is still in no hurry to walk or even take steps when we hold him standing up, but he is now starting to push and pull up. The first time Noah saw Simon standing, his excitement was enormous. "Look, mama, he's standing!!" Noah had a huge smile on his face and was very proud of his little brother! "Hey buddy, you're standing!" It was so cute to see their bond.

Today, Simon and Noah got a bath together before bed. Simon started putting some toys in a little cup -- big development! :) It was very cute to see him putting things together. Today he was pushing up on a stool while sortof starting to take steps around it. Very soon, he will be stepping!

And, very soon he will be 1! I can't believe a year has gone by! Noah wants him to have an airplane cake. In a lot of ways, Noah does not remember life without Simon. But, at the same time, he always amazes me with his memory. Last weekend, Simon, Noah and I walked with the stroller to Starbucks. Noah said, "remember the other day, when we walked to the coffee shop with our friends?" Well, he was remembering an event where I pushed him on the same street in the same stroller with my friend Sharon and her family, over a year ago when they came to visit in June 2010! Really amazing that he remembers that.

Noah continues to say the most amazing things. He talks a lot, and is a bundle of energy. He's at the point of wanting to give up his nap, so is often quite cranky in the afternoons. This is, of course a challenge! Soon he will be starting school! Given all the rain we had with the tropical storm, their facilities were flooded, so they are delaying until Wednesday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but am starting to have a good feeling about it. He seems ready. He isn't showing as much anxiety about it. I think he's going to do great.