Standing

Kai stood today. It was for about 2 seconds but he stood without holding onto anything, and then gracefully lowered himself to the ground. Tiny milestones like this remind me how quickly time passes.

Swimming

Isaac & Elizabeth went back to swimming lessons today. We haven't had swimming lessons for about two years now. Elizabeth threw herself into the lesson with great abandon - it was though she'd not really taken a break at all. Isaac was alot more cautious. He did not want to get his head wet - although I did see him go under once or twice.

At the end, I noted how well they did being able to get the ring from the bottom of the pool. Lizzy beamed. Isaac admitted "I actually got it with my foot". Oops. I missed that fact.

Signing

When Isaac wasn't talking by about 18 months, I decided that I would teach him basic sign language. I didn't try too hard and we just learnt the basics such as "more" and "all done". He caught on and some basic communication started.

I started much earlier with Lizzy - around 7 months. By 10-11 months she could tell me when she wanted to eat, wanted more (food) or was "all done" (eating) or wanted to get up. Because of the success we had with Lizzy, I have started to sign with Kai too.

Today, Kai signed for the first time. He was in his high chair eating lunch and I asked (and signed) if he wanted more or was all done. He signed "all done". But even more thrilling to me was that he signed at the same time as babbling in the same pitch pattern that I use when saying "all done". He was rewarded by being instantly taken out of his high chair and covered with kisses.

Fast forward to dinner. I asked the same question. This time he didn't sign but he did make the same pitch pattern. This time he didn't get his kisses though, as he was covered in carrots and cottage cheese :)

What shall you I call you?

When Elizabeth was born, she suited her name. As her personality developed she became Lizzy or Lizzy Lou to her daddy. However, the other day she announced that she wanted to be called Beth. She made her Kindermusik teacher write Lizzy~Beth on her new material and she wrote Beth on her snack for school. I've called her Beth, once or twice, but it is so hard. She giggled at me each time, which tells me that she's not used to hearing it either. I've noticed that she still refers to herself as Lizzy too.

I'm not sure if I should tell her teacher. Is this just a phase? Will she want to be called something different next year? I think for now I'll just try to say Elizabeth most of the time so that when she settles on something permanent it won't be as hard. Lizzy to Beth is hard to remember, but I think Elizabeth to Beth won't be as bad. Or maybe this too shall pass?