Brayden- 15 Months

15 Months

Weight: 22 lbs 8.1 oz

Height: 2' 6.25"

Dr. Jarvie is very pleased with Brayden's growth in the last 3 months. 

Brayden had to get two shots today-- one he toughed out, but the other was pretty painful and he let out a huge cry. It was so sad. I held him close and told him how proud I was of him. Because next month Brayden has to see his allergist, this visit also involved blood work. Once again, the lab struggled to find a vein but they went for it and thankfully got in on the first poke. Brayden pouted and huge tears fell from his face as we held him down for a few minutes to gather the blood. I know had it been anyone else, I would have had to be picked up from the floor- but had incredible strength for my son. 

I talked to Dr. Jarvie about the fact that he still wasn't "walking" and he put my mind at ease. He said developmentally, if Brayden could say three words that I could understand (and not necessarily anyone else) he was above the curve and he said just from listening to him, he speaks very well ... well for a boy! :) 

Dear Brayden,

Each day my love for you grows stronger and stronger. I love you so incredibly much. You make me so proud. Each day you show off how smart you are and how much you love me. I love how you walk to me with the biggest smile as you say over and over again "momma momma". It's JOY. I am so excited to spend this summer with you-- taking you to the pool, the park, and other fun places. 

Continue to smile. Laugh. Show off those precious dimples. Your laughter is contagious. 

Love you little man

Mommy

Signing Time

Signing Time

When Ruthie was 3 months old I began signing with my little girl. I remember her being around six months when she started signing "more" and "all done". For the longest time I tried to teach her "milk" and a few other easy signs, but since 1) she started speaking so early and 2) I just wasn't very good about remembering other words-- her two signs were great but that's where it ended... well, until now!

Brayden has been very different from his sister. I started signing with him closer to 6 months when I started feeding him solids and feeding him from a bottle. I would sign and sign with him but he refused to show any interest in it. A few separate times I had girlfriends tell me he signed something- but when it came to helping communicate with his mommy, he preferred the screaming method. At 1 years old- he has a decent vocabulary but it's sometimes hard for him to get his point across and we both end up frustrated.

Last week I was chatting with a friend who's son knows about 17 signs-- I was letting her in on my failed attempt at teaching my son signs. She handed me a video "Signing Time".

In a week- Brayden is signing:
More
Eat/Food
Milk
Ball
Car

Instead of crying when he wakes from a nap- he immediately starts signing milk and I praise him and let him know mommy understands is getting him milk- the tears have ended (for that anyway!)

He also lets me know when he's hungry which is so nice.  I now know if I need to keep feeding him or get him up from the table because he's finished sitting. It's so wonderful!!

Ruthie is also making her mommy so proud! Signing is also something she enjoys and also loves hearing mommy praise her when she signs random words :) -- it's so much fun and a great time for the two of us.

At 3 1/2 Ruthie is signing:

Eat/Food
More
Milk
Water
Cat
Bird
Dog
Fish
All Done
Car
Airplane
Mommy
Daddy
Sleepy
Baby

Here is a picture of my kids soaking in the video :)