Happy Dee-Dull-Dee

Our days since the last posting have been filled with routine, challenges, and always laughter. Kyle and I both started back to the grind and blessing of teaching, and David officially began daycare with his provider, Cathy. We introduced David to daycare the week before school started so he would be used to the kids, their routine, and Cathy. Like most other aspects of life with David, he didn't resist, cry, fight, or put up any kind of fuss but instead exclaimed, "Ruz you" (love you) or "bye!" He remained shyly observant but happy that first week, but once he warmed up to this new environment, it was all systems go. He loves to share stories about his playmates throughout the day, and when we list important people or things in his world, the daycare clan is now an essential element. One of the older boys at daycare told David about Power Rangers, so, of course, Daddy had to explain to David how Power Rangers were nothing compared to the power of the Jedi. To solidify this point, there was indeed a spirited battle of light sabers among D&D (Daddy & David).

David found the dogs' tennis balls this morning and started to throw them around the house. Kyle told David to stop. The next time we saw them, they were sitting on the "time out" stool at the end of the hallway. I guess David had placed them in "time out" because they were misbehaving and not listening to Daddy.

David's language skills are improving incredibly, and his vocabulary is expanding beyond belief. While he still has trouble with clarity and certain sounds (like "g"), he is talking without ceasing. We've been watching the Baby Einstein series, concentrating about a week on one video, and "around the house" terms (like "refrigerator," "living room," "mirror," etc) and shapes terms are used at every opportunity by David. It's very cute to hear him say, "Mama...um....meer (mirror)...um...table...um..." During his list mode, David begins with the prefix "um." In addition to Baby Einstein, daycare has added one of our "favorite" words, MINE!!! Oh, that dreaded word! Consequently, David is having to learn the word (and meaning) of SHARE!

David experienced his first playdate with Darby and Scout Killackey, the two beautiful children of my good college buddy, Elanna. Darby & David hit it off nicely, although we had to use that SHARE term frequently. David became a little stressed and obsessive when his favorite toys were being used by Darby, but by the end, we had all learned how to SHARE or calm down when we didn't want to. We just followed the simple rules of daycare: if I'm not touching it, it's not mine; if I put it down, it's not mine; and I can only play with one toy at a time. Worked like a charm!

Happy New Year (or as David says, "Happy Dee-Dull-Dee!!),

Emily