The Grapes

At long last the clip from Gunnar's birthday that everyone has been waiting on the edge of their seats to see!

Sign Language

Starting at about 6 months old, we started teaching some basic sign language to Gunnar. He only knows a few words, but they are extremely helpful in communicating with him, especially now that he has acquired a piercing scream that has Mom and Dad destined for the Miracle Ear. His first word was "more," which he communicated by clapping his hands together. Judging by his belly and cheeks, he uses that word the most. He now actually puts his fingers together instead of clapping, which is the more accurate way of making the sign. His other words are "milk" and "eat." He also waves bye, and though we've tried to teach him "all done," he prefers to scream.
Now, a funny story about his "milk" sign...
Gunnar's bedtime routine consists of me reading a few stories to him in the rocking chair, with the last book being his little prayer book that has a bear on the front. We read the prayer, he kisses the bear goodnight, and then he nurses and goes to sleep. It's very sweet, and I enjoy our cuddle time together. However, the other night, apparently Gunnar was in a hurry. We read our stories and then started on the prayer book. We only made it through 2 pages when he promptly closed the book, kissed the bear, turned around to look up at me and gave me the "milk" sign.
I get the point, dude. Good night. :)

Gunnar's 1st steps

The posts are a little out of order, but I'm still learning to use my video editing software. I've learned a few new tricks on the computer, and now I can show off Gunnar's tricks! He took his first steps on July 10th, at daycare of course! But the second I walked in the door, he walked to me and landed in my arms with the biggest smile ever. I screamed. We then went home and practiced - he was very proud of himself, and I must say that we were very proud parents that day. And it was a funny thing that he decided to start walking on the 10th - that had actually been my due date with him. So if he had arrived on time, he would have been walked exactly on his 1st birthday. And now, after just a few weeks of practice, he's Mr. Independent, wanting to walk everywhere without even holding a hand.