Milestone: Waving Bye-Bye (or Hello!)

Milestone Alert! Yesterday, for the first time, Henry waved to us. This is the first really meaningful gesture he's used to communicate with us, other than smiles and putting out his arms to be picked up. We were having lunch after church yesterday at Grammy and PawPaw's house. After he did it the first time, we all broke out in cheer - a reaction I think he liked. He repeated, and so did the applause... I pointed out that we ought to wave back instead - clapping and cooing isn't a normal response to a wave. ;)

This is a skill I've been modeling and teaching for the longest time it seems, but developmentally he just wasn't ready yet. Or, is it possible that he's understood all this time and has just not responded? Who knows! We didn't get pictures of it yet, but I'll post when we do.

I should also take this opportunity to apologize for my absence. I really hope to get back in the blogging habit this week, maybe now that life isn't feeling so hectic. I spent the last week or so preparing for a yard sale, and it managed to take up most of the free time I would have otherwise spent online. Be assured, you haven't missed much. He is still working really hard on crawling, but just isn't there yet. He might crawl a step or two, but I don't think it counts. When it's official, you'll all be the first to know!

A busy day makes a sleepy boy...

I love days when we get to go out, even if it's just to run errands. Today was one of those days, but we mixed business with pleasure and were able to make a few visits while we were out. We made the mundane stops: gas, the local grocery store for miscellaneous items we missed this week at the store, a furniture store in town, and then we made a stop at the bank to say hi to Grammy. After the ladies gushed over Henry during his parade through the bank, we met up with a friend of mine and her daughter for a play date and lunch.

As the babies grow, it is so much fun to see them interact differently. Not so long ago, Henry seemed to be generally anti-social around other people, preferring to be the observer rather than the participator. He has really blossomed into a much more social baby over the past month or two, and genuinely enjoys the company of others. He wants to engage with those around him, and it's a joy as his parent to see him develop socially.

Although we should probably do so more often, my friend and I try to get the babies together for play dates. Today was a treat for all - both babies were in good spirits and seemed to be eager to play together. Granted, the little girl, at nearly 2 months older than Henry, was quite busy pulling up, standing, and creeping alongside the table while Henry contented himself with toys and anything he could put in his mouth, but there were fun moments of rolling, talking, and touching. They smiled at one another, and were obviously communicating. It was such a fun visit. My friend and I also enjoyed some daytime interaction with someone who didn't need us to wipe their tush.

After our busy morning out, Henry and I headed home for some R&R. I put him down, which he seemed grateful for, and was quickly snoozing. That freed up some time for me to revisit my blog and try to square away some of the things I was frustrated about yesterday. ;) After I get pictures uploaded, I'll add a couple from today. He was the most handsome little man in his green overalls, blue bucket hat, and blue tennies.

This evening, when Daddy got home, we made a return trip to the furniture store, and then it was supper time, bath time, and getting ready for bed. My little wiped-out guy was so sleepy and snuggly. He took his sweet time drinking his bottle, and then when he was finally finished he closed his eyes, nuzzled his cheek into my chest, and gently smacked his lips a few times. He was so perfectly peaceful - almost looked like a porcelain doll cradled in my arms. I rocked with him for several minutes, unwilling to rush my precious time when he's still small enough to hold, and still baby enough to need it.