Adlai's Favorite Things
Toys. Adlai loves them - especially the kind that make a lot of noise. Finally there is someone to appreciate the heaps of brightly colored plastic we've collected over the years. It's also nice that we can leave him in his crib for a while and he'll entertain himself by pulling, pushing, and grabbing the crib toys.
Us. Adlai is thrilled to be anywhere near Simon - even if his arms and legs are being shaken too vigorously or he's getting a hug that is a little too tight. This morning I spied the boys kissing each other - on the lips. This past weekend they played together for the first time. Simon gave Adlai part of a toy to hold and then he pulled the other half to make the toy shake back to Adlai. Adlai is also very quick to smile and coo at us. Unfortunately, his "hugs" often result in hair loss or painful pinching.
Food. So far he hasn't found of food that he doesn't inhale with the gusto of a pack of wild dogs. He's had oat, rice, and mixed cereals, bananas, sweet potatoes, peas, pears, and apples. It is proving especially difficult to find the time to make and freeze my own baby food this time around. We're working at micro-organizing our lives so we can get everything accomplished but what we really need is a (free) full time personal assistant. Volunteers?
Movement. Adlai hasn't yet mastered the push-up but he does manage to squirm his way into being on all fours. He's very VERY squirmy, bouncy, and determined to do everything while standing. Sound familiar? The only difference between the boys in this area is that Adlai is much less frustrated by his inability to move himself across a room. He is frustrated, yes, but he doesn't make that horrible "My life is meaningless unless I am mobile." moan particular to Simon.
Music. Adlai started singing a month or two back. If Simon is listening to music and singing along, Adlai will chime in with "uuuhhhhhhhh aaaaaaaaaaaaaa." The other day I was singing him "Baby Mine" when he gently placed his hand on my mouth and started singing the song on his own. His version went like this: "Aaaaaaaa aaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" (repeat in monotone). Adlai also loves to dance. For a good time, stand Adlai up while Simon is dancing around the room and watch as the excited baby moves his arms, stomps his feet, and squeals.