Communication

So, Isaac is a little slow on the talking. So far, the only real words he says are "no," "uh-oh," and "whee". And yes, I realize I'm being a little liberal in my interpretation of word when it comes to those last two.

But still, Isaac has found many ways to communicate. He does know a few signs, and uses them mostly appropriately. His best one is "please," which he uses enthusiastically when chocolate is involved. He also knows "more," "drink," "milk," "sleep," and "all done," though I think he thinks "all done" means "pick me up." It accomplishes the same thing, so I'm all right with that.

The most interesting way Isaac has come up with to communicate, though, is what I like to call steering. He gets me to pick him up then he emphatically points in the direction of his heart's desire. So, if he wants to take a bath he aims me towards the stairs, then down the hall, then to the bathroom. If he wants to go to sleep (and yes, he frequently volunteers to go to sleep- probably because he knows he will get to nurse), he points me towards the bedroom. If he wants to watch a show (and yes, I let my child watch television. I am properly ashamed.), he points me toward the family room, then points up at the projector, then scrambles out of my arm and settles himself comfortably on the couch and stares at the wall while waiting for the projector to come on. It's cute. I tell you what.

It just amazes me how much he can understand and participate in what we are doing, and how well he is able to communicate his needs and desires using no words. Of course, I'd love it if he started chattering, but I'm sure that will come soon enough. :)

Spot the Blessings

Sometimes I like to play a game with myself when I am in an ordinary setting. I named that game tonight - I've decided to call it "spot the blessings." It's a really fun game; I'll tell you how to play.

You just sit wherever you are and think of all the blessings that are evident in what you can see/experience around you.

Here's an example: Tonight I was at our institute class at the church. Within the first five minutes I came up with these blessings, in no particular order:

1. The freedom to discuss religion in the open
2. Shoes
3. A nice big building dedicated to the purposes of worship and fellowship
4. A teacher who volunteers his time to lead a thoughtful discussion on the Book of Mormon every week
5. My husband, who went with me to Institute tonight even though he is feeling sick, because I didn't want to go without him
6. Warm jackets
7. The slightly warmish weather we've been having
8. Snacks
9. The prophets who sacrificed so incredibly much to write and preserve the words in the Book of Mormon
10. General health, horrible sinus pressure and leaky nose notwithstanding
11. Heat in the building
12. My new Android phone, which I could use to read the scriptures and then slip into my pocket at the end of class, not having to lug around heavy scriptures (there is something to be said for the written word in physical, markable format, but I was grateful tonight that the holy scriptures were so dang handy)
13. My friend Brad, who generously gifted me his in-perfect-condition Android phone
14. Pianos and people who play them
15. Wonderful, willing cousins at home watching Isaac (ooh, that was downright alliterative)

... And I could have thought up a bunch more, but I was getting interested in the discussion, so I had to stop thinking about blessings. But have you noticed how many of these relate to heat? I'll tell you, I'll be able to spot many more blessings once spring arrives.

But, really, it's enough to make you feel darn spoiled. Just sit and look around and realize how good you have it. And it's fun. And you can do it anywhere.

What about you? Any blessings you can spot from where you are right now?

A Snippet

A little glimpse at life at the Wests:

James: So, can I tell you my woes in life?

Charity: Sure, honey, just let me finish this text first...