Words and Walking?

Anders is starting to stand for longer intervals on his own. The Christmas tree at his grandparents' home is a good distraction from his apprehension. He doesn't notice that he's not holding on to anything if he has ornaments at which to look.

Anders now uses his fingers to motion you to come pick him up. For those few who remember, it's the same motion I made when setting the extra point huddle in high school football.

Anders says "Puh" for "up" when he wants to be picked up.

He now understands words along with saying them. The other night there was much loose talk of a bottle, which turned Anders apoplectic until his bottle arrived. He calls his bottle "bah bah." The same thing happened when we mentioned bananas without giving him one. This morning we were out of bananas, so Anna gave him mandarin oranges. He swept them off his tray, glared at her, and said "Nanas!"

He said "blue" the other day for one of his blue toys, which supports Renee's theory that Anders knows his colors. Anna thinks this notion ridiculous, but I'm leaving it in the post...

Anders has learned "no" since we deplaned. He says "no" and shakes his head quite frequently now. Last night, I asked Anders twice if he wanted to go "nigh nigh" (to bed). He replied "no" twice. I kept asking him and then he started laughing.

Anders has changed my name as well. I used to be "Dadada" or just "Dad." Now, I'm "Dee."

He also waves goodbye and says "bye" along with saying "hi."

Anders has been snuffly since we arrived, but generally well. The biggest problem is that he has not adjusted to Central Standard Time. He's still on Eastern Time despite the enveloping darkness of 4:30 pm sunsets and 8 am sunrises.

It has been a successful trip, especially for Anders' developmental curve. He's really made some jumps in the last week. Generally, his changes have not been as quick or dramatic in recent months.

We will spend New Year's Eve in Minneapolis at Mandy's house in order to avoid the Ice Harvest and to be closer to the airport (we are but a short train ride away there). We should mostly avoid the North Dakota blizzard. Anders will also get to meet their dog, Torii, which should be fun since Anders loves dogs.

So, Happy New Year to all six followers and anyone else who might have stopped.