Lots Of Changes
Nick seems to go through different rates of developmental changes. Sometimes he learns a lot of new things all at once, and then he’ll go a few weeks without doing anything new. It’s crazy to see such dramatic changes. You hardly get to enjoy the new thing he can do when he learns something else. The new things are so exciting to see, especially because I think parents can’t help but get worried sometimes that their children aren’t developing the way they should be. The last week or so has certainly been one of those big development times for Nick.
Nick’s vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds. He’s always been a bit ahead developmentally when it comes to language. When he was really young Nick would just sit and listen to adults talk. He was only about six months when he said his first word. He now has a vocabulary of over 20 words, and he understands a lot (he can follow many single commands). Recently he has added some new words that he just loves to use. The first one was “uh-oh.” He loved this one and for awhile would say it over and over (and over!). It was so cute when he’d look at you, say “uh-oh,” and then drop something. As of this past weekend his newest word is “yeah.” He usually says it when he hears someone ask a question (even if it’s not directed at him). He has also added “ball” recently, but that one is a little harder to catch because he usually cuts off the “l” sound.
Nick’s gesturing has gotten so much better recently too. Normal baby gestures just hadn’t been his thing. Just a few days ago he started clapping, and now he does it all the time. I have been working with him on clapping for months and had gotten no where fast. Then the other day while I was at work Jason called to say that Nick had been playing with one of his toys and every time he made it work he would clap. Now he claps for everything! It just goes to show that he will do things in his own way at his own time. He’s also getting better at waving, although it’s mostly just his fingers that move. Just yesterday Nana taught him “so big” (holding his arms up in the air when it’s said) and he thought that was great fun.
Nick’s walking is getting better too, although he still won’t do it on his own. He hardly needs any support though, and truly I think he could take off if he wanted to. Him wanting to is the key point though. He just isn’t ready to go off on his own. I don’t mind if he takes a little more time though since I’m still not ready to baby proof the house!
Nick’s fourteenth month is shaping up to be a big one for him. I wonder what other new things he’ll learn before this month is up.