Let's Talk

In just the last couple of weeks, Anthony's been "talking" more. I put it in quotes because I'm not sure if his words can really be called words, but they definitely have meaning. I'm going to consider "Op!" his official first word. Loosely translated from the Anthony, it means, "This is fun!" Or, "I sure like playing with my ball/blocks/piano." We're also pretty sure he's been saying ball and blocks. They sound something like "alaall" and "alogs". Close enough!

To help Anthony with communication, Mommy and Anthony have been using the See and Learn program. It's based on research showing that children with Down syndrome have trouble learning to speak just from hearing language, and they do better when visual techniques like pictures, sign language, and written words are also used. You would think a child has to be talking quite a bit before you'd start trying to teach him to read, but as it turns out, learning to read at a young age can actually help a child speak and communicate more clearly-- who knew?!

After just a few weeks, Anthony will actually look at the picture/word cards with Mommy instead of trying to eat them, so we're making good progress!

Have an Op!-filled day!

A Boy and His Dog

Baby's First French Fry

Star Trek in the Park 2010

We headed over to Woodlawn Park last weekend to catch Star Trek in the Park. This year's offering was the classic "Space Seed" episode, in which we are introduced to "KHAN!!!" for the first time. You'll remember Khan was played by the immortal Ricardo Montalban on The Original Series (TOS).

The word has spread, and Trek in the Park has grown in popularity since last year. Consequently, our seats were BEHIND the action and we couldn't hear a thing. No worries, though. That just means we'll have to go again, and arrive earlier. The show runs weekends through August 1st.

We all had a great time anyway!

Anthony came dressed for the occasion. I know what you're thinking-- a red shirt?! Look out! But Daddy assures us it's okay as long as you don't leave the ship as part of a landing party- that's key to surviving as a Red Shirt.

Everyone enjoys Trek in the Park, including members of the Portland plumber community.

Next year they're doing "Mirror, Mirror" (the evil alternate universe episode). We can't wait!

A Visit to Dr. Nichols

Anthony had his 16-month checkup at Dr. Nichols' office last week. He's doing great! All of his parts are in good working order, and he weighs 20 lbs 8 oz. Anthony was a real trooper, but no one likes to go to the doctor, especially when you have to get shots.

Don't you hate when they call you into the exam room and then you have to wait and wait?

It's a good thing they provide this fun paper to play with while you wait.

Hey Doc, it hurts when I go like this!

You'll notice the band aid on my arm. They came to take blood, and Mommy told them that the last time they tried to take blood from my arm it didn't work and they had to poke my toe too. Mommy said they should start with the toe so I wouldn't have to get poked twice. But, no. The lady with the needles said, "Look at that big vein! Nooo problem! We won't have to poke his toe too."

Told you so.

Going to Dr. Nichols is very exhausting, but preventive health care is very important.

A Busy Day

These are some fun things Anthony did on Tuesday. He also had to go to the pediatrician, but that's another story. (Don't forget to turn on your volume!)

All-American Boy

Despite feeling pretty miserable for most of the day due to some new toothies coming in,

Anthony managed to muster some patriotism and wave the flag for the good ol' U.S. of A.

Happy 4th!!!