Monkey?

We relaxed our TV policy two weeks ago. After a particularly bad fit, I let Joseph kick, thrash and roll across the floor while I popped on the TV to wait it out. The channel happened to be set to Curious George on PBS (already in progress). Shortly after George appeared, the cries died down to sniffles, and while the ottoman hid most of the fit from view, I could see his little legs go from a kickin' to just shifting around for comfort.

After two or three minutes, he ventured a sniffily, "Monkey?" After that he was pretty much ok. He got up and sat in my lap to watch the last ten minutes of the show. As he snuffled his way back to calm, he even managed to point out a cartoon flashlight, window, tree and hat. Now he gets to watch "Monkey" a few times a week, though he taps the TV cabinet and asks for "Monkey" pretty much every day. He even knows when it comes on since it coincides with the end of nap time.

We based our original policy of "No TV" on a rejection of TV as baby sitter and passive entertainment (i.e., books and play would engage Joseph more). Recent experience suggests a new policy of limited TV. The new policy is consistent with our original intent. Firstly, the TV does not babysit Joseph. We generally watch the show with him, and engage him with questions about the show. Secondly, Joseph actively engages in the show by walking up to the TV and pointing out what Curious George is doing/holding/using etc. He even learns new words from the show.

Finally, aside from the cold logic of modern parenting, the little guy just lights up when he sees Monkeys doing anything. Who can say no to that?

Registries Ready

Hello! While not required, registries for Baby II are ready:

Diaper Registry for Baby II


Babies R US Registry

First Complete Sentence

A week and half ago, Joseph pointed out that "MOH-tor-cycle GONE!" A motorcycle from on-coming traffic had just passed us and rumbled out of sight. It was his first verb, noun combination that expressed original thought. Previously, he had only repeated these simple phrases.

Yesterday, Joseph put together his first complete sentence. A sentence for posterity. Joseph said, "I see... Daddy's... feet."

Memorial Day Pool Fun

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Here's Joseph at the memorial day picnic we attended.  You can see him slapping me on the head to jump more.

Utter Amazement

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I took Joseph to the discovery museum last week.  There he learned about the voodoo witchcraft known as "science."  He expressed public, wordless awe at the beach ball held aloft by some dark mystical energy.