Dribble & Drool--June 14, 2008

The more I take care of our little grandson, E, the more I realize how much I either don't remember or missed when our children were small.  I raised 2 of our children from birth, the other 3 were adopted at 10 & 11 years old.  I do know that children have different signs for things they want and need.  When a child age 6-7 months old want to be picked up, they simply reach up with their arms or reach out to let you know they want the toy in front of them or the food they might see.  There are also signs for being tired and wanting to go to sleep.  Some babies simply cry until they develop a sign on their own, which may be rubbing the face or eyes.  E simply puts his left hand or arm up to his mouth and moves his lips in a motion simulating sucking.  He still cries, but goes back to the hand or arm in between, until he is either comforted to fall asleep or falls asleep on his own. 
E is sitting up now, and has a favorite toy by Fisher Price which makes music.  Since we have hardwood floors, his mother puts a pillow behind him, should he topple backards.  Another favorite thing to do is watch our 2 little yorkies as they run and bark.  One barks at whom ever is available when I get their food ready, as if she were telling "Mom is fixing my dinner" (it used to be the cat).  If E is in or near the kitchen, then that is who she tells.  E sits in his exersaucer and watches and more recently he laughs. 
E has started squealing with delight when he sees something or some one he loves, such as Grandpa walking down the stairs each morning, or his mother coming home from work. 
I have helped with the other grandchildren when they have been around, but I am enjoying the hands on experience with this little boy.