Where's the bug?

December 9, 2004

About two weeks ago not long after we posted his 15 month update, Logan learned the sign for "where?" (Pointer finger shakes back and forth. See picture at the left.) We had been signing "Where are your shoes?" and Logan would fetch them for us. Once he got the concept of "where is __?", he quickly used it to have us hunt for bugs. He would wake up in the morning and sign "where?" He immediately wanted us to go searching outside for the black and red bugs that frequent our backyard. He quickly became enamored with spiders and geckoes as well. Anything small that moves elicits great giggles and laughs! With this new found passion, we made a trip to the Desert Park (Outback zoo) to see the snakes, lizards and other creepy crawlies (as well as marsupials of various sorts and lot of birds). Speaking of snakes -- we also got a book from the library about Australian animals -- with plenty of pictures of snakes. Now when he sees a picture of a snake he says "uh uh" and signs the word for "no." Not that we encounter many snakes here, BUT since they are around -- and Logan loves poking at critters, caution is certainly in order!

Logan loves playing hide-and-go-seek with Tony. As we said last month, he is becoming more and more sophisticated at hiding behind things. We also play our own version of red light-green light ("Stop!" and "fast, fast"). We want him to respond to "stop" when we say it. Today he was heading down a friend's driveway (towards the car, but also towards the street). I said, "Stop!" and he did immediately. A good sign!

Logan is becoming more independent. He often wants to get down when we're going to stores. The problem is, he doesn't yet like to hold our hand when walking. He'd rather throw himself on the floor and throw a temper-tantrum than hold our hand! Hopefully he'll understand the idea of "safety" soon.

Logan is in day-care about 12 hours a week while Liesl does her university work. We really like his day carer -- and now Logan shows that too! The other day his day carer came by in her van. Logan was excited when she came to the door. When we followed her out, he immediately went to her van and started crying and reaching out to her when it was clear she was leaving without him! We are so happy to see that he has bonded with her!

The Christmas season is here! Our tree has been decorated -- and Logan is intrigued by all the ornaments. So far he hasn't demolished anything, but on the other hand we have nothing breakable at the bottom of the tree.

More from us again soon!

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December 15, 2004

Logan is becoming a little adult. He wants to be involved in most every activity a#@jiowen&*kw -- oops -- Logan tackled the keyboard again! Not only does he want to handle any electronic gadget (thanks to his Dada), he also helps out elsewhere around the house. Once the laundry has been loaded into the dryer, he turns the knob to turn it on. He helps shovel stones (Liesl is moving the rock pile in our backyard). And, with all the preparation that comes with three meals and two snacks, you can imagine that Logan spends lots of time helping "Mauuum" in the kitchen. While making Christmas cookies for our playgroup, Logan rolled the dough and used cookie cutters to cut out the shapes. He loves to help wash the dishes too (mostly that consists of dumping water in and out of containers and down the front of his shirt!) Of course not all help is created equal. When Logan "helped" Liesl make a cake, he wanted to add the ingredients. All went well until the (clean) dishtowel wound up in the bowl!

Just a couple of days ago, Logan added "Mauuum" to his regular vocabulary. Liesl hears Maum? Maum? all day long!

Each day is a flurry of activities. We try to take him out as much as possible to explore his world (read: tire him out so he'll take a good nap!). Our week is peppered with trips to the town pool, Desert Park, Telegraph Station (grass, trees, dry river bed), Squiggles (ball pit, indoor playground), Alice Plaza (indoor mall area), Todd Mall (outdoor pedestrian mall), Reptile Center and of course the local playground. That doesn't include the activities we mentioned other months like Kindergym & Kindermusik.

Last weekend we were all hit by a terrible stomach virus that brought us down with diarrhea & vomiting. We've recovered now, but has left us a bit behind in the holiday rush to get things done.

We're thinking of all of you this holiday season!

Below are pictures of our little helper: