Learning To Use His Voice

Lincoln has been experimenting in the vocal department lately, and he's making all kinds of funny sounds.  Just a couple of days ago at Grandpa Doug's house and he was making some unusual grunting/yelling sound with his fists clenched and his arms fully extended.  Grandma Paulette, Great Grandma Gates, Grandpa Doug and I were laughing so hard we were crying and he just kept making the sound.  It was as if he was shouting, "NOOOOO!!!!" in some kind of baby-speak.  Then Grandpa Doug said, "Hey Lincoln, President Bob is going to raise your taxes, what do you think of that."  And right on cue, Lincoln let out his grunt/yell.  What a hoot.  Then Grandpa Doug said, "And what do you think about Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank?"  You guessed it... right on cue.  And it went on for a couple more minutes, with lots of political/baby humor.  We were all doubled over laughing, and Lincoln seemed to be having a blast, too.

Today when I was home for lunch he was making sounds, seeming to be experimenting more with moving his mouth than with verbalizing, but it sure was funny to listen to.  Here's a sample:

Lincoln is changing so fast right now. I know that this isn't terribly profound as all babies change, especially at this age.  I say this more as an observation.  His face, his expressions, his vocalization, his tastes, his reactions... he's just growing so fast.  He's nearly entirely through with his 3M clothes.  Baby GAP runs a bit big, but anything less than 6 months has been packed away.

In the food category, he's been eating peas, carrots, sweet potatoes (Four Stars, according to Lincoln), applesauce, pears, mangoes, chicken, green beans, avocado (no stars, according to Lincoln), oatmeal and rice cereal.  I'm probably forgetting a thing or two, but you can see that he's learning to like a variety of foods.  Jenn really enjoys making most of his food for him.  Great Grandma Gates calls him both "an eating machine" and "a baby bird."  He's definitely figured out the eating thing, which is an improvement!

I've added some toy and clothes ideas to the wish-list.  This can serve as Lincoln's Christmas List.  Keep in mind that these are just suggestions.  Jenn and I have no expectations, and are becoming less interested in receiving stuff, but we know that we can't expect family to not want to give Lincoln goodies, so for those who want ideas, we've provided some.

Ryan's dream for Sat., Nov. 22

The Gates Family is visiting the Wingader Family this evening for dinner.  This will be Lincoln's second straight week of going to bed in a "stranger's" house.  Patrick and Joy are good friends from church who parent their kids very well.  It ought to be a fun evening.

You didn't think I was going to leave this post without mentioning THE GAME, did you?  I think a 22 point spread is a bit much.  Michigan stinks... bad... real bad.  But I've never seen Tressel cover such a spread in a big game, so until Beanie & Pryor put a 23+ point whoopin' on Wolverine tail, I'll be biting my nails into the 4th quarter.  Go BUCKEYES!!!