TJ turned 18 months old yesterday, so to celebrate, TJ, E and J all drove far up into the hills of North Georgia to pick apples.
On the drive up, TJ impressed both E and J with some of his newly acquired language skills. Neither E nor J had realized how much they say, 'Dude' until now.
Lots of little bites out of apples...
TJ felt that some degree of quality control was needed and personally took on the task of testing each apple picked to make sure it was at it's most ripe state.
After demonstrating (multiple times) how well he could do ASL sign for 'tractor', TJ decided that he would help the farmers with some of their routine work around the farm.
It was a great plan until TJ realized that while he is becoming a big boy, he is not quite big enough yet to drive the tractor.
Fortunately the tractor driver was quite happy to have an eager co-pilot. The tractor ride around the farm was the highlight of the day for TJ!
All that hard work on the farm makes a boy thirsty (and tired!). So some fresh apple cider on the way home was enjoyed by all!
Current likes:
Chasing Samson
Playing outside
Baby sign language
Music, both playing it and listening to it
Current dislikes:
Sleeping
Teething
Having to come inside
Happy 18th mos Tj where does the time go can't wait to hear and see more as he grows. Where did he hear "dude" so cute as he tries to put on sun glasses also what is the sign for tractor? Love to you all. L
ReplyDeleteDear E, J & TJ, It was great to hear his voice on the video. Couldn't make out what he was saying happy that you explained the word Dude. Can't wait to hear TJ speak as he gets older. Will wait to hear you explain to L what ALS means for tractor. He looked like he enjoyed picking apples & tasting them and also the tractor ride. Love to you all & God Bless. R & B
ReplyDeleteWe have been using American Sign Language videos called "Baby Signing Time" to help TJ communicate. It has helped a lot to avoid TJ getting frustrated when we do not understand the "word" he is using but do understand the "sign". He has a very large "signing" vocabulary that even impressed his pediatrician on his last check up visit! The sign for tractor is like you are steering a car but you bounce your bottom a little. TJ is so cute when he does it because his bouncing and hand steering get larger the more excited he gets. He had never seen a tractor in person so the tractor signing was very exuberant! He loves all kinds of transportation and knows the signs for pretty much everything (motorcycle, bus, tractor, car, truck, and airplane)! He was in heaven on the tractor ride!
ReplyDeleteTJ has the cutest little T shirt that says "dude" on it and then on the back it has the definition of Dude. So we have been calling him a "cool dude" or saying things like "give me five dude", I didn't realize how much we had been saying it, until he started saying it! Its the clearest word he says too! He only says it when he puts on his sunglasses though!
Thanx for explaining all this for us, its so great that you use signing with him because language in this form is the best communicator for toddlers struggling to make themselves understood while learning to speak - he is a smart little guy and we all love him. L
ReplyDelete