Through Your Child's Eyes: American Sign Language [Subtitled]

I thought that this video was very well presented. The benefit of teaching sign language truly does make a differences in a child's life, especially young babies.
I am hard-of-hearing but I considered myself Deaf since I cannot hear a sound without the aid of a hearing device. My mom learned America Sign Language while she was in college. She only took the class for fun, not knowing that her world would be forever change. I was born a year later after my parents got married. I was born hearing. At 10 months old, I became sick with meningitis which cause my hearing lost. Fortunately, my mom knew she wanted to use sign language to help me communicate with people around me. I don't know where I would be without ASL.
Now, here I am. I have a 4 months old son. In case, if you were wondering, my child is not Deaf or hard-of-hearing. I'm actually impressed on how well he responded to noises. Deaf or hearing, he will be taught ASL. I don't mean to make it sound like a force but it is more about appreciating the language. I want to help us with our communication for many years to come.The 1st sign that I have been using since he was born is "milk". He has already responded to that sign by stop crying or longing for it. He knew what it meant. That is pretty impressive to me considered he knew what it means even when he was only 2 months old.Other signs that I am also teaching are "mama", "dada", "mimi", "grandpa", "monkey", "play", "kisses", "eat", "bedtime" and a few more. I don't know what Conner's first sign will be. I am looking forward to the day that he will use my language. America Sign Language is a beautiful thing!

70 degree weather in January!

It was such a gorgeous day! 70 degree, sunny blue skies & the birds are tweeting. I couldn't believe that we had been snow bounded almost 2 weeks ago. I took my boys (& of course my dog) outside to play. We took some pictures for our families. Hopefully, some will be in a frame so I can hang them up in our new apartment! Here are a few snapshots!

Conner's attempt to roll over!

Conner was able to roll over from his belly to back for 1st time! This was his 2nd try. I wished that I had caught the 1st roll on video because he gave me the shocked-wide eyed look. haha! He is 3 & 1/2 months old.

Daddy's nickname for Conner

Yep. It finally came. The NICKNAME for Conner. His daddy came up with the idea. He wanted to name Conner, Tank. Conner is in 90th percentile for the average baby's weight at his age. He is big! He seems tough & strong for such a young baby. So daddy has a fun name to call him, Tank!

Monkey Me Crazy With Camera!

I have been trying to practice taking pictures with my new camera. We got it right before Conner was born. So it was a perfect timing! Here are a few fun pictures of Conner!

God doesn't make mistakes!

I can't believe it. It has been one year since we found out that we're pregnant! I thought to myself, "is this for real?". It's true. God does NOT make mistakes. He actually chose Brian & I to be this kid's parents. I don't know why He did that, but I do know that He has a reason. It is to teach us lessons in child-rearing. It will help Brian and I to learn how to depend on, to support and to love each other. Because of our beliefs, we have decided to teach Conner how to love God. We want to raise him in a way that reflect God's love to everyone. To respect people. To care for people. And most importantly...to accept Christ in his heart. I cannot lie...this is going to be a difficult challenge! With God's help, Brian and I can do it! There will be mistakes. Of course, we're only human. But there is forgiveness & love. I am so excited to see what kind of person that Conner will be. Please share any thoughts or challenges you have/had with your child. Thanks!

Erica

Conner's 1st Christmas gifts from daddy & mommy

It's neat to watch Conner's expressions when he saw his 1st Christmas presents. I guess all that wrapping paper noise really got his attention. Merry Christmas Lil' C! Mommy & daddy loves you!