Houston, we have expressive language!

After months and months and months of us signing to Miles, we got one of the signs back this morning. There have been suspected sightings of "milk" in recent days, but nothing confirmed because they were all out of context. However, this "more" sign was done when prompted to ask. We've known that he'd do just about anything for Rice Chex.

Now, ten minutes later, Miles is still signing for more Chex, and the box is empty. It's a Saturday morning, so cookies will have to do. All in the name of progress, right?

Dino Nuggets = True Love

Time FLIES when you're having fun!

Miles now, enjoying gluten-free dino nuggets. Can you believe that little Miles below is only from a year ago? What a long leap he's taken from prunes puree to chicken punched into magical forms...and those nuggets are huge improvement in the taste department.

Like Grandfather, like Grandson

I once read that Tommy Lee got his start banging on pots and pans.

He's a pinball wizard...

A few observations:

1. Do I need to install a backboard in his nursery? To me, that forehand is looking pretty sweet.

2. In the beginning of the clip, you can hear our dogs barking. In the middle, is Miles also making barking sounds?

3. To me, he looks like he's trapped inside of a giant psychedelic pinball machine, and it's going to start counting to twelve any second. (Some old skool Sesame Street imagery for you.)

4. This kid keeps getting cooler by the day. Love him!

Miles and Miles and the Crocodile

Love, love, love this book to bits we all do. So much so that it makes me think in Yoda speak. Well, he's a jazzy little green guy, too.

More Nursery Cuteness

Shape Sorter Peek-a-boo

He's a Category Four storm.

Hurricane Miles blew through his hanging clothes. Instead of evacuating those poor, defenseless outfits, I made them feel the wrath of El Nino Sticky Fingers. Look at all of those poor polo shirts that lay in his wake. No wonder my back is always a bit sore.

We are Big Apple bound!

Please support Team Milestones' Buddy Walk pledge drive because we are making the trip to the Big Apple for the NYC Buddy Walk. I set up our donation page today, and the site might get a little tweaked in the near future. That's if I ever have any free time until the big day. As for the Buddy Walk itself, we've got an 8 person team going. The 8 includes little man Miles, his grandparents, his co-founders, and his super-cool uncle.

I now must turn my creative juices to designing a team t-shirt. This is a former favorite past-time of mine, and the main reason I joined a sorority in college. With this event, I am going to have to be way more tasteful than my previous campaigns. (Let's just say my sorority's mascot is the owl, aka the hooter.)

Our pledge drive goal is modest, seeing that this is our first walk I am not sure what to expect. If we make there on time, it will be victory enough. Besides, getting to see a hundred-foot tall Miles (just an estimate) loom over Times Square justifies loading the munchkin onto a jet. More updates to come soon!

The Book Snatcher Strikes Again

Luckily, I had finished reading the True Blood series before the Book Snatcher struck. Miles is amazing with books; he knows how to turn pages gently, and he likes to point at passages. And honestly, he'll start with a back cover perusal to see if the book is worth chewing. Miles has been favoring biographies (as book snacks) of late.

Just (Couldn't) Do It!

I am not a Nike commercial, so why did I try to run** like I was in one? Hmmm... it was my blasted "metalicious" playlist. Three nights ago, as I was heading out for my nightly shuffle (because what I do doesn't even qualify as jogging) I snagged the iPod- you know, to mix it up a bit. Typically, I shuffle for about thirty minutes, and my route cuts through the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Lovely run and not too many tourons later in the day because all the local buffets are running early bird specials. But I digress. Anyhoo, I spun the magic iPod wheel to a playlist I entitled "metalicious." First warning flag I missed- shuffling and metal do not jive.

Regardless of that obvious factor, I blew through the first have of my "run" at Mach 5. I think my thighs were shooting sparks, as I air drummed my way down the cobblestone with Metallica and Anthrax. Upon reaching my halfway point, I had a near death experience. Not the best sound track to have a near death experience with- bright lights, swirling air particles, Megadeath spike hammering away at my skull. And then it dawned on me, I tried to run like I was actually a runner, that a Nike film crew was following me because I was laying wake to an impressive soundtrack.

In reality, I was making footage for Advil and ice packs commercials. Have I learned my lesson? You betcha! Last night I trucked along to the smooth stylings of Van Morrison. And the night before I strutted with Steely Dan. Thank the Lord that I have a most eclectic music library; for now I will be hobbling along with Peter Gabriel and not Ozzy. (I'll save Mr. Osbourne for my house cleaning sprees.)

**When you think of me running, think of John Belushi's "Little Chocolate Donuts" ad. Just see what I mean; watch the clip linked to the ad title in blue.

Caught on Camera

As I was uploading this video, I realized it looks like it was lifted from security footage. Scout's honor- this came from my phone. However, this is pretty outrageously rockin' behavior, even for a Target. Give the kid a mirror, and he'll show you his true nature...

Yep. Separated from birth, Miles and Animal.

Here's some further proof:

(December 2008)

The picture in question...

(First appeared on the blog in May 2009)

HUGE News

As some of you might already know, Miles has hit the big time. Literally. As in Times Square, NYC, the big apple, etc. On the suggestion from a fellow parent blogger, I entered a picture of Miles into the National Down Syndrome Society's photo contest. Yesterday, I got notification that the picture was selected and will appear in a promotional video for the 2009 Buddy Walk. The video will air on the MTV plasma screen, which is smack dab in the middle of Times Square. The "premier" will be on September 26, and it will run prior to the start of the Buddy Walk in Central Park. The NDSS is then busing our party over to Central Park to participate in the event.

Whew! But the news doesn't stop there. Today, that photograph got a little more exposure. It was selected to run, along with a quick 500 write-up, in the NDSS's "My Great Story" campaign. We are linked in the table of contents, but the article isn't up yet. And finally, my submission to "My Great Story" was then added as the front piece on the NDSS national e-newsletter. You can visit the main site and enter your e-mail address to receive a copy (and to see the picture and the write-up). Or you can send me your e-mail address, and I will gladly forward you a copy.

Looks like we are headed to New York in September. This kid just gets more awesome by the millisecond. And datri, your suggestion has made this all possible. Many, many thanks for your encouragement!

On the mend- a year ago

Fastest. Year. Ever.

The Blushing Bride-to-Be

Miles' Auntie MK is tying the knot this October, and we couldn't be more excited. On Friday, we took some pics of MK in the dress. She, as you can see, looked amazing!!!

Troubleshooting Speech Issues

As of now, Miles gets very little in the way of speech services per his IFSP. Consultation; that's it. So our OT has recommended a few activities to hold us over until we can get another speech evaluation completed. Miles' upper lip is a bit on the small side, and the OT is looking into some stretching exercises that will help Miles learn to use a straw. Additionally, we are to use an electric toothbrush on his face, in a sweeping motion toward his mouth, to stimulate his mouth muscles. Now, honestly, I haven't been using the toothbrush on his face; I've been letting Miles chew on it as the ultimate teething toy. He has nothing to do with the toothbrush we got from the dentist; he abhors infant toothpaste. Trying to (technically) brush his teeth is turning into a joke- but letting Miles gum and swirl this contraption might be the answer.

As for Miles' speech progress, I am not sure where he should be know. He knows some signs, and on a few very rare occasions, he has used those signs to ask for something. Overall, he relies on a screech to get his point across. He does know a few words, too. Jesse is clearly "dadada." And the dogs are "gee" which is short for doggy. Miles can also say goodbye, but it sounds like "diedie." He can say mama, but he's never used that term for me. (And this makes me sad.) Luckily, the silly video below softens the blow.

Knowing that speech are hearing are close amigos, we went to the ENT this morning. His most recent ear infection spree has cleared. Doc said it might be linked to the dairy in Miles' diet, which we took out again (for the 100th time) last week. His mood has clearly improved since we excused the moo juice, too. Anyways, in four weeks, we go back for another hearing test to check for recent loss which might have occurred during the infections and to take a looksey in those itty-bitty ear canals. If the infections flair up for another round, Miles will have to get tubes put in. At that time, the ENT wants an allergy skin test performed. We are waiting for the 2 year check-up for the Celiac blood work, but we can do early food related testing sooner this route.

"Cellphone vs. Electric Toothbrush"

Starring Miles, a Spidey toothbrush, and my hand

Enjoy!