Scooter

Apart from being jabbed in the thigh with a needle, Ed is doing well and in the last few days discovered two new talents.

Yesterday he started pushing himself along with his heels while lying on his back on a slippy surface (his playmat). Only intermittent pushes, but making progress. Today he did it more, and more deliberately. I'm calling this scooting.

We also witnessed him rolling from his back to his side, and back. Beth even got a video. He hasn't gone right over to his front yet, but that will come all too soon I'm sure. Our days of putting him on his playmat and his staying there are numbered.



Potty training continues to be a roaring success. He's managed whole nights with a dry diaper, and this morning we had to retire a disposable diaper through wear and tear rather than dampness. If he wants to poop he raises both his legs (if on his back); if he wants to pee he grizzles. As long as we're paying attention he stays clean and dry, and likes it that way. In fact I can't recall the last time I had to remove a poopy diaper - maybe two weeks ago. Beth had a couple  to change while I was driving to Seattle and back last Friday/Saturday, but we think Ed was all messed up after my mum's visit so I don't count those.

Pee diapers are still happening if he has a very long sleep and we're slow to respond to his waking sounds. When he's on the potty (before and after feeding, before and after sleeping, and anytime he looks like he needs it) we give him the sign language for potty, say "Do you need the potty?" (or toilet), and give the aural signal (hissing like snake). The good wee laddie often holds his pee until the aural signal, then squirts so hard we both (Ed and his holder) get some drops on us if we get the angle wrong.  Beth has also observed his poop signals when on the potty; if he needs one he looks like he's concentrating very hard, and when he's done he starts vocalizing. While trying to poop his legs lift and vibrate. Once he has a better understanding of the necessary muscles the semi-frantic concentration should be unnecessary.

Finally a point of embarrassment. Everyone, from the Birth to Three class to the pediatrician and her assistant, says that Edward is a handsome baby. It's getting embarrassing, because he is, no two ways about it, but we feel sorry for all those other ugly babies. We will have to teach humility once he masters the potty.