Straight A's

Tanner and I experienced our first parent/teacher conference today. Yes, it was for Miles. Our 4 1/2 month old son. Such a conference may seem a bit premature, but it's actually a really good idea! We learned several new things about Miles. For example, he loves listening to jungle animal noises. In fact, he prefers one particular bouncy seat (over two others) simply because of the jungle music it plays when he sits on it. He also likes napping to a heartbeat-like rhythm projected from a noise machine. Hmm. We'd better get one of them gadgets.

Anyway, Miles' "report card" included checklists of cognitive, communication/language, social/emotional, and physical development markers from birth - 12 months of age.

Here's where we get to brag. Miles has already achieved the following behaviors that aren't necessarily expected until babies are 6 - 12 months old (gotta love standardized tests right from the start!):

• He enjoys looking at picture books (We knew this one already, and it really is pretty cool. He is very serious about books. In fact, we're going to start Tom Brokaw's Greatest Generation next week.).


• He enjoys children's rhymes (especially Humpty Dumpty)


• He expresses several clear emotions (we think they are talking about "I'm happy", "I'm ticked off", and "I have to poop. Really bad.").


• He enjoys baby games. Probably because his dad is so good at them, too.


• He prefers his parents over all others. Good, good boy!


• He shows affection (he IS his mother's son, you know).

Another thing he accomplished at a young age was sucking his fingers and thumbs...regarding this, his teacher said, "Yeah, he's REALLY got that one down. His hands rarely leave his mouth!"

We're so proud of our little man! It's not easy being graded when you're only 4 1/2 months old. But he handled the pressure really well. His next evaluation will be next fall - tune in for another report! Let's hope he's at least rolling over by then...