We think he can, we think he can, we think he can...

He CAN!

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...

My Week, by Miles Jay Grimmius

This week has been busy! Let me tell you all about it.

Sunday: I had to say goodbye to my cute cousin Hannah and super sweet auntie Elisabeth. It was so sad. We had a wonderful weekend together -- lots of playing, laughing, drooling, and scooting (by Hannah, anyway). The only good part about ending the weekend was that my daddy was home from his work trip. I sure missed him!

Monday: Back to the grind of school. They sure know how to tire a little guy out at Kids Korner! I also experienced my first "Spring snowstorm", as Owatonna was covered in a heavy 4 inch coating of snow. All of the big kids got out of school. Lucky ducks. The highlight of the day was visiting my new girlfriend Claire (don't tell Ava or Kennedi about her, please). She's a 7 lb 11 ounce beauty!

Tuesday: I got to play with my other new girlfriends, Danielle and Abby. They are older, so it's okay. Mom says they are "cute". I prefer to call them "babes". Not bad lookers for being the ripe old age of 5 and 6! Anyway, their daddy helped my daddy install a couple of ceiling fans, including one in my room. Wooo hoooo! Talk about entertainment! Anyway, back to the girls. They are our neighbors, and are very nice. I am excited to play with them this summer.

Wednesday: Not a whole lot of excitement on this particular day. We went for a nice walk around the 'hood, had a good dinner, and just snuggled for the night. Ramiele was voted off American Idol. Too bad, so sad. Not really.

Thursday: We packed, packed, and packed some more for my first trip to Wisconsin. My daddy's cousin (Dave) is getting married (to a nice girl named Jen...which means she's no longer available. Bummer.). This will be my first trip out of MN, and I am very excited. I have lots of relatives to meet! My mommy bought me a swimsuit today, too. Watch out hotel pool. I know how to splash! Oh yes, I also ate a lot of rice cereal on Thursday night. Yum!

Friday: I only had a half day of school today because of our road trip. It was a busy morning, though. Some high school kids came to play with us -- I loved all of the attention!

Grandma and Grandpa Grimmius are here now, and as soon as uncle Will shows up we're going to hit the road. Thank goodness. I need a nap!