Louis 101
It would be easy for us to try to take credit for what Louis knows.
When he started saying "train" instead of "dickadoo" this week, I figured we (and his grandmother, who watches him while we're working) had something to do with that. When he walked into the kitchen the other day and said proudly, "Da-bo (caboose), hopper, engine, train," I felt a bit like Henry Higgins.
Still, when I watch him unlock our car door (something he's only allowed to do in carefully monitored situations), I'm not sure I can take credit for that. I certainly never intentionally taught him which key goes to the car or how to unlock a door.
Many of the things Louis does well I suspect he learned from his amazing foster mom. And some might just be part of his own personality, such as his eagerness to take on tasks. Here he is carrying water from the hose to his water table in a goose measuring cup--a self-assigned task.
There can be no doubt, however, that Louis has given these new parents his own crash course.
Here are a few lessons he has taught us so far:
1. You can't go to the park often enough.
2. The Cat in the Hat may be a troublemaker in the books, but he is sure great to have around, especially at naptime.
3. Spending time at home is so much fun!
4. Water is awesome.
5. Sometimes play needs to be taken seriously.
6. You can bring a stroller on a walk, but don't expect to use it the whole time. And the cap will be worn backwards, thank you very much.
7. Seeing trains breeds a desire to see more trains.
8. Going to the train station with your aunt is terrific...
...until she boards the train without you. Then it's devastating.
9. New shoes are always exciting.
10. Libraries are great, especially if you have an aunt who works there.
11. Just because a cupcake is rejected once, or even twice, doesn't mean it won't be accepted with enthusiasm the 29th time it's offered.
12. Don't expect a perfectly posed photo, but be happy with the few you have.
13. Goofing off with Baba is the best.
14. But Mama gets her share of fun, too.
Louis continues to grow, grow, grow, measuring in at two more pounds and 3/4 inch taller than at his last appointment three months ago. His latest phrase is "dat one" for "that one," a phrase we find terribly convenient and even more endearing than the non-verbal gestures. It's funny because I remember he was saying that in Chinese when we took him to the Walmart in Changsha less than six months ago.
Here is a video of Louis reading one of his favorite books, a book we brought with us to China, "Peek-a-Who." It was the first book we read that he recognized for its entertainment value.
When he started saying "train" instead of "dickadoo" this week, I figured we (and his grandmother, who watches him while we're working) had something to do with that. When he walked into the kitchen the other day and said proudly, "Da-bo (caboose), hopper, engine, train," I felt a bit like Henry Higgins.
Still, when I watch him unlock our car door (something he's only allowed to do in carefully monitored situations), I'm not sure I can take credit for that. I certainly never intentionally taught him which key goes to the car or how to unlock a door.
Many of the things Louis does well I suspect he learned from his amazing foster mom. And some might just be part of his own personality, such as his eagerness to take on tasks. Here he is carrying water from the hose to his water table in a goose measuring cup--a self-assigned task.
There can be no doubt, however, that Louis has given these new parents his own crash course.Here are a few lessons he has taught us so far:
1. You can't go to the park often enough.
2. The Cat in the Hat may be a troublemaker in the books, but he is sure great to have around, especially at naptime.
3. Spending time at home is so much fun!
4. Water is awesome.
5. Sometimes play needs to be taken seriously.
6. You can bring a stroller on a walk, but don't expect to use it the whole time. And the cap will be worn backwards, thank you very much.
7. Seeing trains breeds a desire to see more trains.
8. Going to the train station with your aunt is terrific...
...until she boards the train without you. Then it's devastating.
9. New shoes are always exciting.
10. Libraries are great, especially if you have an aunt who works there.
11. Just because a cupcake is rejected once, or even twice, doesn't mean it won't be accepted with enthusiasm the 29th time it's offered.
12. Don't expect a perfectly posed photo, but be happy with the few you have.
13. Goofing off with Baba is the best.
14. But Mama gets her share of fun, too.
Louis continues to grow, grow, grow, measuring in at two more pounds and 3/4 inch taller than at his last appointment three months ago. His latest phrase is "dat one" for "that one," a phrase we find terribly convenient and even more endearing than the non-verbal gestures. It's funny because I remember he was saying that in Chinese when we took him to the Walmart in Changsha less than six months ago.
Here is a video of Louis reading one of his favorite books, a book we brought with us to China, "Peek-a-Who." It was the first book we read that he recognized for its entertainment value.
Rita-
ReplyDeleteI love this! I continue to enjoy reading about Louis (as does Isabel!). Isabel especially loves the video and will ask me to "talk Louis" (translation: play Louis' video) :)
That's so cute, Catherine! I can't wait to get them together in person!
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