first sign

I truly understand how frustrating it is not being able to get your point across, you just end up feeling annoyed. Michael grunts and throws tantrums when he couldn't get me understand what he wants. For a seven-month old, he's very expressive and assertive. We have been having battles of baby crying versus mommy trying to survive the travailing eversince day 1. The seventh month crying was much different - he expresses more clearly his particular intention and tries to communicate - just that I could not tell what he is fussing about. Every time he cries in frustration, I secretly wished beneath my seemingly cold reaction that someone should really come out with some interpreting tool that we all could afford before he wears me down - I bet it'll top Ikea as the next best seller in history.

God heard my silent prayer of desparation, really, He did. Soon, I chanced upon a book on teaching hearing babies sign language so they could use their hands to communicate before they could talk. What a great resource! It's a bit of work but I'm glad to get my hands on it. The first signs I taught myself and baby was MILK, EAT and MORE. He giggled the first few times I placed my fingers on my lips to mimic eating, later he just ignored what I was doing. I kept on signing anyway. After 2 days, Michael attempted his first signing - MILK for supper. It was his usual time for milk. When I responded with milk in a bottle, he looked very pleased and gulped down the contents with a delighted sparkle in his eye. I sensed relief and also like baby, satisfaction, that finally, we could settle some issues without going through a battle. It feels somewhat like we've advanced from savage to civilization, just because we could communicate sensibly. Really, really happy for this milestone.