Time flying by

Gosh, so much has been happening these days, I hardly know where to begin. Elias is getting huge, both physically and mentally/emotionally. He hardly seems like a baby anymore. :-( Lately, he has really begun to demonstrate anger, frustration and impatience. I believe I have a toddler here. He has developed a specific screamy-cry just for the emotions. And, if things go too far, he puts forth such a sad, beaten-down sounding cry, it just breaks my heart. I know this must be a super frustrating time for him. He is developing the capacity for preferences, expectation, etc., but is still unable to communicate any of this, leaving us, in the speaking and even signing world dumbfounded. For example, tonight, Elias took a very short nap and although he didn't wake up crying, was obviously tired still. I brought him out into the kitchen (because we were eating) , nursed him a bit and then put him in his highchair, preparing to offer him some food. I gave him some cottage cheese, and within minutes of spreading it all over his tray and face, was just desperate. He was so sensitive like that for the rest of the evening. He would squirm away and I'd put him down and he'd cry or scream to be picked up. He'd come to me and start feeding and just seem so disappointed for no apparent cause. I think he just felt like nothing was going right for him. It is very hard to see him like this, but I was reading in a book somewhere that it is just that determination and drive to overcome frustration through learning how to communicate and to do things on their own that help them achieve. I try to think of this for hope and understanding during those moments when Elias seems to be ready to cry over spilled milk.

He's cute and lovey. He likes to be tickled under his chin and pretend gobbled on his back. He's a big fan of other people's noses and has also recently learned to grab the cat's tail. Both Brad and I think his hair is really growing in, but to a complete stranger, he's probably still a bald, little baby.