Finding his senses...

We're learning more and more about Parker each and every day.  It really is amazing to see him grow, see him experience new things for the first time, and most importantly, attempt to predict exactly what he's thinking when he does certain things.  We have his actions and thought processes nailed down to five key behaviors:

1. The "Give Us, Us Free" squeal, indicating he feels constrained by how we have dressed him (think swaddle sack / blanket) and / or physically restrained him (ergo, car seat).  It's a subtle mating call he belts out, attempting to attract the attention of some temptress who can swoop in and set him free.  Seldom does his intent actually land results.
2. The "Only Focus Can Break Bricks" stare down, typically most prevalent in the short time after eating, after diaper change when he stares off into the distance and ponders life's great mysteries.  It's not as long-lasting as it was when he was first born, but the mental focus he's displaying in pockets of time is extraordinary.  I used to think he was just spacing off, day dreaming of jelly beans and sleeping on clouds and stuff like that that all normal boys (well, Totten gents anyway) gaze off about on a regular basis.  But he furrows his brow - and you can only furrow your brow if you're doing one of two things:  the first being some business downstairs, and the second if you're focusing just before attempting to break some bricks with your forehead.  He's typically in the latter state.
3. The "He Hate Me" cry - sad, pathetic, whiny...giving us the impression that he firmly believes he means nothing to us and we've forgotten he's in the room.  Nothing subtle about this, delicate to soothe him in the near-term.  Just loud, direct, and with a heavy hint of vengeance in tone.  I had this cry in me as well, sorry Treva.  When I got old enough, and I was feeling this cry coming on, I used to pack a suitcase and stomp out the front door telling my folks I was leaving for good.  Eventually, I actually stopped packing the suitcase, just grabbed an empty bag and headed out to the garage.  I was pissed.  Needless to say, my folks caught on.  Not a lot of places for an eight year old to run away to in Camas, they knew the garage was my best bet. 
4. The "No, You are Incorrect - it is Sleep Time" reaction, blatant disregard for wake-time or proper eating habits.  He doesn't even try to give us the impression he's interested in staying away.  He just sneaks a sly smile in and nods off happily.  I love this behavior, one of my favorite.  He's impossible to motivate, immovable in his passion for shuteye.  The problem is that he typically doesn't exercise this behavior between the hours of 8pm and 7am.  What he doesn't realize is that I'm on to him.  I changed the Timex clock in his room to be six hours ahead of time.  Ha!  Outsmarted by his old man again!
5. The "Try and Tell me I'm Not Adorable" smile.  Treva's favorite, and I'll be honest here, kind of neat for me too...when he wakes up, first sees you peaking at him over the crib and he realizes that he's about to get fed...that smile, sometimes a little giggle even.  It's pretty cute.  He's showing more of this behavior every single day and it's amazing, we love it. 

More updates later this week - but this is basically the five ways Parker sees the world.  It seems to make sense to him, so I'm going to adopt these five as well, hopefully simplifying his continued maturation in the process.  So, if you hear Treva refer to "David is displaying too much Behavior #3 right now," you now have the reference guide to know that I'm probably in trouble for that.  Until next time, stay classy smiling babies...

dwt.