We took Liam to First Fridays, a display of local art talent (complete with punch and snacks, of course).  I expected him to show no interest.

I was really surprised at his reliable reaction in one gallery, full of colorful expressionist urban landscapes and abstract paintings.  I’d put him up to one of those huge paintings, and he would laugh and flap his arms in a caper.   He was excited.

(The pictures here aren’t from that gallery; but they’re colorful and therefore similar.)

Then we took him to another with small photographs; and another with black-and-white spidery drawings of ferns (all over the floor, wall, furniture, fruit basket, fruit…).  He gave a different reaction:

We’ve got to get that baby some posters — garish ones.

In other news:  he’s supported himself sitting for about 10 seconds.  Do I hear 20?

More »

Good times could make boring reading . . . but maybe not boring pictures?

After a worrisome April, May and June, due to his infantile spasms, and a long time with no laughing, because of the medication . . . Liam has had a very happy week.  It’s been delightful.

(And in addition to all that smiling and giggling, he’s done these new things:

• passed toys from one hand to another
• put his hand down on the floor, when I had him sitting with support, to brace himself.  That’s said to be how they learn to sit
• found that he can put a cloth over his face and then take it off again, rather than putting it on and wailing because he can’t see!)

Now, Liam’s main activity for the week:

They say babies’ smiles are there to remind the parents, “I’m worth taking care of!”  I believe it!

(This post is also at Liam’s site, Letters to Liam.)

More »