Gardner did two new things today....one hilarious, and one monumental.

The first occurred as I sat and watched ETV's "Between the Lions" with him this morning. The puppets were discussing what they do when they're afraid or really, really surprised. "When I am surprised or scared," one said to the other, "I go like this...." The pupped proceeded to let out a shrill girly scream. Gardner looked at the screen, raised his eyebrows, and screamed right back...just as loud, and just as "girly!" I laughed out loud at his sudden burst of energy, and the fact that he thought it'd be fun to mimic the little puppet on television.

Second, tonight after dinner, he relaxed before his bedtime bottle by watching a Baby Einstein Beethoven video. After these end, I always clap and say, "Yay!" as if I am at a concert of some kind. Gardner looked back at me, said, "yeeee" and clapped his hands right in front of me! Now, keep in mind, I have been trying to teach him how to clap his hands for two months now. He suddenly decided to reveal his trick to me today....and I was ecstatic that I saw it!

(And by the way...he's standing up by himself a few seconds at a time now. It's only a matter of time before that first step happens. Don't worry....all cameras are ready and waiting, in anticipation of catching that occasion!)